Many commercial facial products promise firmer skin, cleaner pores or deep moisturizing, but often these products contain fragrances and chemicals that may do more harm than good. If you want to avoid these additives, you need look no further than your own kitchen. Many of the foods that nourish our bodies also provide essential elements for the skin.
Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Skin Firming Masks
To moisturize your face and tighten pores, combine two parts cooked oatmeal with one part buttermilk, according to the Care Fair website. Apply to your face and wait until the mask dries completely, then remove it with tepid water. To cleanse and exfoliate while firming, combine the juice of one-half a lemon with a beaten egg white and 1 tbsp. of cornstarch, according to the Skin Care Resource Center. Mix to form a paste and apply to your face. Allow the mask to dry, then rinse it off with water.
Healing Treatments
Honey has antimicrobial properties that help heal damaged or acne-prone skin, according to the Pioneer Thinking website. To use it on blemishes, first cleanse the area with a solution of 1/2 cup of water mixed with 1/4 tsp. of salt, according to the Pioneer Thinking website. Apply with a cotton ball and hold it on the blemish for several minutes to soften it. Then, dab honey onto the blemish, let it set for 10 minutes and rinse. For a healing mask, mix 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 2 tbsp. aloe gel and 1 tsp. of finely chopped fresh rosemary.
Oil Fighters
If you have oily skin, resist the temptation to use harsh astringents because their drying action prompts the skin to react by producing even more oil. Instead, use products that dissolve the oil. Citrus and cucumber are effective in this role. Mix a 1/2 tsp. of each together; apply to your face. Let it set for 30 minutes before washing it off. To control shine all day long, you can also apply cucumber juice directly on the oily parts of your face. Let it dry completely before applying makeup. If you need even more oil control, mix equal parts of lime juice and witch hazel, apply to your face and dry thoroughly before you put on your makeup, according to Holistic Online website.
Dry Skin Remedies
Dry skin can be the result of reduced oil production with age or environmental factors, such as dry heat, sun exposure and pollution, according to the Natural Home Remedies website. To restore lost moisture, massage almond, grapeseed or olive oil into your face and leave it on overnight. Or, make a hydrating mask by mixing one egg yolk with one-fourth of an avocado and slowly adding a few drops of cider vinegar until the mixture forms a paste, suggests the Skin Care Resource Center. An even easier solution is to mash a ripe banana and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes; remove with lukewarm water.
Eyes
You can't apply masks directly to eyelids, but you can offer your eyes a different refreshing treat. Plump up two green tea bags with cool water and place one on each eye. Or, simply place a slice of cucumber on each eye to give your lids a refreshing treatment. Leave the tea bags or cucumber slices on for the same length of time as your facial mask.
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