Everyone's skin is different, according to "Milady's Aesthetician Handbook Series." Oily skin, dry skin, combination skin, acne-prone skin, blemishes, scars and uneven skin tone are just some of the problems people seek to remedy with at-home treatments. The quest for a clear, glowing complexion involves cleansing the skin, adding moisture in an appropriate amount for your skin type and toning the facial skin to close pores and add a dewy glow. Home remedies are not a substitute for professional care, however. If you're concerned about the condition of your skin, seek treatment from a doctor or dermatologist.
Cleanse
Step 1
Create a mixture of sugar and water in a 75:25 ratio.
Step 2
Test the mixture by rubbing a small bit of the concoction on the back of your hand. If it feels too harsh, add a little more water to dissolve more of the sugar granules.
Step 3
Apply the mixture to your face, rubbing in small circular motions. The circular motions and the sugar granules slough dead skin cells away.
Step 4
Rinse the mixture from your face immediately with lukewarm water. Cool water shrinks your pores, which is counterintuitive to a full at-home facial treatment with more than one step. Using water that's too warm can dry out skin, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Moisturize
Step 1
Evaluate your skin type to choose the right ingredients for moisturizing your face. Use strawberries for acne prone skin. According to "Naturally Skinsational," they contain salicylic acid, a major component in over-the-counter acne-fighting products. Dry skin benefits from ultra-moisturizing fruits like bananas and avocados, while oily skin benefits from the acids found in lemon juice.
Step 2
Create a mixture of a half cup's worth of your chosen fruit and a teaspoon of jojoba oil. Jojoba oil, according to a 2009 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, mimics sebum, the natural oil produced by skin.
Step 3
Blend the mixture thoroughly. Apply the mixture to your face as a facial mask, spreading a thin, even coat over your skin.
Step 4
Let the mixture sit on your face for 10 to 20 minutes, depending upon how dry your skin is.
Step 5
Rinse the homemade moisturizer from your face. If your skin feels too oily or greasy, use a little bit of lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water to strip away the excess oils.
Tone
Step 1
Tone your face to minimize the appearance of pores and seal in moisture. Toning firms up the skin temporarily, giving your face a fresh, glowing appearance.
Step 2
Apply a natural astringent to your face. Witch hazel is a popular choice, according to "Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics." Tea tree oil is also an astringent, which the Mayo Clinic notes as being helpful for acne sufferers.
Step 3
Opt for a fruit-based toner, such as yogurt or milk, if you cannot tolerate witch hazel or tea tree oil, which can be harsh and may sting. The acids in yogurt and milk act to firm skin, as noted in "Natural Beauty at Home."
Step 4
Rinse the toner from your face using cool water. Cool water temporarily minimizes the appearance of your pores by constricting the blood vessels around them.
Step 5
Pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel. Don't rub or scrub with the towel. Patting prevents damage to your skin, as mentioned in "Beauty and the Budget."
Things You'll Need
- Sugar
- Water
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Avocados
- Lemon juice
- Jojoba oil
- Tea tree oil
- Witch hazel
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Towel
- Blender
References
- "Milady's Aesthetician Handbook Series"; Milady Publishing Company, Pamela Hill RN; 2007
- "Beauty and the Budget"; Sandi Brenner; 2006
- "Naturally Skinsational: Rejuvenating Skin Care Recipes"; Sue Dolan; 2009
- "Natural Beauty at Home"; Janice Cox; 2006
- "Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics"; Barbara Close; 2005
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