Facials and skin-care products can be quite pricey, but you can often use common kitchen ingredients to make your own facials for a fraction of the cost. Treating your skin with certain ingredients can help moisturize and protect your skin and even minimize acne and soothe irritation. Check with your doctor or dermatologist before using homemade skin-care products, particularly if you have a previously diagnosed skin condition or extremely sensitive skin.
Banana Honey Mask
Step 1
Cut a banana in half and remove the peel.
Step 2
Mash the banana in a small bowl with the rounded part of a spoon.
Step 3
Mix 1 tbsp. of honey and 1 tbsp. of orange juice into the banana.
Step 4
Massage the mixture into your face and leave it on for 15 minutes, recommends Sharon Ronen, founder and owner of Skin Haven Spa Studio & WellSpa in Los Angeles, Calif.
Step 5
Remove the mask with a warm, wet washcloth.
Oatmeal-Avocado Mask
Step 1
Cut an avocado in half and remove the pit.
Step 2
Mash both halves of the avocado in a small bowl.
Step 3
Stir in 1/3 cup honey. Fold the honey into the avocado until it makes a paste.
Step 4
Mix in 1/2 cup oatmeal, adding a few pinches at a time until the mixture is blended well.
Step 5
Smooth the mask over your face and allow it to dry for 15 to 20 minutes, recommends Mother Earth News. Moisten your face with cool water and rinse the mask off until your face is clean.
Hand Exfoliant
Step 1
Mix 1 oz. ground almonds, 1 tsp. honey, 2 tsps. walnut or sunflower oil and 1 tsp. lemon juice in a small bowl, folding the almonds into the mixture.
Step 2
Run the mixture over your hands, gently working the paste into your skin to help remove dead skin cells for two to three minutes, according to "Good Housekeping" magazine.
Step 3
Rinse the mixture off with cool water and dry your hands thoroughly.
Apple Toner
Step 1
Remove the peel from an apple and cut it in half, removing the seeds. Cut the fruit into small chunks.
Step 2
Place the fruit chunks in a saucepan with 1/2 cup water and bring it to a boil.
Step 3
Remove the apple chunks once the mixture has cooled completely.
Step 4
Add 1/8 to 1/4 cup witch hazel to the water, stirring thoroughly. Use 1/8 cup if your skin is dry or sensitive and add up to 1/4 cup if your skin is very oily.
Step 5
Pour the mixture in a small plastic bottle with a lid or sprayer and apply to clean skin with cotton balls to help soothe and refresh your skin. Store the unused mixture in a cool, dry place.
Tips and Warnings
- Try the hand exfoliant on the bottoms of rough or calloused feet to help exfoliate them.
- Do not use any ingredients on your skin if you are allergic to them. Test homemade facials and skin-care products on a small area of skin before applying them to your entire face.
Things You'll Need
- Banana
- Knife
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Orange juice
- Honey
- Washcloth
- Towels
- Avocado
- Measuring cups
- Oatmeal
- Ground almonds
- Walnut or sunflower oil
- Lemon juice
- Apple
- Saucepan
- Witch hazel
- Small plastic bottle
- Cotton balls
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