Does a healthy, natural glow even exist if there’s no one there to see it? Can Zoom do justice to a dedicated skincare routine? What steps can I take to ensure perfect skin during imperfect times?
While we can’t categorically answer the first two questions, we’ve got the third one covered in spades. Unfortunately, everyday factors such as stress, intense work schedules, restless sleep, lack of nutritional diet, pollution, and harmful sun rays (even through windows), can make your skin look dull and dry.
And for modern problems, it’s often the most traditional methods which come to the rescue. Free from chemicals and capitalism, homemade beauty recipes and preventive tips can help lighten the skin and nourish it from deep within. With that in mind, here are 8 natural ingredients to help give you smoother, silkier skin.
Honey
Whilst many do of course choose to use hair removal products for smooth silky skin, others turn to honey to achieve that glowing look. It’s not surprise why, as honey is beneficial for the skin, both when taken internally and externally. It can help to decrease sebum on the skin, prevent wrinkles, and get rid of pores as well as moisturise the skin and fight acne.
To use it, take one teaspoon of pure honey and apply a thin layer on your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing off with water. You can do this simple mask twice each day.
Another way to get the most from this great product is to combine honey with some almonds and massage it on the skin to remove dead skin cells and oil. Then, use a warm cloth to gently wipe your face to open up the pores. You can do this once per week.
Additionally, you can mix honey and banana to form a smooth paste for a face mask. Massage for 3-5 minutes, then leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with water. Use this mask up to three times within a week, and you will see your skin not only softer but also glowing.
Avocado
This perenially popular fruit is rich in healthy fats and possesses properties to moisturise dry skin. The vitamins and antioxidants in avocadoes make it a great natural remedy for minor skin issues. What’s more, regular consumption of avocado or use of avocado oil helps the sebaceous glands to secrete the oily semi-fluid skin oil that keeps it hydrated and helps the muscles and joints stay agile. It also may help to smooth out wrinkles, treat acne, heal wounds, and protect the skin from the sun.
Is there anything avacado can’t do?
Grind an avocado, apply it onto clean skin with slowly massaging moves. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes, then wash it off with milk and then water. Furthermore, you can add honey, yoghurt, lemon, or a mix of banana and egg yolk. And voila! Clear skin and a nice smelling face, too.
Oatmeal
A staple in many a British pantry, oatmeal isn’t just for a hearty breakfast; it’s a skincare saviour for sensitive or irritated skin. Oats are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like avenanthramides and contain saponins, a natural cleanser. They’re brilliant for soothing itchy skin, calming eczema, and healing psoriasis patches.
For a simple, soothing face mask, grind plain oats in a blender and mix with warm water to form a paste. Apply this gentle concoction to your face, leaving it for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Your skin will feel calmer and softer, with a noticeable reduction in redness. Indulge in this ritual twice a week for the best results.
Tea Tree Oil
Hailing from the far-off shores of Australia, tea tree oil is a bobby-dazzler when it comes to natural antiseptic properties. It’s a top-notch choice for tackling acne due to its ability to combat bacteria and reduce skin inflammation.
To incorporate tea tree oil into your skincare routine, add a drop or two to a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil and dab onto spots with a cotton bud. Alternatively, mix a few drops into your cleanser or moisturiser for an all-over treatment. Just remember, a little goes a long way, and it’s always wise to do a patch test first to avoid any adverse reactions.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is commonly used in cosmetic products due to its soothing, rejuvenating and healing properties. If you want to get beautiful skin, aloe vera is one of the best natural home remedies around especially when your skin is oily. This plant is high in amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that might help to improve skin complexion, ward off infection-causing microbes and give a healthy glow on your face.
To harness its power, remove the gel from the leaf, squash it and massage onto the skin. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then wash your face with fresh water. You can get away with applying this face mask 2 or 3 times each week, but no more than that would be wise.
Alternatively, you can combine aloe vera with one or two tablespoons of lemon juice. Apply the mixture on your skin and keep it for around ten minutes then simply wash it off with plain water. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times per week to coax out that healthy and glowing skin which you so richly deserve.
Chamomile
Chamomile is not just a calming herbal brew to sip before bed; it’s also a sterling choice for skincare. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, chamomile can help to soothe the skin, reduce redness, and promote a serene complexion.
Brew a strong pot of chamomile tea, let it cool, then use it as a toner by applying it to the skin with a cotton pad. Or, for a relaxing face mask, mix chamomile tea with honey and oatmeal. Apply the blend to your face and let it sit for about 15 minutes before washing off. This gentle treatment can be used several times a week to help your skin stay calm and collected.
Rose Water
Another naturally occurring, highly effective route to glowing skin is rose water, which helps nourish and hydrate your skin and is suitable for both dry and oily skin types. Rosewater has antioxidant and astringent qualities, which make it a perfect natural skin toner and makeup remover that leaves a pleasant rosy smell behind.
Spraying rose water on your face can remove signs of dullness and tiredness accumulated throughout the day. What’s more, its soothing effects can offer relief from damage. Adding glycerine to the mix can promote better suppleness of your skin, while lemon juice can lighten dark spots.
Combine two tablespoons of rosewater with a few drops of lemon juice and one tablespoon of glycerine. Soak a cotton ball with the mixture and apply to your face. After massaging for several minutes, leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with water. This guy is good for twice a week application.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a high source of vitamins and one of the must-try remedies for glowing skin, particularly for people who suffer from dryness. It’s also loaded with essential fatty acids like Oleic acid and Linoleic acid, which work as a protective layer on the skin to prevent loss of moisture. This helps to decrease the risk of dullness, skin sagging caused by dehydration or wrinkles. Olive oil is a potent moisturiser that repairs the skin and makes it glowing and healthy.
For a face mask, add one tablespoon of olive oil with lemon juice and mix these components until you get a smooth consistency. Apply this mix on a clean, dry face and massage for 2-3 minutes. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water. Use olive oil twice a week for best results.
Alternatively, you can simply use olive oil, unadulterated, on your face. Apply a few drops of oil over the face and neck while massaging in upward circles for two-three minutes. Take a towel, dip it in warm water, then wring out any excess, and put it on your face for 30 to 40 seconds. Place the towel in the warm water once again and wipe away the oil. Pat the skin dry with a paper towel, doing this procedure every night before going to bed.
The Bottom Line
Embracing these natural treasures offers a path to achieving a radiant complexion and a moment of tranquillity in our daily lives. Whether it’s the anti-inflammatory prowess of oatmeal, the antibacterial might of tea tree oil, or the soothing embrace of chamomile, each ingredient is a testament to nature’s capacity to nurture.
As we continue to navigate through these turbulent times, let’s not underestimate the power of natural skincare to provide not just a physical boost to our skin, but also a much-needed psychological balm. So, indulge in these simple, yet effective, remedies and let your skin—and your soul—reap the benefits.
