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Enough has been said and written about the benefits of going the natural way when it comes to beauty treatments, but we always think the chemical-laden, processed, a over the counter products by a cosmetic giant would work better. We have a tendency to trust a beauty salon more and spend loads of money for treatments. But skincare needn’t be complicated or costly. You can have a great skincare regime that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket by just plundering your kitchen cabinet and refrigerator!

Turn your back to beauty parlours and cosmetics and march straight to your kitchen. Raid your pantry or kitchen garden for these ingredients and create your own beauty arsenal.

 

For dry skin

Your weapons against dry, flaky skin are milk cream, honey, almond oil, banana, coconut oil or butter and ripe avocado.

 

For oily skin

The key ingredients are lemon and organic apple cider vinegar. These have anti-bacterial properties which destroy the root cause of blemishes. Apple cider vinegar restores the pH balance of the skin which gives it an even and smooth tone. Just dab a puny amount on the blemishes before sleeping at night. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the vinegar with equal parts of distilled water. Another magic ingredient is tea tree oil which is known for its anti-inflammatory and astringent qualities. It not only reduces the size of the blemish but also unclogs your pores. Just dab a little tea tree oil directly on the blemish with a cotton ball carefully avoiding your eyes. For tanned skin: Grated potato mixed with lime juice acts as a natural bleach. Ripe papaya; yoghurt with a pinch of turmeric and milk cream are skin lighteners.

 

For anti-ageing

Fresh fruits are a treasure of antioxidants and alpha-hydroxy acids. So not only munch on them but also use the pulp as well as peel as masks. Lazy bones could just rub a fresh banana peel or the inside of a papaya skin for a quick pick-me-up! Got an egg? Whip up the white with a tablespoon of cream and use it as a mask to refine pores and tighten sagging skin. For instant brightness, blend grapes, fresh cucumber or strawberries with honey to make a paste. Apply to the skin for 15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

 

For chapped lips

Mix milk cream with honey and apply on chapped lips and keep overnight. You could also mix honey with your regular antiseptic lip balm. You can also mix together a few drops of glycerin, lemon juice and castor oil and apply it overnight.

 

For exfoliation

White and brown sugar mixed with lemon juice is an excellent skin polisher. Almond meal, oatmeal or rice flour mixed and yoghurt scrub leaves your skin feel rejuvenated and glowing. You can also mix a little ground coffee to your favourite face wash.

 

For dark circles

Sleepless nights? Partying a lot? Well place cool cucumber or potato slices over tired eyes to relax the fatigued optical muscles. Don’t dump used tea bags. Keep them in the fridge and use them as eye packs. Tannins in the tea help fight fluid retention.

 

For dark elbows and knees

Just cut a lemon in half and scrub your knees and elbows with it. Leave the juice overnight and see the difference. Alternately, make a paste of cream, a pinch of turmeric and a few drops of basil leaf extract. Rub this mix on your elbows and knees. Diet plays a pivotal role in the way you look. So eat plenty of antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, oranges, lemons, sweet lime, papaya, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Drink a lot of water and green tea. Also include Omega 3 rich foods like nuts and seeds in your diet. Natural ingredients are cheap and available in every kitchen.You just have to be aware of their goodness.

So rush to you kitchen right now and pamper yourself!