Do you want to simplify your skin care routine - without leaving home? Using all-natural ingredients, these easy, DIY beauty treatments deliver many of the same benefits as their drugstore counterparts.
Take a “spa day” for yourself and try out these DIY skincare masks, scrubs, and soaks. Be sure to avoid any ingredients that you may be sensitive to – you can even search the web for alternatives. Either way, have fun! That’s part of what self-care is about.
Hydrating Milk Hand Soak
In an article published on Good Housekeeping’s website, Debra Jaliman, M.D., a New York City dermatologist, recommends a warm milk soak to soften rough hands. The fat from the milk helps to hydrate your skin, and vitamins A and E nourish it.
Pour 2 to 3 cups of whole milk into a bowl large enough to soak your hands, and microwave until just warmed. Allow your hands to soak for five to 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
Calming Witch Hazel Toner
Witch hazel is a shrub native to North America, and the extract from its leaves and bark may calm irritation, inflammation, and acne.
To create your own witch hazel toner at home, combine 4 tablespoons of alcohol-free witch hazel, 2 tablespoons of aloe vera, and a few drops of an essential oil of your choice.
Daily Aloe Vera and Lemon Mask
According to the Mayo Clinic, research suggests that aloe can reduce redness and shorten the duration of healing for minor burns, including those caused by sun exposure.
Try this simple recipe from Healthshots. Blend two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and the juice of a medium lemon. Apply to your face, avoiding the eye area, and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing. This type of mask is best applied every day.
Soothing Baking Soda Foot Soak
Using only two ingredients that you likely have on hand – a soak made with baking soda and water is a quick and simple way to treat rough skin. This natural abrasive can help loosen dead skin and help soften calluses from the feet.
To create this scrub at home, add ½ cup baking soda to every gallon of warm water in a large bowl or tub. Stir until the baking soda dissolves. Soak your feet for about 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
For extra softness, apply moisturizing foot cream and wear cotton socks overnight.
Wrinkle-Fighting Avocado Face Mask
This wrinkle-fighting avocado mask is rich in antioxidants that may reduce fine lines, as natural oils soften and hydrate the skin.
Maureen Eyerman, a registered dietitian, suggested the following recipe on the Elle website: Blend ½ avocado with Greek yogurt and raw honey. Apply to your face for 20-30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Explore More Lifestyle Tips
Discover more self-care resources from The Bristal. Learn more about the benefits of meditation for seniors, or explore natural ways to boost your immune system.
