Videos

It's true that proper nourishment is the key to glowing skin. Companies selling skin care products are definitely on to something, when they include natural ingredients like buttermilk, cucumber, avocado, shea butter and honey. All these foods (and many more) have properties that can leave your skin glowing and feeling baby soft. So the next time you need a moisturizer, look around in your kitchen for you might just get your hands on something that costs you nothing and is extremely effective for your skin.

1)      Honey
Not only great in tea and on toast, honey is a wonderful natural moisturizer. You don’t need to spend through your nose on ‘all-natural’ products when you can get all the benefits you want, in honey. The moisture retaining properties of honey are legendary. Raw, organic honey is anti-bacterial, and full of antioxidants too. Not only is it an effective acne treatment, it also helps unclog pores. It’s these antioxidant properties that protect the skin against aging, blemishes and irritation too. 

To get its benefits apply honey onto your skin and allow it to dry. Then gently wash it off with warm water. Alternately you can stir it into your bathwater and it will act as a moisturizing cleanser.


2)      Buttermilk
Lactic acid is a pro at breaking down and removing dead skin cells and rejuvenation that leads to younger looking skin. It also has the ability to slowly-but-surely clear up age spots and reduces minor scars. Buttermilk is rich in lactic acid. While buttermilk is not a moisturizer in itself, it will help any moisturizer that you use, to get better absorbed into your skin.
One way to apply it is to dip a wash cloth into cold buttermilk and laying it on the face for five to ten minutes before rinsing it off. For the luxury experience, try a bath with 2 cups of buttermilk and a couple tablespoons of honey.



3)      Olive oil
An ancient remedy for dry and dull skin, olive oil makes the skin smooth and shiny. It’s antioxidant and acidic properties help strengthen the skin to create a natural barrier against the harmful effects of the sun.
Add a few tablespoons of olive oil and two drops of your favourite essential oil to a bath for a moisturizing and refreshing effect. But if you want to opt for something simpler, apply it on the skin on a daily basis, before going to bed.



4)      Castor oil
Since castor oil has a high concentration of fatty acids, it gets absorbed into the skin quickly, hydrating it from the inside out. The acids in castor oil create a barrier that prevents skin from losing moisture, thereby keeping dry patches at bay.
All you need to do is massage a few drops onto dry skin (or even your whole body) every night and wake up with silky smooth skin. If you are troubled with a scaly underfoot, castor oil will be your guardian angel. It can be applied along with crushed camphor which helps in deep exfoliation and softens the skin of the sole of the foot.



5)      Coconut oil
Coconut oil is naturally full of collagen-supporting lauric acid. It is also antibacterial and antimicrobial. Raw, unrefined, virgin organic coconut oil is even more beneficial. 
Allow it to melt with the heat of your hands and rub it into your skin to keep it well hydrated and youthful.



6)      Shea butter
Shea Butter is a rich source of vitamins A and F, both of which help to alleviate dry skin and keep it looking young. It combines well with other oils, so you can consider warming, melting and mixing it with oil for a lovely DIY natural moisturizer. Go ahead and slather it all over your skin.




7)      Avocados
When applied to dry skin, avocados help moisture it very quickly. Their high levels of fats and vitamins like A, D and E, help skin retain moisture and work as anti-aging agents. Avocado oil is particularly good for oilier skin types as it absorbs quickly.
You can use avocado straight-up. Mash it to make a face mask or simply slather it on your body, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, bathe in lukewarm water and pat dry to reap its benefits
The peel of an avocado is just as advantageous. Rubbing the inner side of the peel lightly on your face moisturises your skin. Let the avocado residue sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
 

8)      Cucumbers
An excellent source of water for your body, both inside and out, and packed with nutrients like magnesium, potassium, Vitamin A and E, cucumbers have a multitude of positive effects on your skin. This cool vegetable helps to reduce wrinkles and promotes a glowing complexion along with treating puffiness around the eyes. They also promote blood circulation and healing, both of which is not only beneficial for the skin, but also bones and nails.
Start small and simply place slices of cucumber over your eyes for a cooling effect. You can also puree a cucumber and add a few drops of honey to make a soothing, hydrating mask. 




9)      Aloe Vera
Aloe moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel. Nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamins C and E keep skin plump. That is one of many reasons why it is used in several skin care products.
To use it as a moisturiser, carefully cut and peel one aloe vera leaf to expose the gel inside, and then apply to skin. And here is a bonus for men! The gel can be used as an aftershave treatment as its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving.


 
So this wedding season save your money and get yourself gentle, glowing skin with these natural beauty remedies.

Related Articles

Beauty & grooming DIY Hair Masks

Beauty & grooming Types Of Wax Every Bride To Be Should Know

Beauty & grooming 8 Pre-wedding beauty tips