The trend for organic skincare remedies has taken off, but can we suggest you take it a step further?
It’s well known that the foods you put into your body can have a noticeable effect on how it looks on the outside. Binging on greasy foods and consuming too much booze will soon lead your skin to rebel; fill up on wholesome ingredients and your complexion will enjoy a healthy boost. In fact, research says a daily handful of almonds can reduce the appearance of wrinkles thanks to its vitamin E content.
But eating is not the only way to benefit. Here the team from Third Space Spa reveal how you can raid your fridge and kitchen cupboards for everything you need to enjoy a day of pampering at home. Cucumber slices at the ready.
Body Scrub:
Ingredients: Olive oil, sea salt and your favourite aromatherapy oils.
My favourite combination is lemongrass and ginger which has a really warming affect. You can use almond oil or Jojoba oil instead of olive if you prefer.
Benefits: Promotes efficient circulation and skin cell renewal. Olive oil contains high antioxidant levels and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which help prevent premature signs of ageing on the skin.
How To: Simply mix half cup of olive oil with a quarter cup of salt and a few drops of your favourite aromatherapy oils. Combine well, then place in an air tight container. When ready to use, rub over wet skin in circular motions. Remove with water.
Tip: Use coffee grounds as a replacement for salt if you find salt a little aggressive on your skin.
Face Mask:
Ingredients: ½ tbsp. turmeric, ½ tbsp. natural yoghurt, 1 tbsp. honey.
Benefits: Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties; it is a natural anti-septic, which keeps bacteria from spreading and is therefore great for acne. Turmeric also reduces dark circles and softens the appearance of fine lines.
Natural yoghurt moisturises, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, fights acne and blemishes, helps with pigmentation, reduces dark circles, soothes sunburn and balances your skin’s natural barriers.
Honey is a natural exfoliant which opens the pores, cleansing them and removing dull, dry skin. Honey also has anti-bacterial properties, which helps to balance bacteria on the skin.
How To: Simply mix ingredients into a paste. Apply to the skin using a spatula, brush or your hands. Leave for 15-20 minutes. Remove with a warm face cloth and then tone with cotton pads and finish off with your desired moisturiser.
Tip: For some extra hydration and more of a glow, you can add 1 tsp of coconut oil to this mask. Coconut oil gives this mask a great smell too!
Tightening Toner:
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 150ml cold water.
Benefits: Apple cider vinegar has widely-accepted astringent properties due to its high tannin content. This could have a cleansing effect on skin. It also contains acetic acids with antimicrobial actions. This can reduce bacteria on the skin and is therefore good for acne.
How To: Mix in a small bowl and spread thinly over your face.
