Effective Skincare Products That Can be Made from Scratch

Sometimes the best thing you can do is live by the golden rule: less is more. Especially when it comes to skincare, as the skin is the most sensitive part of the body. When facing an unexpected problem, most people just lather on anything they can find. Chemical and physical peelers, face masks, oils, lotions, and so on. But instead, it’s much easier to avoid these situations altogether, by treating our body right.

Of course, there can come unexpected obstacles and skin problems because of hormonal changes, stress, weather, anything. But for basic maintenance, there are a lot of expensive items you can switch easily to a DIY product that not only is cheaper, but you know exactly what’s in it. And of course, now that everyone is working from home and learning new hobbies, this is a great time for experimentation.

Coconut Oil

The best thing to have handy for cooking and self-care alike is a great big jar of coconut oil. From shaving to hair masks, coconut oil is great for everything. It has three widely known uses in skincare. The first is a basic body scrub with sugar or salt. The second is a hydrating step during showers, and it can also be used as a shaving cream, leaving a perfectly smooth finish.

The one important thing to be aware of when it comes to coconut oil is that while it seemingly hydrates the skin extremely, it actually traps moisture already in the skin, and doesn’t allow water and air to enter. Because of this, it’s best not to use it as a “leave-on” product, instead, use it only in the shower, and gently rinse off the excess before you step out. It’s okay if some remains, as it is great for hydration in small doses.

Sugar scrubs

The easiest skincare product to create at home, brand sugar scrubs are incredibly overrated. You can use anything in the world to create a sugar scrub because apart from sugar, the second ingredient is entirely up to you. Mainly, people use some kind of oil and/or honey. But some people use crushed fruits, banana puree, anything that can add enough moisture.

Depending on what someone wants to use it for, different fruits and oils need to be used. Additional ingredients can be herbs and essential oils, for foot or leg scrubs. But for shaving, and gentle facial exfoliation purposes, it’s best to stick to the basics, especially for the face.

Oatmeal Mask

Using only three ingredients: oatmeal, honey, and egg yolk, anyone can make a soothing facemask at home. It’s not only great for a beauty-day, but helps with inflammations, and irritations caused by stress or hormones. The oatmeal also works as a gentle exfoliator, and some people add a tiny amount of milk to seal the deal.

Using any type of face mask, especially with a peeling effect, should not be a daily routine, no matter where the product is from. That is why it’s recommended to use this mask about 2-3 times a week, or even less. And there’s no better way to overcome the stress of a 9 to 5 than a nice relaxing face mask

Rose Water

You can infuse water with basically anything, from flowers, to vegetables and fruits. Some are great for drinking, but almost all of them are good as a face or body mist. Anything can be added to water, and it’s very simple. And now that everyone is working remotely, there’s more time on our hands to oversee projects like this.

The first step is adding the ingredients to hot water and leaving it steep for five minutes. This can be herbs, flowers, or even berries, and if used as a skincare product, it’s recommended to add essential oils as needed. After steeping, strain the water, and squeeze any excess water from the fruits and flowers. The last step is pouring it into anything you want, and letting it rest for about 30 minutes before using.

Olive Oil Makeup Remover

Oils-based makeup removers are the best solution for any skin type, and here’s why. Oils break down any excess oil left on your face, as well as any dirt, creams, and the stubbornest of makeups, including waterproof mascara. It’s gentle, it’s organic, and because it’s not left on, people who are sensitive to heavy oily products can even use it because they’ll be washing it off not leaving it on the skin like a lotion.

Almost any type of oil can be used, although it’s recommended to look into each kind, and experiment a little, most importantly, don’t use the cheapest kinds of oils. A tiny amount should be spread on the hand, and massaged into the skin, taking off any dirt and makeup, and hydrating your skin in the meantime. After that, wince it off with water, or use a gentle towel or cotton cloth dipped in warm water to remove it all.

Rice Water Hair Mask

Although it’s not technically skincare, it’s still one of the most effective DIYs involving healthy self-care. Rice water was used in Asia for centuries, resulting in their magnificent, long, and shiny black hair. And this is their secret. Rice water is full of vitamins and antioxidants and helps the hair be shinier, more flexible, longer, smoother, and stronger.

For half a cup of uncooked rice, you will need about 2-3 cups of water. After rinsing the rice thoroughly, add the uncooked rice to the water, and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This is the easiest way to make rice water. Another quick way to make rice water is simply cooking rice and not pouring out the water. After shampooing, you should pour this rice water on your hair, massage it into your scalp, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse it out thoroughly, and you’re done! Using rice water is not something that’s needed every time you wash your hair, instead, it’s enough to use this “mask” once or twice a month. It has skincare benefits as well, so you can wash your face and body with it as well if you have any excess.

Everyone is getting more and more cautious about skincare, as they should. And as more people are becoming educated in the subject, and picky about what they put on their skin, they realize, that a lot of household items can really help financially, and a lot of them are even better than store-bought items that no one knows the secrets to. Because of this, a lot of handy recipes are born, and experimenting has never been easier. Just be careful and listen to what your skin is asking for. And remember: less is more.

2 Comments

  1. Laura G Hess on February 2, 2022 at 9:57 pm

    Am excited about trying the rice water hair mask. This is new to me – I have tried all kinds of hair treatments over the years.

  2. Dr Ashford, MD., Ph.D. on August 18, 2022 at 12:37 pm

    That is one I still have to try!

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