There are some essential ingredients that should make up the foundation of your new beauty routine. You can probably find them in your kitchen because they are mostly edible. They are incredibly potent on their own and learning to use them as beauty products will teach you the basics of being your own little chemist.
FINE-GRAIN SEA SALT
Especially great for acne or quick treatments during flare-ups. Other uses are: as a muscle relaxer, pulls toxins from pores, balances moisture, eliminates fluid retention, removes dead skin cells, cleans deeply and can be applied on your face and body. The simplest way to use sea salt is to wet your skin, put some salt on your wet hand so it sticks, then pat it gently onto your skin. You can leave it for a few minutes or rinse immediately. Just make sure not to scrub too hard – it is too abrasive by itself.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
It is the best natural astringent because it helps to balance your skin's pH, making your skin less oily and less dry. Plus, it promotes blood circulation and kills bacteria, yeasts and viruses. It is pungent, so, always dilute it first. Apply to your face with a spritzer or a cotton ball. No need to wash it off.
SHEA BUTTER
A little bit of it goes a long way, leaving your skin hydrated. Shea butter absorbs ultraviolet radiation as it has a natural SPF. Apply it straight on your body or face.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil is a great body moisturiser. It soaks in and glides on easily, keeping you hydrated for a longer time. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that will help heal acne, infections, scars and rashes. Coconut oil is full of antioxidants and healthy fats so it offers a lot of nutrition for your skin. Use this oil right after you shower, when your pores are soft and hydrated.
OLIVE OIL
It is a light moisturiser that is great for the face and is especially affordable. Olive oil protects skin against sun damage and cancer. Use olive oil more freely on your face and hair as it hardly has any allergic side effects.
GROUND ALMONDS OR OATS
These are gentle exfoliants that leave skin super-soft. Both of these ingredients are incredibly healing and soothing to the skin and they also reduce inflammation. The simplest way to use oats is to pour a heaping cup into a warm bath and soak.
BAKING SODA
It’s a great odour fighter, deep cleanser, toothpaste ingredient and an instant spot treatment. It also removes zits occasionally. Make a paste with water and put it on a blemish or spread onto a stinky area, leave on for however long you would like, then rinse.
HONEY
It kills bacteria while moisturising and soothing skin. It is also hydrating and anti-inflammatory to your pores. It is a great addition to any mask or exfoliant. Rub it onto your face and let it rest for some time and then rinse with warm water.
COARSE SUGAR
It melts quickly in water, leaving the skin cleansed and smooth. Have you heard of chemical peels of glycolic acid? It is a synthetic type of sugar. Scrub down with sugar when you want fresh, clear, shiny skin. You can use sugar scrub while bathing. You can also use it on your face, but don't be too vigorous – just pat!
ALOE VERA
It is high in antioxidants, fights itchiness and inflammation. It also creates fresh new cells, and has the ability to moisturise and heal your skin. Apply the gooey inside of the stem that spills out after breaking it. You can also get it in gel or juice form from any herb store.