Have you ever been to Lush Cosmetics and been drawn to their products because they are natural and handmade? The reason the brand is so popular is that natural products are the best way to go when it comes to skincare.
The good news is you can also make these skin treatments at home! Homemade remedies are a cheap and effective way to give you glowing skin!
Read on to learn all about foods for healthy skin, skin products you can make and how to apply them.
What foods are good to apply to your skin?
There are so many foods that are beneficial for skincare, from fruits and vegetables to oils and coffee. Here are 17 different beneficial foods and tips on how to apply them and turn them into face masksor exfoliators.
Cucumbers
Let’s start with the homemade mask icon, cucumber slices! Every time you see someone in a film wearing a face mask, they are also wearing cucumber slices on their eyes.
This is because cucumber is an amazing way to reduce puffiness. It can also help to treat acne, scars and wrinkles.
Cucumbers are extremely hydrating for the skin due to the high water and antioxidant content.
Here is a video that shows you 6 clever ways you can use cucumber, including a cucumber face mask and lip treatment!
Oats
You may notice that a lot of exfoliators contain oats. Due to its texture, oats help to fight off flaky dry skin. Oats are amazing for people who have skin sensitivities. You can find an effective oat facemask from Lush or you can easily make an oat scrub at home!
Their lipids and protein content also allows them to nourish and moisturise, making them the ultimate skin soother. Try wrapping a handful of Nairn’s rolled oats (RRP £2.00, Sainsbury’s) in a small piece of muslin cloth for an easy homemade natural body scrub that cleanses and hydrates.
Here is a video that shows you how you can make an oatmeal mask to soothe red or irritated skin.
Honey
Yes, something sticky like honey may not be the first thing you reach for to spread all over your face, but it is one of the best natural moisturisers around.
Honey is what's called a humectant, which means it will help your skin to lock in moisture.
Manuka honey is a great food to apply to your face as an acne treatment due to its antibacterial properties.
To make a manuka honey face mask take a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey. Scoop up the honey with your clean fingers and rub it all over your clean face. Leave it there for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water first, then cold water. Then pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Cocoa
Another food that is great for your skin is cocoa! Cocoa is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components which in turn can cause inflammation and puffiness.
Apply a small amount of melted raw cacao – the higher cacao quality the better – such as OMBAR 90% Cacao, to the face and leave for 5-10 mins then rinse with tepid water.
Here is a step-by-step video on how to make a DIY cocoa face mask for youthful and glowing skin.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works to remove dirt and grime due to its alpha-hydroxy acids. It will help wash away all the dead skin cells and functions as a natural toner to reduce enlarged pores.
To use it as a toner, dilute a little apple cider vinegar with water, dip a cotton ball, and wipe over a cleansed face for a natural refresh.
Sesame, coconut and olive oil
You may have heard of all the wondrous things that olive oil can achieve! It is amazing for your hair and your skin.
Olive oil works as an antioxidant, it fights bacteria and moisturises your skin! What’s not to love.
It's worth noting however that not all olive oils are created equal - if you apply olive oil to your skin make sure you are using organic extra virgin olive oil to reap the benefits.
Sesame oil has many benefits too, it can be used as a makeup remover or moisturiser before you shower. For a light oil that isn’t too greasy, try Clearspring Organic Sesame Oil.
It is now common knowledge that coconut oil is an amazing moisturiser! Much like the other oils mentioned, when applying coconut oil, it will lock in moisture into your hair or skin and keep it luscious and glowing.
Here is a video that explains all the amazing uses of coconut oil and where to use it.
Lemons and oranges
Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are known to give you a brighter complexion. These fruits contain high levels of vitamin C, which in turn boosts elasticity and skin hydration. Mix in small amounts of lemon juice to face masks or scrubs to reap the benefits.
There is no need to buy expensive exfoliators when you have lemon juice, olive oil, and sugar at home. You can apply this to your lips or chapped skin!
Here is a video of a DIY lemon and sugar hand scrub.
Pomegranate and grapefruit
Pomegranates are strong antioxidants and can work as an anti-inflammatory for your skin. If you’re looking for a new exfoliator, try crushing pomegranate seeds for a natural remedy.
When the seeds are ground up they release their antioxidant nutrients and exfoliate and nourish your skin at the same time. However, if you’re looking for a natural facemask with pomegranate extract, try Janjira’s Pomegranate & Acai Facial Mask.
Grapefruits are a common ingredient in cleansers that are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. The fruit works as a brightening agent and helps to improve your overall skin tone.
Learn how to give yourself a spa facial at home and make this great citrus mask for oily skin, acne skin or normal skin types.
Matcha and green tea
Matcha is not only a superfood drink but amazing to put on your skin too! It's made up of chlorophyll which makes matcha powder a great detoxifier.
If you apply matcha to your skin it will work as a deep cleanser and will reduce inflammation.
If you choose high-grade matcha powder such as Clearspring’s Matcha shot (RRP £6.25) you can simply mix with few drops of water, or plain yoghurt for a thicker consistency, for a natural facemask that will soothe and nourish the skin.
This video shows how to make 3 DIY matcha face masks to brighten your skin!
The other super-drink, green tea, contains natural antioxidants. Applying a damp green tea bag to your eye area will help to reduce dark circles and puffiness.
Their natural anti-oxidants will leave you feeling fresh-faced with any traces of tiredness banished.
Avocado
Avocados are a great source of healthy fats and vitamins E and C, which help give you glowing skin and will reduce inflammation. It will also protect your skin from sun damage.
For a natural avocado face mask, mix mashed avocado with Greek yoghurt and honey. Apply to your face, leave for 5-10 mins, then wash off with warm water.
Ground Coffee
Due to the granule texture of ground coffee, it works as a great exfoliator or face mask. Not to mention the caffeine will awaken and perk up your skin.
Coffee contains powerful antioxidants and caffeine which will help promote greater blood flow and circulation! It has also been known to help get rid of cellulite.
Here is a video explaining the benefits of coffee grounds and how to best apply it to your face.
Sugar
It seems funny that a food that can be damaging to our skin if we eat it can be so beneficial on the outside!
Due to sugar’s gritty, granule texture and high glycolic acid content it works well as an exfoliator. Exfoliating weekly allows your skin to absorb more nutrition.
Use sugar as the main ingredient in any type of DIY body scrub.
