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Beauty

15 Foods That Make Great DIY Skincare Treatments

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There are so many foods that are beneficial for skincare, from fruits and vegetables to oils and coffee. Homemade remedies are a cheap and effective way to give you glowing skin.

Here are beneficial foods and tips on how to turn them into face masks or exfoliators.

1. 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.

2. 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 face mask from your favorite beauty store, or you can easily make an oat scrub at home!

Their lipids and protein content also allows them to nourish and moisturize, making them the ultimate skin soother. Try wrapping a handful of rolled oats in a small piece of muslin cloth for an easy homemade natural body scrub that cleanses and hydrates.

3. 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 moisturizers 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.

4. 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 Navitas Organics Cacao Powder (Buy on Amazon, $18.54), to the face and leave for 5-10 mins then rinse with tepid water.

5. 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.

6. 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 moisturizes 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.

7. Sesame Oil

Sesame oil has many benefits too, it can be used as a makeup remover or moisturizer before you shower. For a light oil that isn’t too greasy, try Botanical Beauty Organic Sesame Oil (Buy on Amazon, $12.95).

8. Coconut Oil

It is now common knowledge that coconut oil is an amazing moisturizer! 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.

9. Citrus Fruits

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!

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.

10. Pomegranate

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 face mask with pomegranate extract, try Look At Me Pomegranate Face Mask (Buy on Amazon, $9.99)

11. Matcha

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 Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder (Buy on Amazon, $9.95) you can simply mix with few drops of water, or plain yogurt for a thicker consistency, for a natural face mask that will soothe and nourish the skin.

12. Green Tea

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 antioxidants will leave you feeling fresh-faced with any traces of tiredness banished.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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 skincare product such as a body scrub.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, First For Women.

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