
In an ideal world another woman would have taught you how to care for your face when you turned 13. All the suffering and trauma around acne and blackheads might have been prevented during those years transitioning into adulthood. Peri-menopause is another missed opportunity for learning how to care for mature skin. Eventually nothing can stop the appearance of wrinkles but it is never too late to nourish your skin, improving its texture and appearance. Here are some really simple home remedies to add to your skin care routine.
Facials with yogurt, lemon juice, papaya seeds, aloe vera gel , honey, egg yolk, brewer’s yeast, red wine, pumpkin puree, cocoa powder, blueberries, bananas, coconut oil, avocado, rice water, or nori. These ingredients can cleanse, nourish, moisten, fade spots, remove dead skin, boost cell regeneration, increase collagen production, even out your skin tone, rejuvenate and add a brighter look to your face.
Scrubs with finely ground coffee, almonds, oats, brown sugar along with warming spices like star anise, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. These ingredients can remove dry/old skin cells, open pores, bring blood to the surface, stimulate the healing of scars/acne/dark spots, remove dirt/sebum/oils, smoothes skin, prevents ingrown hairs and bring a nice glow/luster to your countenance.
Clays like french green or bentonite can be mixed with finely ground cooling herbs like basil, mallow leaves, mint. Clay can clear heat, cleanse, shrink pores, and speed the resolution of “trouble spots”.
Toners/astringents can be made at home with a base of apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, or rose water. Infuse in elder flowers, chamomile, fennel, aloe, rosemary, hibiscus, or green tea. These ingredients can tighten sagging skin, reduce the size of large pores, helps the skin retain moisture, and soothe/refresh.
Castor oil is a little known secret for removing makeup, dissolving sebum, preventing dry skin, and reducing break outs.
Serums and infused oils (coconut, jojoba, argan, evening primrose, carrot seed, rose hip, and avocado) including plants like, clary sage, calendula, lemon balm, burdock, comfrey, or yarrow.
Slices of potatoes, tomatoes, or cucumber can soothe, relief puffiness around the eyes, eliminate eye bags or dark circles, and relax tight tissues.
Tools on the market to increase circulation, remove heat/stagnation, improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of wrinkles/scars/hyperpigmentation, and stimulate collagen production. Look for jade rollers, weighted tuning forks, or microneedling/derma rollers
Facial steams with herbs like lavender, mint, rose, and sage can loosen dirt and debris, assist the removal of blackheads and whiteheads, hydrate the skin, and allow other products to penetrate deeper.
Massage, acupressure, exercises can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin tone/elasticity, and release areas where you hold tension/bad habits.
Sunscreen used daily can postpone the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Diets low in fat and animal products with hormones can reduce the load on your liver. A strong liver can process toxins and hormones that lead to sking problems. Support this organ further with a daily of dandelion or burdock root.
What DIY products do you use in your skin care routine?