We all have out brand or product favorites for our beauty needs. And sometimes, it becomes a struggle to find these at the right time and you can’t even stock up! So let’s give you an easy solution for all your beauty needs – head to your kitchen! Some kitchen ingredients, that are in front of your eyes all the time, can actually double up as a natural cosmetic or even work better than your product.
Here is a list of 15 such ingredients in your kitchen that will make you look and feel better:
15 Kitchen Ingredients That Can Be Your Beauty Secret
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes can reduce any form of UV-induced damage to the skin, fight skin allergies, and prevent skin aging.1 Apply fresh tomato juice on your face, give a gentle massage, and wash it off after 15 minutes.
2. Chocolate
While too much chocolate can actually aggravate acne issues, chocolates that are high in flavonols can provide protection against UV rays. All you need to do is get organic, flavonol-rich chocolates and eat them every day.
3. Apples
Delicious crunchy apples are just the thing you need for your skin as they prevent aging. They contain antioxidants and fight free radicals, which work as anti-aging factors and reduce wrinkles. Mix grated apple with coconut milk and a little bit of lemon essential oil (or castor oil for dry skin) to form a paste. Apply this on the skin, leave it on for about half an hour, and wash it off.2
4. Tea Bags
Tea bags, especially green tea, can reduce the puffiness around your eyes and relax the surrounding skin. Dip the tea bags in hot water, take them out, and let them cool. Apply this on your eyelids. You can also keep the bags in the fridge before using for better effect.
5. Strawberries
Strawberries can be your anti-aging warrior as it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fights UV-induced damage such as sunburns. These antioxidant-rich berries will hasten the removal of dead cells from the skin, open up the pores, and reduce acne. Just mix equal parts of strawberry and cocoa powder with 1-2 drops of lavender oil and apply on the affected area. You can also use the berries with a little bit of honey.
6. Oatmeal
Healthy oatmeal doesn’t just help you stay fit but also improves your skin quality. It is a natural, easy-to-use skin cleanser that leaves the skin feeling fresh. Just mix oatmeal in yogurt and honey. Apply to your face, let it be for about 5-10 minutes, and wash it off with lukewarm water.
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an all-around do-gooder, a home remedy that almost never goes wrong. This antibacterial oil can treat rashes, moisturize and soften the skin, works in face wash products to keep away acne, and also work as a makeup remover. You can apply this as and when required.
8. Honey
Honey is a common home remedy for treating wounds, rashes, and to prevent any skin infections. It is also believed to work against sunburns. Apply it on the affected area. This can reduce any pain, soreness, and hasten the healing process.
9. Yogurt
Regular fat-rich or Greek yogurt doesn’t just taste good and keep you healthy but also clean up your skin. Make a face mask with two-part yogurt and one part honey. Apply on both face and neck and leave the sticky mask for about 15 minutes. This will remove dead cells from the skin and moisturize it.
10. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil, so often used in cooking, can actually make your skin blemish-free. It can dull scars, reduce pigmentation, and works as a natural sunscreen. Apply the oil to your face and leave it overnight. If you can’t handle its raw smell, add a tiny bit of any essential oil. Wash it off in the morning. Remember, however, that you need pure, organic sesame oil and not the one you cook with for it to work on the skin.
11. Turmeric
No list of home remedies can ever miss this amazing spice. Famously used in Ayurveda for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce acne and skin blemishes. It also helps remove facial hair and reduce wrinkles. Add turmeric and a little honey to gram flour, scrub it on your face, and wash off after a few minutes. This also gets rid of dead skin cells.
12. Ghee
Ghee is an amazing moisturizer that is commonly used as a chemical-free home remedy for chapped lips, dark circles under the eyes, and also for cracked heels. You can make your skin healthier by just apply some ghee to the affected area at any time of the day. Massage it under your eyes to target the dark circles.
13. Shea Butter
Unprocessed, organic shea butter works amazingly for your skin. With its earthy smell, the butter is anti-aging, reduces wrinkles and stretch marks, and even heals any rashes or wounds on the skin. You can use just the butter or mixed with coconut oil.
14. Arrowroot Powder
This starch might be perfect for treating skin problems such as blemishes, itchy skin, and more as it soaks up excess oil from the skin.3 Mix 2 tbsp of arrowroot powder with 1 tsp of cocoa powder, 5-6 drops of jojoba or lavender oil, and apply on your skin.
15. Essential Oils
Multiple essential oils can liven up your skin, prevent wrinkles, keep away infections and acne, and do so much more.
- Lemon essential oil is antibacterial and can reduce acne.
- Argan oil moisturizes your skin, reduce skin irritations, and can even boost hair growth.
- Jojoba oil can heal wounds and burns, reduce wrinkles, and reduce UV-induced damage.
- Almond oil heals skin rashes, reduces dryness, and prevents acne breakout.
- Olive oil doubles up as a makeup remover and keeps your skin fresh and young.
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