Women spend countless amounts of time and money on health and beauty products. Moisturisers, make up, masks, scrubs and hair repair treatments are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many products women rely on to keep themselves looking clean, fresh and young. Unfortunately, all this extra special care takes its toll on your purse.
Many of these products are downright expensive, especially if you decide to go to a spa or salon to have the treatment done for you by a professional. Even many over the counter treatments can begin to add up quickly if they are part of your regular beauty routine.
Of course, some may argue (probably men) that you do not need to put yourself through all these treatments. Let’s face it, they do not quite understand a woman’s perspective on hygiene and body care. It is important to a woman to take the best care of herself possible even if it means spending an arm and a leg to do so. But because the cost of doing this is so high, many women are discovering new ways of keeping their beauty regime, but with less of a cos, do-it-yourself treatments.
Yes, you can make your own masks, moisturizers and scrubs by combining a few natural ingredients. Still not convinced? Here are a few popular beauty treatments you can make right at home:
Body Scrubs
1. Coffee Body Scrub
Before throwing out your coffee grounds, combine them with some coconut oil and mint (either fresh, ground, or oil). Massage the mixture into your skin and then rinse it off with warm water. You can even turn this recipe into a body mask by adding some honey to it. Apply it to your body, leave it on for a bit, and then rinse it off. The combination of caffeine and mint is said to boost circulation.
Coffee grounds act as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and revealing smoother skin underneath. The caffeine in coffee helps to tighten and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite and improving circulation. Coconut oil deeply moisturises the skin, while mint provides a refreshing and invigorating sensation, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated and revitalised.
2. Lemon Sugar Scrub
If you are looking for an exfoliator, a lemon sugar scrub is just the treatment for you. Mix two and a half cups of sugar and half a cup of sweet almond oil until they are well combined. Next, add four teaspoons of lemon juice and four tablespoons of honey and stir again. Finally, add four drops of lemon essential oil. Apply it to your body as you would any other scrub and then rinse it off with warm water.
This lemon sugar scrub offers multiple benefits for your skin. The sugar granules exfoliate effectively, removing dead skin cells and promoting a smoother texture. Lemon juice, rich in vitamin C, helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Sweet almond oil is highly moisturising, and honey has antibacterial properties, making this scrub ideal for keeping your skin soft, radiant, and clear.
Facial Treatments
3. Egg Wash Facial Treatment
Would you believe that eggs are great for giving you flawless-looking skin? Take some egg whites (remove the yolks) and whip them up until they are frothy. Apply it to your face, leave it on for about twenty minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. You will instantly see that your skin feels tighter and any red spots you may have had from acne are gone.
Egg whites are known for their skin-tightening properties, which help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also contain proteins that aid in repairing and rejuvenating the skin. This simple treatment can help shrink pores, control excess oil, and provide a smoother, more youthful complexion.
4. Fruity Facial Cleanser
You can make your own facial cleanser by combining one peeled kiwi, two tablespoons of plain yoghurt, one tablespoon each of honey and almond oil, and one teaspoon of finely ground almonds. Put the kiwi into a food processor first until it is pureed and then add the remaining ingredients until a thick paste forms. Use it as a cleanser for your face instead of regular soap and rinse it off with warm water.
This fruity facial cleanser is packed with natural ingredients that nourish and cleanse the skin. Kiwi is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help to brighten the skin and fight free radicals. Yoghurt contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and moisturises. Honey has antibacterial properties, and almond oil provides deep hydration, making this cleanser perfect for achieving a healthy, glowing complexion.
5. Protein Moisturiser
Are you looking for an easy and incredibly cheap way to moisturise your skin? Mix one egg yolk, a quarter cup of whole milk, and one tablespoon of grapeseed oil until it is a smooth cream. This combination is full of protein that will nourish and soothe your skin. You can keep any extra in the refrigerator for a few days to use again.
This protein-rich moisturiser is excellent for nourishing and hydrating the skin. Egg yolk is full of vitamins and fatty acids that help to improve skin texture and elasticity. Whole milk provides lactic acid for gentle exfoliation, while grapeseed oil is lightweight yet deeply hydrating, making it ideal for soothing and revitalising dry or sensitive skin.
Hair Care
6. Yoghurt Hair Conditioner
A common problem women have with their hair is the lack of lustre and shine. Well, now you can get it back by simply massaging half a cup of sour cream or plain yoghurt into damp hair. Leave it in for twenty minutes before rinsing it out with warm water, then cool water, and then with regular shampoo. You can do this every two weeks to keep your hair clean and free of dirt while restoring your hair’s shine.
The lactic acid in sour cream and yoghurt helps to cleanse the scalp and remove build-up, while the fat content provides deep conditioning to the hair. This treatment restores shine and softness, making your hair look healthy and vibrant. Regular use can also help to strengthen the hair, reduce frizz, and improve overall manageability.
7. Coconut Hair Conditioner
Coconut oil has become one of the best ways to care for your hair (not to mention a super healthy cooking oil). Melt the coconut oil and apply it to your hair and/or scalp. You can leave it on overnight in a wrapped towel or cap or rinse it out after twenty minutes. It is guaranteed to give you the shiniest hair you have ever had in your life.
Coconut oil is renowned for its deep conditioning properties, penetrating the hair shaft to provide intense hydration and nourishment. It helps to reduce protein loss, making hair stronger and less prone to breakage. Regular use of coconut oil can improve hair texture, add shine, and promote a healthier scalp, addressing issues such as dryness and dandruff.
Nail Care
8. Baking Soda Nail Whitener
When nails begin to lose their naturally white colour, you can mix two and a half tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and apply the mixture under each fingernail tip. After five minutes, rinse it off with warm water. If the problem persists, keep doing this every six to eight weeks.
Baking soda is a natural exfoliant that helps to remove stains and whiten nails, while hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties that further enhance the whitening effect. This simple treatment can restore the natural colour of your nails, making them look cleaner and healthier. Regular use can also help to keep your nails strong and reduce yellowing caused by polish or other factors.
As you can see, there is a lot you can do at home for your body that requires nothing more than a visit to your local supermarket or health food store. What is even nicer about these treatments, aside from the very low cost, is that they use natural ingredients, no chemicals, additives or artificial ingredients.
So not only are you using remedies that work, but you are using ones that are safe. The next time someone compliments you on your flawless skin or shiny hair, let them think you spent a fortune. No one has to know your beauty secrets lie in the produce aisles!
