We're halfway through August - Wellness Month! And we're starting Day 16 with some DIY beauty treatments you can create with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here are some of our favorite recipes:
Honey & Cacao Antioxidant Facial Mask
- 1 Tbs Cacao
- 1 Tbs Honey
- 1-2 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Tbs Coconut Oil (Olive, Avocado or Jojoba Oil also works)
- 1/8 Tsp Turmeric powder (can leave stains)
- 1-2 Drops each of Lime, Bergamot & Grapefruit Essential Oil (optional)
Directions: Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. If mixture feels too thick, add a little more vinegar. Apply to clean dry face, neck and chest area with a makeup brush. Leave on for 15-30 minutes while relaxing, and rinse well with water. Due to the color of this mask, we recommend rinsing off in the shower. Make sure the mask does not touch any clothing, as the turmeric can leave stains.
Benefits: Cacao is high in antioxidants that help slow skin cell decline and assist in collagen production. Cacao also effectively stimulates circulation. Honey provides gentle hydration and healing. The vinegar is anti-inflammatory and can help exfoliate the skin through its acetic and alpha hydroxy acids. Turmeric is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory components that helps provide glow and luster to the skin. This antioxidant treatment works to rejuvenate and purify skin.
Invigorating Body Scrub
- 1/2 Cup Fresh ground coffee
- 1/4 Cup Organic sugar
- 1/3 Cup Coconut Oil
- 1 Tsp Cinnamon
- 5-10 Drops Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Essential Oil
- 10 Drops Orange Essential Oil (optional)
Directions: Mix all ingredients together and put it in an airtight container. This will be enough for 2 applications. Use the scrub on dry skin and apply to entire body. Take your time to inhale the delicious scent and feel the warming effect of the cinnamon. Rinse off in the shower and feel your now noticeable softer skin! The coconut oil should leave enough moisture on your skin so no lotion is needed.
Benefits: Coffee grounds are great for exfoliating as they do not dissolve in water. Coffee is antioxidant-rich and helps stimulate blood-flow. Organic sugar is a mild physical and chemical exfoliant. The grains are great for physical scrub and a good source of glycolic acid. Cinnamon is anti-fungal and has antibacterial properties. It also helps stimulate blood flow to the skin (this is the warming effect you may feel). Coconut oil moisturizes the skin and leaves it soft.
Green Tea & Honey Acne Mask
- 1 Tbs Matcha green tea powder or strong brewed green tea
- 1 Tsp Honey
- 1-2 Tbs Ground oatmeal
- 1-2 Tbs Plain yogurt
- 1 Tsp lemon juice (or 5 drops lemon essential oil)
Directions: Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Let it sit in the fridge for a while, so that it's cool when you apply. Apply to clean dry face, neck and chest area with a makeup brush. Leave on for 15-30 minutes while relaxing and rinse well with water.
Benefits: The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties in green tea may make it an effective treatment for acne and oily skin. According to research, when applied to the skin, the polyphenols in green tea help reduce sebum secretion that can lead to acne. Oatmeal can soak up the excess oil on your skin and help treat acne. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to treat dry skin and remove dead skin cells. Oats also contain compounds called saponins, which are natural cleansers. They remove the dirt and oil that clog the pores and exfoliate the skin. Yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, that dissolves dead skin cells. This gentle exfoliation not only helps preventing breakouts, but also creating a natural glow while moisturizing, fighting acne, preventing premature aging, and relieving sunburn.
We hope you enjoy these beauty treatments. Let us know how they work for you in the comments below.