December 30, 2009 Written by Tracy Hepler
So you think you have to shell out serious cash every time you crave a new beauty treat? Think again, many ingredients most people have in their kitchens carry a serious beauty punch. We’ve put together a list of a few of our favorites and fun ideas you can do with them.
Olive Oil: Most of us have this lying around for use in salads, pastas and other foodie treats, but did you know that olive oil is really moisturizing for dry skin and scalp. Try it as an oil treatment for your scalp if you’re experiencing any dandruff. Internally, a tablespoon of olive oil can lead to suppler, youthful skin (thanks to the good fats that the oil provides).
Olive Oil Scalp Treatment:
- Warm (do not boil) ¼ cup of olive oil.
- Gently massage oil throughout your entire scalp front to back
- Allow oil to settle in scalp for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Wash out with shampoo and conditioner as normal (note may need more than one shampoo to get all of the oil out).
Oatmeal: Oatmeal isn’t just good for lowering cholesterol; it’s a great ingredient for scrubs and can be soothing to irritated skin. If you suffer from excessive dry skin or irritation try taking a relaxing bath and add a cup of finely ground oatmeal, the anti inflammatory properties should help calm your irritation. Oatmeal also does wonders for clearing up clogged pores.
Simple Oatmeal Scrub Recipe:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of dry organic oatmeal.
- Grind the oatmeal finely and add a few drops of water until it turns into a paste.
- Apply the paste to your face and let it set until dry.
- To remove rub gently and rinse off with cool water.
Avocado: Avocados are packed with moisturizing ingredients and good fats that are beneficial to the skin. It’s also high in vitamin C and E, which are good anti-aging ingredients and is why they make great ingredients for facemasks.
Honey Avocado Mask:
- Mash up ½ of one ripe organic avocado and combine with ¼ cup of local honey.
- Mix until a creamy texture forms and apply to skin.
- Leave on face and neck for 8 to 10 minutes (while laying down).
- Remove gently from skin with cool water.
Eggs: Eggs carry a lot of protein and are dense with beneficial nutrients including vitamins A, D and E. You can add them to masks, hand/foot treatments and will bring shine and softness to your hair. Here is one of our favorite hair treatments using a few of the kitchen ingredients we’ve covered.
Super Shine Egg Yolk Hair Treatment:
- Mix one ripe organic avocado, with an organic egg yolk, and ½ a tablespoon of organic olive oil.
- Once the mixture is smooth add it to your hair and scalp and allow it to set for 15 to 30 minutes.
- To remove, shampoo and condition as normal.
Do you have your own favorite kitchen cabinet skincare ingredients, recipes or tips? Please share them with us in the comments below.
Images from Ehow, Every Day Minerals, Stellaa’s Blog and TheNibble.
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Here is another DIY Awesome Avocado Mask with lots of info on how amazing avocados are for the skin from Golden Path Alchemy Skin Care’s Blog: http://goldenpathalchemyskincare.wordpress.com/2009/10/12/awesome-avocado/
And another one using egg whites, raw honey and oats! Pamper your skin!
http://goldenpathalchemyskincare.wordpress.com/2009/10/20/love-is-in-the-air-fall-weddings-and-gorgeous-glowing-skin/
Love these tips!! I’ve heard of the recipes before but it’s nice to have them all in one place!
Great tips. Something else that works really well is whole milk as a gentle exfoliator– just lie down and leave a washcloth soaked in milk on your face for 5-10 minutes. Leaves skin soft and smooth.
Try using Dr Hess Udder Ointment for dry Skin. It is fabulous on all skin care needs such as dryness, eczema, chafing, diaper rash, and more…http://www.udderointment.com
I am a big fan of brown sugar as an ingredient in homemade skin care recipes. It is a great moisturizes, it removes the dead skin cells, and leaves the skin smooth. You can see some of the many brown sugar scrub recipes here: http://www.skin-care-recipes-and-remedies.com/body-scrub-recipes.html
White vinegar is a great rinse for your hair; it refreshes the scalp and strips away any shampoo residue. Leaves it nice and shiny and once it’s dry there is no unpleasant odor.