Natural Skin Care Recipes

The Benefits of Natural Skin Care

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to determine that natural products are better for the skin than synthetics. Just take a walk through the skin care aisles at your local drugstore for proof. Grab a bottle or two of products that are household names and, chances are, you'll find that the ingredient lists read more like chemistry lab experiments. The mentality behind this is that being unable to pronounce an ingredient should almost immediately negate its benefits; after all, the chemicals contained in basic beauty care products are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Wouldn't you like to know what you're putting into your body?

That's a problem easily remedied by the great advances in the beauty care industry. Where products like petroleum jelly and even Lysol were once considered the personal care products of choice for many, there is now an abundance of alternative options available that promise to treat the skin, body and mind with the care and attention it deserves. These all-natural products contain nothing but the most pure ingredients. You'll find everything from flowers to herbs to fruits in these modest treatments; what you won't find are names you've probably not heard in regular conversation!

Natural Skin Care Recipes

Your wallet may find itself getting increasingly lighter the more you spend on natural skin care products. They certainly don't come cheap, but that's another problem easily solved with the help of a few products that you likely already have at home. Consider these skin-friendly recipes to create your own products in the comfort of your own home.

An Intensely Hydrating Lotion

If you suffer from dry skin, you know the importance of a high-quality moisturizer. Perpetual hydration is crucial, particularly during those drying winter months and for individuals who have sensitive skin. This gentle recipe promises to keep your skin soft and supple!

You'll need:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup chamomile (dried)
• 4 tbsp. honey
• 8 tsp. wheat germ

Steep the chamomile in the milk for several hours (for optimum results, steep overnight). Strain and add honey and wheat germ to the chamomile milk mixture. Blend thoroughly and store in a bottle. This lotion will keep for one week. Store the bottle in the fridge.

At-Home Wrinkle Treatment

In the midst of complex Botox treatments, it's surprising to discover that a few basic grocery items could actually have the power to attack those fine lines and wrinkles.

You'll need:

• 1/2 cucumber (with skin)
• 1 egg white
• 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Blend the ingredients together to form a medium-weight cream. Massage it into the skin twice daily and tissue off or rinse with warm water.

An Affordable Scrub

The real deal can run you upwards of $70, depending on the brand you favor. Whip up your own facial scrub at home for a truly delectable homemade treat.

You'll need:

• 2 tsp. brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. aloe vera
• 2 tbsp. ground oats
• 1 tsp. lemon juice

Before you mix anything together, blend the ground oats into a fine powder. Then combine all ingredients to form a slightly granular paste. Massage it onto damp skin and rinse with warm water. Store the jar in the fridge.

Relaxing Bath Oil

A nice long soak in the tub can work wonders after a tiring day. Mix this blend into your bath for an even more relaxing experience.

You'll need:

• 1/4 cup sweet almond oil
• 5 drops chamomile essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops rose essential oil

Add the oils, drop by drop, to the sweet almond oil (which acts as a base). Shake the mixture and add 1 tbsp. to your bath.

More Easy Recipes

Of course, this is a mere taste of the numerous recipes available. With the right ingredients and tools, concocting these natural skin care recipes is a breeze! Here are a few other resources to keep your recipe book filled:

• DIY Network
• The Organic Beauty Expert