Stephanie here today, and while there are some of us (ahem, Jennifer Lopez) who can afford to slather Crème de La Mer all over their faces and bodies without batting an eye, the vast majority are simply looking for the most quality product for our skin and hair without actually breaking the bank. The beautiful thing about skin care, if produced correctly, is that the very best products usually consist of all-natural, organic and vegan products that come directly from the earth. This brings us here, to the benefits of using edible items you can find at your local grocery store, to produce fantastic results for your skin and hair, as well as your health, without emptying your pockets.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nor have I received any medical training. These skin and hair care treatments will not produce any benefits if you are allergic to the ingredients, so if you are unsure as to whether or not you have an allergy, start with a small test spot before slathering the ingredients all over.
With that said, get ready to open your pantry and fridge, as I can bet you already have the majority of these items on hand! You will notice quite a bit of cross-referencing between ingredients, as several of them do go hand-in-hand in their various benefits and properties.
COCONUT OIL FOR DAMAGED HAIR
The coconut oil craze is so real right now. And by “real,” I mean there are legitimate studies to support health and beauty benefits that come with using the tropical treat on a consistent basis. I could probably write an entire blog devoted to just coconut oil itself, but, for now, we are going to talk about how it can help frizzy, dry, color-treated and damaged tresses.
You’ll want to start by making sure your container says “first cold press” on the packaging. Why? Because this will give you the purest form of the stuff. Always store your coconut oil in a cool, dry environment, as it will turn if you leave it in a place like your shower, for example. (If you notice a sour smell, chuck the container!)
After combing through your hair with a gentle brush (my absolute favorite detangler is the WET Brush, $8.99) lean over your sink or tub and split your hair into two sections. Apply a generous amount of coconut oil with your hands to each section and work through the hair from the base of the neck down, focusing especially on the ends.
Twist your hair at the nape of the neck into a ponytail and wrap it around to create a bun, secure it with a hair tie and wait at least 30 minutes to one hour before shampooing, depending on the severity of the damage to your hair. Use a deep conditioning cap to intensify the effects of the coconut oil.
Use a non-sulfate clarifying shampoo and wash at least three times to ensure that your hair does not remain oily. You will most likely not need conditioner, but if you must, use a light formula on your scalp and ends and rinse out immediately. If your hair is naturally oily, I would recommend applying the coconut oil to the ends of your hair while you are in the shower and shampooing after letting it sit for three to five minutes.
Pro tip: To get rid of dry scalp, (read: embarrassing dandruff) massage 1 tablespoon coconut oil mixed with 10 drops of rosemary essential oil into your scalp for three minutes. Shampoo and rinse three times after letting the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
TURMERIC FOR ACNE AND SCARRING
Turmeric powder is a natural anti-inflammatory, which makes it a perfect solution for adult acne and scarring. It is also ideal for those with especially oily skin as it acts as a mild drying agent without submitting your skin to the use of harsh chemicals.
For a clearer complexion, mix turmeric powder with few drops of water and lemon juice until it forms a paste and apply to the affected area. After 15 minutes, gently scrub the mixture off with cool water and pat dry.
VITAMIN E OIL FOR WRINKLES AND LASHES
Vitamin E oil can work as a first line of defense against premature aging and free radicals. Factors such as age, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, pollutants and radiation all affect our skin adversely. The salve can actually block free radical damage and treats wrinkles by boosting collagen production and skin elasticity. In addition, Vitamin E oil supports new skin cell growth and speeds up cell regeneration.
You can find pure Vitamin E oil at your local pharmacy (make sure to search for “tocopherol” on the label – the most natural form of the liquid) and apply to the face and neck liberally each night. It won’t replace sunscreen, but I use the oil underneath my SPF when I rise in the morning, before applying makeup. Just wait for the oil and sunscreen to soak into your skin for a few minutes before using any other cosmetics.
For oily skin, I recommend using Vitamin E as a spot treatment at night time, instead.
I also love to use Vitamin E to condition my lashes because it helps them to grow! The daily use of makeup, such as mascara and eyeliner, makes our lashes subject to breakage and fallout. Apply a drop of oil to your lash line every other day using a disposable applicator, such as a Q-Tip.
PAPAYA FOR BRIGHTENING
Papaya is rich in “papain,” the enzyme that is responsible for anti-aging, skin lightening, exfoliation and skin repair. The key is to use peel or pulp just beneath the peel (where papain is at its’ maximum concentration). Similar to Vitamin E oil, papaya has been known to boost collagen production in the skin and help with elasticity. Additionally, it is a natural exfoliator and brightener for the complexion, as it has some gentle, natural bleaching properties.
The Vitamin A found in the fruit helps slough off dead skin cells and keeps skin soft and supple, while the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in the pulp helps dissolve dead skin cells and prevent signs of aging.
Here are a few tips on how to use papaya in your skincare routine:
To treat age spots: Combine ¼ cup mashed papaya, one tablespoon lemon juice and ½ tablespoon raw local honey. Apply on affected skin and allow to dry. Rinse with cool water and repeat the process three to four times per week.
For a gentle exfoliation: Rub the fleshy part of a thin slice of ripe papaya on face, neck, hands and legs. Allow to dry and then rinse with cold water.
For brightening and hydrating: Blend one cup of mashed green papaya, one teaspoon Vitamin E oil, one teaspoon raw local honey and one teaspoon plain yogurt into a paste. Massage into skin and wait 10-15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
And finally, if you don’ feel like covering yourself in fruit, consuming papaya daily will delay the signs of aging as well as aid with gut health and digestion.
AVOCADO FOR OVERALL SKIN HEALTH
There is a reason avocado is known as a “Super Food.” There are so many benefits to consuming and using avocado in your everyday routine that there are simply too many to list, but here you will find a few of the best ways to get a little more of the green stuff into your life.
Avocado oil is a natural sunscreen and helps protect against UVA and UVB rays. In addition, it is a soothing salve for sunburnt skin. The oils that the avocado produces are quite similar to the oils found in our skin. The fruit will also help defend against free radicals because of the high levels of antioxidants.
For beautiful, glowing summer skin, mash ½ a ripe avocado with a tablespoon of avocado oil and apply to your skin, focusing on the rough patches like elbows and knees. (Try this in the shower, so as not to drip avocado everywhere!) and rinse off after five to 10 minutes. For those with normal to dry skin types, use this pack as a face mask for rejuvenated, soft and supple results. Simply leave the mask on for 10 minutes and rinse with cool water.
HONEY FOR CLEANSING AND EXFOLIATING
Using raw, local honey in your everyday life has a bounty of health benefits. Not only does it build up the immune system in defense of local allergens, but it can give your skin a boost as well! Dare I say, honey is the “bee’s knees?”
Despite the fact that a mixture using raw honey cannot be used on the eyes, the nectar makes an excellent cleanser. Simply combine honey and coconut oil until it forms an oily paste and glide it across your face and body. You can even add a dash of cinnamon or turmeric to add anti-inflammatory properties to your cleanser, as well as give it a beautiful aroma. This concoction will not only loosen heavy makeup, oil and dirt, but add moisture back in to the skin at the same time.
A gentle scrub can be made with two tablespoons of honey and one tablespoon baking soda. Rub onto the skin in a circular motion and ensure to focus on the trouble spots, such as your elbows, knees, and feet.
GARLIC FOR SMALL WOUNDS AND COLD SORES
We are all aware that garlic is packed with antioxidants and can blasts colds with ease, but did you know it can speed the recovery of small wounds and irritations? Wash the affected area thoroughly with gentle soap and water before placing a slice of garlic over the area and cover it with a bandage.
Similarly, a popular cold sore home remedy involves massaging a bit of crushed garlic directly on a cold sore. The anti-inflammatory properties could help reduce pain and swelling.
BACK TO THE KITCHEN
The health and skin care benefits of plant-based products are truly endless. The next time you run out of your favorite beauty salve, head to your kitchen and check out the abundant alternatives! Your skin (and your wallet) will thank you.