Here’s the truth you might not hear in marketing campaigns: just because an ingredient is natural, doesn’t mean it can’t irritate your skin or break you out. But don’t fret - while there are some seriously comedogenic (read: pore-clogging) DIY treatments circulating online, there are also some highly effective, skin-beautifying ingredients you can add into your skincare routine... and they all might be in your fridge right now. Beauticate writer, Kristina, tried hundreds of different DIY beauty treatments over the years, but only five have emerged as her holy grails - read on for more...
IMAGE: INSTAGRAM@ANGELCANDICES
Best For Dry Skin: Milk And Banana
I first tried this mask after I heard model, Lisa Cant, reveal that backstage makeup artists used this concoction to sooth her “stressed out” skin – she raved that it made her skin feel “silky smooth” for days. I was immediately intrigued and raced to the kitchen to see if this recipe would be the answer to my dry skin prayers. The result? My skin was softer than silk, flaky patches were gone, and my complexion was dewy and radiant.
The Science
Milk contains lactic acid and potassium, both powerhouse hydrators that help sooth and nourish parched, rough skin. Bananas are abundant in amino acids, as well as vitamins A, B and C – ingredients vital to boosting skin elasticity and brightening dull complexions.
Directions
1) Mash one banana in a bowl
2) Pour 10 tablespoons of milk into the bowl
3) Mix the ingredients together
4) Apply liberally and rinse with cool water after 30 minutes
Best For Acne Prone Skin: Garlic
Garlic is the only at-home remedy that actually helps reduce my breakouts: blemishes are almost always flattened overnight, and more stubborn cystic pimples that usually take a few weeks to subside disappear within a few days.
The Science
Garlic contains high amounts of a compound called allicin – this is what makes garlic anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic, the perfect combination to halt skin infections. It also contains a host of other acne-banishing ingredients that help to decrease swelling and redness: selenium, zinc, copper and vitamin B6.
1) Purée one garlic clove
2) Apply the juice on affected areas
3)Leave it on for 10 minutes
4) Rinse off with cool water
A word of caution: This treatment is strong, so if you leave it on overnight your skin will be seriously irritated – so it’s vital to wash it off after 10 minutes. Trust me: I once left it on for longer than intended and my skin was burning hot. If your skin is super sensitive, you can dilute with water.
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: GREEN TEA
We all know the health benefits of drinking green tea, but did you know applying green tea topically is fantastic for soothing skin and reducing redness? It’s my SOS treatment to calm irritation when my very sensitive skin becomes an itchy mess.
The Science
Green tea contains EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that helps rejuvenate the skin, fight free radicals and inhibit inflammation. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association of Dermatology found that green tea is effective in soothing skin disorders associated with irritation.
1) Steep some green tea (using leaves or a tea bag – the choice is yours) and wait approximately an hour and a half for it to cool
2) Apply the liquid all over your face with a cotton pad. If you’re using a tea bag, just use the tea bag to distribute the tea across your face
3) Leave it on overnight for extra nourishment
BEST FOR TIGHTENING: POTATOES
At a sleepover, I noticed my beauty savvy girlfriend placed two thin slices of potatoes under her eyes. She claimed it helped with depuffing and smoothing her undereyes. I thought, if potatoes nourish the skin underneath your eyes, then why not apply it to your whole face? That night, I rubbed potato juice all over my face and washed it off after an hour. My skin looked more lifted, fines lines were less visible and my face felt firmer.
Potatoes are rich in vitamin K – a potent skin brightener – while ample doses of vitamin A aid in smoothing wrinkles and accelerating skin cell renewal. Potatoes also contain natural skin hydrators pantothenic acid and potassium that help keep the skin soft and supple.
Directions
1) Chop the potato in thin slices
2) Place the potato slices across your face
3) Wash off thoroughly with cool water after 1 hour
BEST FOR BRIGHTENING: PEACH
The peach facial is fantastic for boosting complexion radiance. My aesthetician swears by this DIY facial and crowns it the lazy girl’s trick to achieving dewy skin. Peach contains AHAs which help break down dead skin cells and gives skin a polished glow. I know I can rely on this to look well rested, even on only two hours of sleep.
The Science
Peaches are rich in natural skin brighteners vitamins A and C. These vitamins also support healthy skin renewal and rejuvenate dry, dull skin. With copious amounts of vitamin E, peaches are also excellent at nourishing and healing irritated skin. Plus antioxidant zeaxanthin aids in evening out skin tone.
Directions
1) Slice a peach into thinner layers
2) Swipe the pieces across your face, as though you were applying toner
3) Leave on your skin for 30 minutes and rinse
