NATURAL SKINCARE: DIY Winter 9-1-1 Skin Savers!

Can you guys guess ~ what is our bodies largest organ, has three layers & makes up 15% of our body weight? 

SKIN!

 

Clearly with these facts - it makes perfect sense to take extra good care of our skin, especially during the cold seasons when skin easily becomes dry, flaky & dehydrated.  The great news is - most of the ingredients to make diy masks and scrubs are hiding in your pantry & fridge!  Here are my top options and they're great all year long - not just for winter.

  Here are a few masks and scrubs that I've either re-worked or developed! And this is not just for the ladies, my male clients use these as well :)
 

Five minute micro-abrasion scrub = A healthy glow and cleans out pores.

What you'll need: 

Bowl with tight fitting lid.

2-4 tbsps of aluminum free baking soda

 

What to do:

Pour baking soda into a small bowl, mix with enough water to make a paste, on the thick side because you can add drops off water while in the shower. 

Alternative recipe: Add honey in place of water for a one-time scrub! Smells delicious too.

Use: On a weekly basis, use a small amount and with circular motions scrub your face for 30-45 seconds. Let sit for 3 mins (will sting a bit your first time), and rinse off. That's it! You'll notice your skin is glowing and vibrant.

**Not ideal for sensitive skin

Skin brightening mask = Exfoliates & leaves skin oh so soft.

What you'll need:

1/2 unripened papaya, diced

1 tsp full fat yogurt

1 tsp raw honey

1 tsp coconut oil

 

What to do:
Blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Make sure skin is clean and dry. Leave on for 8 to 10 minutes. Rinse off using cool water and pat dry. 

Benefits:
Papaya: contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of papain, an enzyme that helps dissolve dead skin cells.
Yogurt: adds lactic acid (another alpha-hydroxy)
Honey: helps skin retain moisture.
When left on, the mask should tingle slightly; if you have sensitive skin or prefer a gentler exfoliation use ripe papaya, which has less papain.

 Coconut Oil: Moisturizer, make-up remover, hair conditioning treatment, reduces acne.

What you'll need:

2-3 Tbsp Organic coconut oil

The great thing about coconut oil is that it adds moisture and shine to your hair or skin.

 

Hair: 

Apply to your roots (dry scalp) and ends (dry/split ends), let sit for 20 minutes. Wash hair as normal. You're hair will be noticeably shiny and healthy looking.

*Leave overnight for an even deeper moisture lock.

Skin:

Face - Apply as you would your morning & evening moisturizer.  Let skin soak before applying make-up.  At night I smother my face and neck with it.  Mmm smells so good your partner won't be able to resist :).

Body - Use as an all over body cream.  

Makeup remover - Apply to a cotton ball or gentle cloth to remove mascara and eyeliner.

Shaving cream - Great alternative to the harsh, drying chemicals that are out there!

 

 

Oats & Maple Mask = Soothing for dry and sensitive skin (also safe for oily and combination)

What you'll need: 

  ¼ cup cooked oatmeal
3 tbsps plain yogurt
1 tbsp raw honey 

 

What to do:

Mix all ingredients together.  Apply to clean and dry face.  Leave on for 10-12 minutes and then rinse gently.  Follow up with coconut oil.

Bonus tip: Apple cider vinegar and water makes a great natural toner.  Apply after cleaning and before moisturizing!

Hope this helps everyone through the tough winter months.  Fun to invite some gals (and men - my boyfriend does this too) and have a skincare party!  Tweet me some natural skincare images!!  

xoxo

rbn

Treating myself to a mask this morning.