What we are putting into our bodies is a product of what we will get on the outside. It is important to keep nourishing your body with healthy foods and healthy fats like avocados, almonds, pineapples, green veggies and berries. These foods have healthy fats, oils, natural enzymes and antioxidants and are loaded with vitamins and minerals that your skin and body need in order to stay healthy.
Not only do you want to nourish your body from the inside, but lots of food products, when used on the outside of your body, can actually help you get that glowing, healthy skin! Homemade beauty products are simple and quick to make. Most remedies can be made with products that you probably already have in your home. When you are making your own skin care products, you know exactly what you are putting on your face.
The Skin Care Pantry
Here are four ingredients to have in your cabinets to keep your skin looking healthy and glowing. Keep these items in your kitchen and you won’t have to worry about buying another skin care product again!
* Honey: A natural humectant, made to hold in moisture.
* Sugar: Helps with dull skin as a natural scrub.
* Olive Oil: The vitamin E and antioxidants in this oil make it a great moisturizing option.
* Milk/Yogurt: Can help improve your skin’s elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
Quick Recipes for Food for Your Face
Sugar Honey Scrub
1. To 3 tablespoons of honey, add 1 tablespoon of coarse brown sugar.
2. Mix with a spoon to a thick consistency.
3. Apply to cleansed face in a circular motion for 2 minutes
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Moisturize.
Olive Oil Moisturizer
1. Mix 1 cup filtered water and ¾ cup olive oil and 3 tbsp grated beeswax in a Pyrex cup.
2. Place the cup in a pan with water measuring halfway up the cup.
3. Bring water to a boil and heat until the beeswax melts into the oil.
4. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 2 minutes.
5. Transfer mixture to a blender and then add boiled water slowly as you are blending.
6. Scoop mixture into glass jars, cover with cheesecloth, then allow to cool completely.
7. Place lid on glass jar after cooling. The jars keep longer in refrigerator, but can be left out for up to 2 months or more.
Facial Mask
1. Whip one egg with plain organic yogurt.
2. Apply mixture to face and let dry for 5 minutes.
3. Rinse off with warm water, then a splash of cold water.
Julie Winslow is the Director of the Karpas Health Information Center at Beth Israel Medical Center.