Kitchen Facial

Now that winter is over and spring is here, I feel like I could use a facial.  Although there are numerous places to get one, most start at around $95.  It's wonderful spending a morning or afternoon getting pampered at a spa but I don't always have the time or feel like spending the money.

Did you know you can give yourself a facial with ingredients you have in your kitchen?  That's right!  There are 100s of homemade recipes from facials to foot scrubs you can create in the privacy of your home for a fraction of what it would cost at a spa.

I know this isn't the typical recipe I post, but it's food, it's fresh and it's great for your skin and well-being. 

My skin appeared dry today and I was tired, so I decided to pamper myself.  With a cucumber and limes in the refrigerator, plus a full jar of honey in the cabinet, I decided to whip up a nice soothing facial for myself.  One that heals, softens and moistures my skin, while promoting new cell growth.  Just in time for the spring sunshine. 

Who needs to go to the spa to have machines work on your skin, when you can let what nature has provided, gently revive it?

Here's a simple and nourishing facial recipe to enjoy, with ingredients you probably have at home already.

Honey-Cucumber Facial

For the Scrub:

8 oz. (1 cup) honey
10 drops fresh lime juice
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced (I use a mandoline - perfect slices every time)

Steps:

1. Cleanse your face with warm water and a clean wash cloth
2. Mix the honey and lime juice together and massage into your face for 15 minutes.  It will have a sticky, slippery sensation, but feels incredible!  The lime peels away surface cells and the honey softens the skin.
3. Wipe away the residue of honey with a wet, warm cloth.  Pat dry.
4. Neatly place the cucumber slices over your face and neck (you can cover your eyes and mouth if desired, but not necessary).  Now relax, listen to some music - feel the coolness of the cucumber while it tightens your skin and replenishes moisture. You'll probably fall asleep!
5. After a nice rest, remove the cucumbers and finish with a delicate moisturizer, if desired.

Now don't you feel better already just reading this?  I know I do.  Treat yourself, your significant other and even your children to this soothing treatment.  At these prices you can have a facial monthly!

ENJOY!

Foods Aren't Just for Eating!

Americans spend millions of dollars each year on facials and purchasing skin remedies from their local pharmacies and department stores. However, for a fraction of the cost you can make your own skin care remedy right from your kitchen pantry with edible ingredients. These homemade formulas are inexpensive, free of harmful chemicals and best of all they actually work!














Banana Oat Wheat Mask (to moisturize your skin)

During the summer many of us tend to spend time outdoors exposing our skin to the sun, which causes drying and peeling. Bananas are naturally moisturizing and can soothe and hydrate sun damaged skin. While Nutmeg is a natural antiseptic, and whole wheat flour contains antioxidants providing added protection to the elements.

Ingredients:

1/2 very ripe mashed banana
2 tbsp ground oats or oat flour
2 tbsp whole wheat flour
pinch of nutmeg
milk or cream, add as needed

Instructions:

Whip ingredients together, adding milk or cream and oat flour as necessary to get a smooth paste-like consistency. Apply to face and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.


















Honey Oat Mask

This gentle oil-absorbing mask is so easy to mix together. Oatmeal is perfect for all skin types. It's soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hypo-allergenic. While honey can strip damaged skin cells allowing for a rebirth of new tissue healing damaged skin. Plus adding some egg yolks for vitamin A can help with wrinkles, sun spots and even acne.

Ingredients:

1 tsp honey
1 egg yolk
oatmeal

Instructions:

Blend ingredients adding just enough oatmeal to form a soft paste. Apply immediately. Smooth mask on face and neck leaving on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.



Fruit Juice Mask

Gentle and effective, this mask is perfect for renewing and brightening a dull complexion.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Lemon Juice
1/4 cup Apple Juice
1/4 cup White Grape Juice
1/4 cup sugar (superfine will dissolve quickly)

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients or place in a glass jar and shake to combine. Apply to face with a cotton ball and let dry for 10 minutes. Rinse. Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If you have any food allergies to any of the ingredients listed above do not apply these masks.