You have probably heard of the phrase let your skin breathe countless times in your search for a great skincare regimen. The pursuit of healthier and younger-looking skin doesn’t just involve putting skincare products on your face as much as not putting anything. Letting your skin breathe, in a sense, also means letting it heal and rejuvenate by itself or with the use of natural and non-harmful products.
As most of us know, skincare isn’t for the faint of wallets. In today’s economy, we could all probably agree that frugality is the wave… So why not let your wallet breathe this time?
Here are some household items that can make your skin feel refreshed!
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are probably one of the most, if not the most, used skincare products in pop culture. And rightfully so! Cucumbers help hydrate your skin while also acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. Cucumbers are known to contain vitamin C, natural fibers, and loads and loads of water. Fiber helps flush out toxins inside of your body while water helps keep your body’s temperature balanced.
Like in TV and movies, putting cucumber slices on your eyes not only helps with those pesky dark circles under your eyes but it can also relieve puffiness. According to Healthline, you can also use cucumbers to make a DIY cucumber face mask, cucumber water to wash your skin, and even as body lotion.
Oils
If you love cooking, then you probably have a plethora of various oils in your pantry that you use for cooking. Did you know that these oils could be used on your skin as well? Actress Emma Stone, in an interview with Marie Claire, says that because of her sensitive and prickly skin, she uses various types of oils commonly found in any typical household.
“I’m really allergic to a lot of stuff, so I can really only use products with a single ingredient in it,” says Stone. “Anything that’s oil, I want all over my entire body. I love coconut oil, I put Argan oil on throughout the day, and natural grapeseed oil from the grocery store as my face moisturizer.” To read her full interview, click here.
The need for natural oils has increased because conventional moisturizers often contain chemicals that are harmful to your body’s overall health. Some of the most common chemicals found in skincare and other beauty products are artificial chemicals that are used to extend the shelf life of products. The answer? Natural and organic products!
Oils extracted from natural sources (think coconut oil, argan oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil for starters) contain a plethora of antioxidants to keep your skin feel moisturized and protected.
Aloe Vera
Probably the most famous natural ingredient in skin products, Aloe vera is known to contain antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins A and C, as well as anti-inflammatory qualities. Aloe Vera is gentle on the skin. It also helps alleviate skin irritations such as sunburns, cuts, dryness, and even acne!
Prevention.com, a brand dedicated to providing accessible health information, says aloe vera produces a gel-like substance that contains healing properties that you can use on your skin. Aloe vera gel can also be used to treat more serious skin illnesses like psoriasis, eczema, and cold sores.
Coffee or Tea?
As we all know, caffeine is abundant in coffee and tea. But did you know that both coffee and tea offer more than just a morning wake up? Let’s start with coffee. When we think about coffee, we immediately associate it with sunshine, mornings, and the fragrant smell of roasted beans. While a cup of coffee can boost your energy and metabolism, it can also help you get clear skin.
Coffee has anti-aging benefits that, when applied to your skin, help protect your skin from sunspots, wrinkles, and other types of irritation. Coffee also has anti-inflammatory agents that will reduce puffiness and help soothe the dark circles under your eyes.
In the same vein, tea varieties that contain a high dose of caffeine can help de-puff and ensure firmness in your skin. Tea can also be an alternative for people that have sensitive skin as it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that are gentle to the skin. For instance, black tea is rich in skin healing properties that protect the skin from sun damage, bacteria, as well as viral infections. According to Health.com, black tea fights free radicals, clears up acne, and gives you a firm (but supple) skin.
Honey
Raw honey to be exact. There has been a growing movement about using raw honey as a way to directly combat acne. In an interview with Allure, Dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu says raw honey, as opposed to anything processed, contains a generous amount of anti-bacterial properties.
“Most popular brands of honey are treated in some way, by heating or adding water, for example. These processed honeys are very unlikely to work [in treating acne] because the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are destroyed in the processing,” she says. “It’s best to find an all-natural, raw, unprocessed, and unheated honey with no added ingredients, ideally from organic hives that have not been treated with chemicals or antibiotics.” Read the full article here.
Studies claim that honey has anti-microbial properties that, while inconclusive, can help battle acne. However, due to the variety of honey products available in the market, there is still a need for further trials before honey benefits can be proven with certainty.
Special mentions:
- Oatmeal – Oatmeal is known to soak up excess oils in your skin while leaving it moisturized.
- Yogurt – Much like oatmeal, yogurt moisturizes skin as well as provides protection from UV rays.
- Lemons – Lemon can be a little strong for people with sensitive skin. Moderation and portioning are key! Lemons contain vitamin C which is a great antioxidant that flushes out free radicals.
- Avocados/Avocado Oil – Avocados are major sources of healthy fats and antioxidants which means that it’s good for your skin and for your overall health. Avocados also help fight acne.
- Turmeric – Byrdie says turmeric helps detoxify, soothe, and exfoliate your skin. It also contains anti-inflammatory agents that have been found to help fight eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
