Most natural skin care products contain many ingredients that you might also be able to find in the kitchen and most of these foods can nurture your body when applied topically as well. So, if you’re looking for some natural moisturizers to experiment with, during the weekend, here’s a list of science-backed ingredients that you can use as masks or as a body oil:
- Honey
One of the most used ingredients in the kitchen, raw honey is known to have strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This is why it gained a lot of popularity as a skin healing treatment or a face wash product. All you have to do is to apply organic honey to your damped skin and remove it after with a warm cloth or apply a thin layer for about 10 minutes, once a week and enjoy its healing properties.
- Coconut oil
Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil is a natural remedy that is used in almost everything from hair mask to moisturizing body scrubs or lip glosses. It also has anti-bacterial properties and it can boost your skin’s collagen production, improving its hydration levels and supporting the barrier function. However, coconut oil has a very high content of lauric acid and that can leave the skin dry if it’s used too much.
- Olive oil
Virgin olive oil is also a go-to natural moisturizer, usually used to reduce the oxidative stress from sun exposure on skin and hair. Packed with Vitamin E – an important antioxidant – olive oil can fight the signs of ageing and combat skin’s inflammatory problems. On the other hand, if you know you’re prone to eczema, we wouldn’t recommend to apply it regular on your skin. But if you want an excellent make up remover, olive oil can cleanse even the most stubborn products, due to its high antioxidant content.
- Shea butter
Shea butter is rich in triglycerides so if used topically, it makes a great emollient that has similar effects as ceramides. Mostly used as a base in expensive skin-care products, shea butter has great anti-inflammatory properties and it works amazing in thick texture hand creams, lip products or for your post-shaved legs.
- Aloe
Mostly used to reduce the damage of UV rays, aloe sinks easily into skin and can alleviate sunburns or reduce inflammation. With a high-water content but also packed with Vitamins A, C, E and B12, this classic home remedy is the best soothing gel you can apply topically.
- Oat
Oat extract and colloidal oat are important ingredients mostly used in products for sensitive skin, because they have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects. Effective especially on dry, irritated skin, oats can soothe itchiness and atopic allergic reactions.
- Avocado
Not only avocado is vital in our nutrition but it also comes with a plethora of benefits for the skin. Packed with minerals, vitamins, proteins and waxes, avocado can nourish your complexion with antioxidants and can increase the collagen production and synthesis. Try using avocado or mixing avocado oil in your face masks together with honey, oats or yoghurt and achieve a youthful, plump looking skin.
- Sunflower seed oil
Widely recognized as one of the best natural remedies for skin hydration, sunflower seed oil can improve barrier function and lipid synthesis without leading to irritation. Ideal for cleansing as well, this natural option is known to help treat acne and to be noncomedogenic.
- Cucumber
Used often in spas, cucumber is one vegetable that has lots of skin care benefits, from soothing tired skin to fighting against inflammation. With a high-water content, cucumber can hydrate and energize your skin, reduce swelling and de-puff your eyes. So, if you have enough time in the morning, place two chilled slices of cucumber over your eyes and get rid of your under-eye bags naturally.
- Almond oil
A luxury yet inexpensive body moisturizer, almond oil can reduce cellulite and the formation of stretch marks. This emollient can also reduce the damage of photo-ageing and treat skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Its fatty acid content can dissolve excess oil in the skin, fighting this way against acne and regenerating skin cells.
- Buttermilk or yogurt
All fermented dairy products contain a favorite among dermatologists: lactic acid. This gentle exfoliator is great for acne-prone skin when applied topically and it also has hydration properties. More than this, non-sugary yoghurt masks are known to improve the moisture and the elasticity of your skin. Packed with microbiome probiotics, yoghurt masks can be great for you skin brightening goals.
- Castor oil
The castor oil is an old remedy used to support the healthy of your hair follicles and to encourage hair growth. A great moisturizer in the same time, this oil is full of triglycerides and has humectant properties. When applied on the scalp it can remove dirt, erase dandruff and leave your hair shiny and smooth.
- Rose water
The most decadent hydrating toner, rose water can leave your skin refreshed and protect its barriers while cleaning all impurities that gathered throughout the day. With strong antibacterial properties, rosewater can soothe irritated, acne-prone skin and unclog your pores.
All these amazing skin-soothing ingredients can be found in your kitchen. So the next time you want to take care of your dry skin, head to your pantry and skip the pricey potions from the beauty shops.
