You don't need to break the bank by forking out for expensive beauty products. Look no further than your kitchen to find the perfect ingredients for an all-natural, chemical-free spa treatment.
For as long as I can remember I have been performing a weekly facial routine. I always favoured the DIY option rather then paying spa prices but still used to spend a fair bit on my facial products. Then one day I realised my exfoliator had run out (shock horror). My skin was crying out for some therapy so I decided to try and throw something together myself. I rubbed some mixed up salt and olive oil into my face and hey presto! My skin was as smooth as ever.
Since then, I have tried a variety of ingredients and have come up with what I now use every week to give my skin a deep cleanse and a surge of moisture.
CLEANSE
INGREDIENTS:
Just coconut oil
METHOD:
Take a teaspoon of coconut oil and warm between your hands.
Rub over the face for about a minute.
Rinse a facecloth (preferably hessian) under warm water.
Place on face and wait for about half a minute.
Use the cloth to remove the oil.
Rinse cloth and repeat the last two steps.
"The oil helps to cleanse without drying out the skin and the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help those with issues like acne."
EXFOLIATE
INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon olive oil or warmed up coconut oil
1 tablespoon caster sugar
METHOD:
Mix ingredients together in a small bowl.
Gently rub over face in a circular motion avoiding eye area.
Rinse with warm water.
"Cleopatra was said to have used olive oil as part of her beauty regime. Olive oil penetrates the skin, removing dead skin cells and contains antioxidants like vitamins A and E which help in repair. Using an oil with a grainy substance like sugar softens the exfoliator and caster sugar is the least abrasive kind so is kinder to the skin."
(After this you will probably feel there is some excess oil left over on your face - the steaming process which comes next will remove much of this.)
STEAM
METHOD:
Put freshly boiled water into a large bowl, place a clean towel over your head to hold in the steam and stay there for at least 5 minutes (no more than 10).
"Steaming cleanses the pores and makes your skin more receptive to other facial treatments."
MASK
INGREDIENTS:
Half an Avocado
1/2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (Braggs is superior)
1 teaspoon Lemon
2 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon ground oats (whole oats will make the mask too lumpy)
METHOD:
Mash ingredients well to form a paste. Layer over the face nice and thick, avoiding eye area.
Leave about 20 minutes (I like to place cucumber or wet teabags over my eyes during this time)
Rinse thoroughly.
"Avocado is full of antioxidants, vitamin-E and healthy fats which smooth the skin and protect from environmental damage. The enzymes in honey clear the skin and the antibacterial properties along with those in the vinegar and the oats help any skin irritation. Lemon brightens the complexion and removes any excess oil and the saponin in the oats gently cleanse the skin."
TONE
Following the facial routine use rose water and cotton wool to tone the skin (can be bought from most health food stores)
"Rose water contains anti-inflammatory properties which has a soothing effect and due to its astringent like properties it tones the skin and cleans the pores."
MOISTURISE
You can finish with your own moisturiser of if you want to go all-out natural, coconut oil is a great moisturiser; apply and leave on over night. By morning your skin should be clean, smooth and oil free.
"Coconut oil is primarily composed of saturated fats and contains medium-chain fatty acids, so when used as a moisturiser helps to repair the skin barrier and trap water leaving the skin beautifully hydrated."
Lookin' Good! :)
Louise Appel Personal Trainer, St John's Wood & Personal Trainer Maida Vale offers customised, individual Personal Training and Pilates at Lords Cricket Ground, St John's Wood. Personal Trainer Harpenden & Personal Trainer St Albans is located at EsTR Fitness.