Tuesday Beauty Tips!! Beauty Products from your Kitchen Part 2!!

How many times have you been swayed by one luxurious-sounding ingredient in a personal care product?  I only recently began asking myself, “why not go straight to the source?”  If those ingredients are so good for my skin, why purchase something that is 99% filler and only 1% good stuff?  You may be surprised to find that your kitchen is chock full of secret beauty ingredients that are simple to use and as good as, if not better than, the store bought version!

In case you missed it, here is Part 1 of Beauty Products from your kitchen!!

Omega-3 fatty acids restore dry skin:
Omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate dry skin and can minimize symptoms of eczema (a skin condition that causes itchy, red rashes).
 
They aid the skin by boosting its lipid content and holding onto moisture. They also act as an anti-inflammatory and help cells fight free radical molecules, which contribute to aging.

What to do: Take 500-1,000 milligrams of purified omega-3 fish oil pills daily.

Bonus: These supplements may also improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation.

Olive oil is a good moisturizer:
Olive oil, when eaten, improves heart health. But slathered on skin....it helps lock in moisture.

What to do: Apply about 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil to skin and massage with your fingertips, focusing on extra-dry areas like elbows and knees. And dab some on lips to soften them.

Lemon smoothes your face:
 You may have used lemons to lighten hair in the summer – the fruit’s acids have bleaching properties, especially when combined with sunlight.

However, they also act as an exfoliant helping break down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. By removing these cells, skin will be noticeably smoother.

What to do: Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle a pinch of sugar on the pulp side for a sweet way to exfoliate.  Rub the fruit on your face.

Because citrus fruits react with sunlight, it's best to try this treatment at night. That's because the acids on your face could trigger a reaction, such as blistering.

Baking soda safely exfoliates skin:
Although not as effective as a chemical exfoliator (such as glycolic or salicylic acid) in removing dead skin cells, baking soda is an inexpensive, gentle way to smooth your complexion.

What to do: Make a paste with baking soda with vinegar and rub over your face with your fingertips. (Baking soda can irritate skin, and the vinegar dilutes it and acts as a cleanser.)

You can also add a teaspoon of baking soda to your facial cleanser. Combine well and massage gently onto your skin 2-3 times a week.
 
If skin becomes red or irritated, use less baking soda. And don’t forget to moisturize afterward.

Honey softens skin:
Honey also helps skin retain moisture.

Its natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties helps skin rejuvenate, leaving it soft and supple.

Another surprising beauty fix? Honey improves mild acne.
 
Honey absorbs impurities from the pores on the skin, making it an ideal cleansing agent.

What to do: Combine 1 tablespoon honey with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Mix thoroughly. Apply to face for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Finish with a splash of cold water to close pores and firm skin.

Herbal laxatives are good facials:
Laxative flakes for your face? This beauty secret, which supposedly tightens pores and reduces breakouts.  Swiss Kriss, for example, includes instructions for use as a laxative and facial. It contains licorice root, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
 
Laxatives work [internally] by absorbing water. [On your face] the product may also absorb water from the skin, making it feel tighter.

What to do: If you’re up for an experiment, place a couple scoopfuls of Swiss Kriss laxative flakes in a bowl of hot water. Lean into the steam with a towel over your head for five minutes.

Eggs improve damaged hair:
Applying egg whites to hair strengthens it and prevents damage!

What’s more, egg yolks – which are rich in vitamin A, D, and E as well as several B vitamins – contain protein and fatty acids that help make hair shiny.

What to do: Mix 2 egg yolks with 3 teaspoons olive oil. Massage into hair and scalp and let it set for 20 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly.
This treatment works best on dry to normal hair and promotes strong, beautiful hair and a healthy scalp.
Got split ends? Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 2 tablespoons olive oil and beat in 1 egg yolk. After massaging the mixture into your ends, wrap hair in a shower cap. Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Avocado moisturizes skin:
 Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats, vitamins B and E as well as amino acids. These help hydrate skin, leaving it soft and smooth.

What to do: Mix 2 ounces ripe avocado, 1 ounce orange juice, and 1 teaspoon honey by hand or a blender until smooth. Add more orange juice if mixture gets too thick.

Apply mask on face and neck (avoiding eyes), and leave on for about 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

 Don't forget the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop!!  I will have the linky posted tonight!