There’s a myriad of skin care products available in the market. However, the majority of them are made of chemicals which, although popular, come with some side effects. Not only can they cause skin allergies, but they can also cause harm to the environment.

For this reason, many are on the hunt for natural skin care products. After all, your skin is the largest organ in your body that’s why it’s a must that you take good care of it. If you’re thinking about switching to naturally-made skin care products, go for it. Here’s why:

No more toxic odour

Mainstream skin care products contain artificial fragrances. Some people have reportedly experienced headaches, migraines, sinus issues, nausea, etc. from using them. On the other hand, products that are made from organic ingredients have natural scents that are neither strong nor toxic.

Your skin won’t get irritated

Aside from artificial fragrances, commercial skin care products also contain artificial colours and corrosive chemicals. You’re putting yourself at risk of getting irritated especially if you have sensitive skin or an atopic condition such as eczema. However, natural skin care products are perfectly safe because they’re gentle to the skin.

Zero chance of internal issues

What’s even worse, the chemicals used in mainstream skin care products can also end up in your bloodstream. If this happens, it’s not only your skin that’s in danger but your internal organs as well.

Natural skin care items are eco-friendly

Pretty much, most of the things found in commercial skin care products are bad for you. Additionally, they’re bad for the environment. From when they’re made and when they’re disposed of, toxins and harmful chemicals are damaging the environment.

Natural skin care recipes

People are still into skin care products filled with chemicals despite knowing their harmful effects. But don’t worry, homemade beauty products are real and they work!

More importantly, the ingredients that you need can be found in your home. Grabbing ingredients already in your cupboards will help to lower your home’s carbon footprint by cutting your plastic and chemical consumption.

Apple cider vinegar

Cleaning with vinegar is a natural way to kill bacteria, germs, and mould in the kitchen.

Apple cider vinegar though, aside from being perfect for salads and other recipes, can also work wonders on your skin. It packs a lot of health benefits that you can even use it as a skincare product.

You can use apple cider vinegar as a:

• Skin soother. Apple cider vinegar is the same ph level as our skin, meaning it can sooth imbalances. Mix eight ounces of acv in a bathtub filled with warm water, soak yourself in it for 15 minutes, and it will restore your skin’s natural ph level.

• Sunburn remedy. Dousing sunburned skin with a solution made from ½ cup acv and four cups of water can promote healing and prevent blistering.

• Foot deodoriser. Acv also has antiseptic and antifungal properties, making it an ideal solution to foot odour and athlete’s foot. Mix one cup apple cider vinegar with four cups water in a basin. Soak your feet in it for 15 minutes, rinse, and dry.

Baking soda

This is one ingredient that is almost always available in your cupboard. It’s alkaline in nature which enables it to balance the ph level in the skin (similar to apple cider vinegar). It can also help exfoliate away dead skin cells, making your skin glow radiantly.

You can use baking soda as a:

• Acne scar remover. Make a paste of baking soda and water that is thick enough to apply to your skin. Use twice or three times a day for three minutes then wash off.
  
  

• Blackhead remover. Create a paste out of one teaspoon of baking soda mixed with one teaspoon water. Open your pores using warm water and apply the baking soda paste to your face, concentrating on the areas with blackheads.
  
  Leave the paste for a minute then rinse off with cold water. For better results, use a diluted apple cider vinegar as a toner. You can mix equal parts vinegar to water.

Salt body scrub

Dry skin is a very common condition that sometimes causes small fine flakes and dry patches. A good home remedy against it is a body scrub with salt as the main ingredient.

To make a salt body scrub:

• Mix half a cup of sea salt with three tablespoons olive oil and two tablespoons white vinegar in a bowl.

• Apply it to your skin in circular movements from the feet up.

• Rinse off with warm water and finish with a blast of cold water.

Avocado is an amazing superfood. It’s rich in vitamins, protein, copper, fibre and monounsaturated fats — all of which are good for the body and skin.

Avocado combined with and an egg makes an excellent skin tightener.

• Blend one avocado and one egg together.

• Apply the mixture along your jaw and cheekbones in small circular motions and leave for 10 minutes.

• Use twice a week and see for yourself how much younger you look.

And don’t forget about the remaining items such as its skin. Similar to other fruits and vegetables, the peels of avocado are perfect for composting, along with the egg shell.

Egg white

Wrinkles have always been associated with ageing. And we all want to look younger, right? Not only can you make mouth-watering omelettes out of eggs, but you can also use the egg whites for shrinking those wrinkles.

It’s so easy to do that you only need a cotton wool pad and the egg whites.

• Apply the egg whites to the skin using the cotton wool pad

• Leave it for 15 minutes. You’ll be able to feel your skin tighten as the egg white hardens.

• Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Additional skin care recipes

Here are a few more natural skincare ideas made from ingredients you’re bound to have in your cupboards.

Makeup remover

You’ll need:

1 cup of aloe vera gel

½ cup of jojoba oil

Procedure: mix both ingredients together

How to use: apply with a cotton pad. Rinse off with warm water.

Natural exfoliator

You’ll need:

½ cup brown sugar

Two teaspoons oats

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Two tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon nutmeg

Procedure: mix all the ingredients together

How to use: apply to skin by rubbing in circular motions. Rinse off.

Skin cleanser

You’ll need:

Two tablespoons oats

One tablespoon plain yogurt

½ tablespoon honey

Procedure: mix all of the ingredients

How to use: massage onto skin and leave for five minutes. Rinse with warm water

Moisturising cleanser

You’ll need:

Three tablespoons coconut oil

One teaspoon honey

One teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Procedure: stir the coconut oil until its texture has become creamy. Add honey and mix well. Finally, add bicarbonate of soda and stir.

How to use: apply to skin then remove with warm water.

Conclusion

You don’t have to apply chemicals or spend vast amounts to make your skin look and feel great. Sometimes, all it takes is a little search in your cupboards and a few recipes like the ones above.

Using natural skin care products means you’ll be doing your bit for your skin, as well as the environment!