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Fruits, vegetables, greens are all full of goodness for your skin. Here are some recipes using them that you can try out right at home.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is rich in anti-oxidants and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene can be converted by the body into Vitamin A. This helps the body in its process of regeneration, slowing down the aging process. Pumpkin pulp contains vitamins, especially pro-vitamin A, Vitamins E and C, salts and minerals, carbon hydrates, and proteids.
The seeds contain oil, proteids, resines and enzymes with antihelmintic properties. The pumpkin’s core contains lecithin, tyrosine, peporesine, phosphorus and Vitamins B and A.
With age, the cell’s metabolism weakens and the energy balance of skin cells is less. The skin changes by the ageing process, becomes tired and appears dull. The pumpkin’s anti oxidant properties help the skin recover its tone and radiance.
Recipe: In a small bowl, take 1/4 cup mashed pumpkin pulp, 1 tablespoon honey + 1 drop of lavender essential oil. Mix them well until it turns into a smooth paste. Apply to clean, damp skin in the evening, and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with water.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains powerful antioxidant compounds, so it helps to prevent premature destruction of healthy cells in the body. It also possesses anti-microbial properties which help to reduce the risk of food-borne diseases caused by bacteria. It is also good for blood sugar stabilisation.
Recipe: Take 3 tbsp of honey with a few drops of cinnamon essential oil. Mix them well and apply the paste to pimples or all over your face. Leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.
Peppermint
Peppermint contains active compounds, including menthol, menthone, limonene, pulegone and other volatile components that account for peppermint’s fragrance, flavour and cooling properties. Several flavonoids, which may confer anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, are also present. Most peppermint preparations also contain tannins, which are natural astringents that draw moisture and shrink pores.
Recipe: Take 3 cups coconut oil, 1/4 cup baking soda (aluminum-free), 1/4 cup arrowroot powder, a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Mix them well and make it into a fine paste. Apply to your armpit. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse it off.
Apple
Apple is rich in Vitamin C, calcium, potassium and fibre. These nutrients keep us healthy and fit. Antioxidant compounds in apple skin called phenol provide UV-B protection which makes the skin more resistant to damage from the sun.
Recipe: Chop up one cored apple cut into quarters in a food processor. To this paste add 2 tbsp honey and a few drops of ylang ylang essential oil. Mix them well and refrigerate the paste for 10 minutes. Apply the paste onto the face. Keep it for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water.
Cranberries
Cranberries are full of antioxidants which protect cells from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals. They contain a lot of antioxidants (electron donation) which improve blood flow. The phytochemicals benefit body tissue structures and aid digestion. Better digestion affects the skin’s health and clarity. Poor digestion can cause build up of toxins in our digestive system that distributes throughout our body via the blood stream. The toxins can affect our skin through acne breakouts, hives and rashes.
Recipe: Take 6 tsp. petroleum jelly, 2 tsp glycerin 2 tsp lemon juice, pulp of cranberries, a few drops of sandalwood essential oil. Mix them well and store in a container. Apply this moisturising lotion to dry and flaky arms and legs. Use whenever required.
Carrot Buttermilk Mask
Carrots are great for oily skin as they contain Vitamin A which is very good for such skin.
Recipe:Take 2 tbsp of fresh carrot juice, 2 tbsp powdered buttermilk, a few drops of tea tree essential oil. Take a bowl, mix the carrot juice and buttermilk and make it into a smooth paste. Apply it to the skin. Leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Lettuce cleansing lotion
Lettuce contains vitamins, sulphur, silicon and phosphorous. It soothes the aggravated skin. They also help restore the skin’s pH level and balance the complexion.
Recipe: Take ½ head of lettuce, 4 cups of water, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Put the lettuce in a saucepan and fill it with water. Place it on medium heat and bring to boil. Once boiled, lower the heat and simmer for 1 hour.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool. Once it is cool, strain all the solids, put a few drops of lavender essential oil in it and mix it well. Pour into a clean bottle and use the lotion as a skin cleanser.
Hand cream
In order to take care of dry rough skin you need an oil rich moisturiser or a cream that can cure your dry rough palms, fingers and cuticles, and soften your skin
Recipe: Take 3 tbsp of grated beeswax, 1 tbsp of liquid lanolin, ½ cup of sesame oil (helps screen UV rays), 2 tbsp of chamomile tea, 1 tbsp of coconut oil, 1 tsp of honey, 1/8 tsp of baking soda.
Put all the ingredients in a microwave safe glass container and heat slowly in the microwave until the wax and oils are melted. Do not boil the mixture. Stir well and pour the mixture into a clean jar and let it cool overnight. Use it when required.