If I’m going to cocoon, I better come out a butterfly
With our current events reducing people to self-isolation on a global scale, it’s important that we prepare ourselves. According to an article on the Business Insider, many US citizens have reported finding comfort in their skincare routines. Spending excess time indoors can also serve as an opportunity to experiment with new homemade remedies. Seeing as most of you are either avoiding the outside world or struggling to shop due to the chaos in our supermarkets, the following remedies are extremely simple and solely focus on using ingredients that will not be going off anytime soon; so you will only have to buy them once if you don’t already have them in your kitchen.
Powdered Rice Mask
Tools & Ingredients
Blender
Honey
White rice
Measuring jug
Tablespoon
This mask works best for brightening and tightening the skin. Along with a number of benefits, rice is well known for brightening and evening out your complexion treating pigmentation from the sun, pollution, stress, etc. Honey also works as a great choice due to its cell healing and bacteria balancing functions. To make this mask, begin by grinding down 1 cup of uncooked rice into a thin powder. Then pour the powder into a bowl and mix it with 1-2 tbsp of honey. Apply it to your face and let it sit for around 15 minutes.
Rice Toner
Tools & Ingredients
1/2 a cup of white rice
A large bowl or pot
Measuring jug
Colander
Empty container
Whilst this toner will likely benefit any skin type, it’s especially great for those struggling with inflammation. Rice water is packed with minerals and amino acids containing anti-inflammatory properties. The toner also contains vitamin B1, E, and C which is also great for shrinking pores and softening skin. Begin by thoroughly washing your rice. Then pour your water into the rice and let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. Lastly, pour the rice water into your choice of container. Then, all you will need are cotton pads to apply the product, much like you would with any toner. Refrigerated, this toner will last you around five days.
Chocolate Peel-off Mask
Tools & Ingredients
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Brown sugar
Honey
Bowl
Tablespoon
Measuring jug
This mask is especially great for hydrating and removing dead skin cells. Sugar being a natural humectant is a great source of natural hydration. Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants that repair and protect the skin from free radicals brightening up and evening out your complexion. Begin by adding ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ cup honey and 2 tbsp of brown sugar into a bowl. Then mix them into a thick paste. Apply the mixture onto your skin, let it dry, then finish by gently peeling it off. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to rinse it off instead. Whilst peel-off masks can be effective, they are often too harsh for those with rosacea or any type of sensitive skin concern.
Oats & Coconut Oil Mask
Tools & Ingredients
Oats
Coconut oil
Measuring jug
Tablespoon
This mask is ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, oats are one of the most conditioning ingredients out there soothing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy, etc. Coconut oil has been a top trending ingredient in the beauty industry for a long time now. It’s another ingredient that has far too many benefits to list here but works well for this mask with its moisturizing and protective properties that have also been found to alleviate sensitive skin concerns. Start by pouring a ¼ cup of water into your bowl. Then mix in a tbsp of coconut oil followed by 3 tbsp of oatmeal. Keep stirring until you have formed a paste. When applied, leave the mix on your skin for around 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and finish with a splash of cold water.
Matcha
Tools & Ingredients
Matcha powder
Honey
Oats
Bowl
Measuring jug
Tablespoon
Teaspoon
Matcha powder is probably the most trending ingredient mentioned here. It has an exceptionally high level of epigallocatechin gallate, an active component of green tea credited with responsibility for its many health benefits. Similar to coffee cosmetics, this caffeinated substance helps awaken and energize the skin. Prepare a bowl with 1 tbsp of fine oats, ¼ tsp of matcha, 1 tsp of honey and a tiny splash of water. Then mix the ingredients into a paste. Apply the paste onto your skin and leave it on for 10-30 minutes.
Some other ingredients following this trend include tea (as a toner) and finely ground espresso coffee (to be used in a mask). The list goes on especially if you have a garden that can give you a wider selection of fresh and organic options. What’s your favorite DIY skincare ingredient?
At this time it’s important that we stay safe and take care of ourselves as much as we can remembering that small actions can go a long way.
