Homemade Natural Skin Care Products

Skin care products present a dilemma for the health-conscious consumer. On the one hand, you want to look good and have great skin. On the other, you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on skin care products that are full of chemicals and often tested on animals.

Fortunately, you don't have to pay premium prices for natural skin care products. With just a little bit of time, effort, and a few simple ingredients, you can easily make your own natural skin care products at home. Here are a few recipes for common skin care products that can be made from common household ingredients. Give them a try – your wallet will thank you, and so will your skin!

Cucumber Astringent

This ultra simple recipe, a natural skin care staple, feels great and helps to protect your face from the elements.

1 cucumber

Easy so far, right? Peel the cucumber and puree it in a food processor. Apply the puree to your skin using a cotton pad, gently swathing your face. Rinse off with cool water. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for a day or two.

Facial Cleansing Mask

This deep-cleansing mask is perfect for treating oily skin.

1 packet dry yeast
3 drops lemon juice
2 tsp. water

Mix all ingredients into a thick paste, adding more water if necessary, to achieve a spreadable consistency. Pat the mixture onto the face, avoiding the eyes. Allow to sit 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat the skin dry.

Yogurt and Oatmeal Facial

Those same ingredients that you put in your cereal bowl also make a refreshing, deep-cleaning facial cleanser.

1 tablespoon finely ground oatmeal
1 tablespoon yogurt
1/2 tsp. honey

Wash your face thoroughly with a natural cleanser to prepare it for the facial.

Mix together the yogurt and oatmeal into a spreadable consistency. Warm the honey so that it's nice and runny (you can do this in a small glass bowl sitting in a larger bowl of hot water) then pour it into the yogurt and oatmeal mixture. Mix together the ingredients thoroughly.

Immediately apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eyes, and let it stay on for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and pat skin dry.

Citrus Moisturizer

Apply this moisturizer right before you bathe for silky soft skin.

1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup olive oil

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolk, lemon juice, and olive oil together until the mixture is creamy. Thin with more lemon juice if needed.

Massage into your skin as an intense moisturizing treatment before a shower or bath. Apply lightly to hands, arms, legs and face. Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes before getting into the bath, then bathe as usual.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Exfoliating Body Scrub

Use this cleaner in the shower or bath for an all-body, deep-cleaning scrub.

1/4 cup coarse sea salt
1/4 cup baby oil
1/2 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract

In a small bowl, stir the salt and baby oil together until the oil is thoroughly incorporated into the salt. Add the extract and stir.

Use in the shower or bath. Apply with your hands, washcloth, or any body scrubber. Massage into skin then rinse off.

Warm Oil Hand Treatment

This rub is the perfect fix for dry, cracked hands and fingers.

1 tablespoon olive or other cooking oil
1 tsp. almond extract or 1 drop lavender essential oil
2 small plastic bags that will fit over your hands

Heat the oil in the microwave or stovetop until it is warmed (not hot). Add almond extract or lavender and stir.

Rub the oil into your hands, massaging fingers and palms. Cover hands with bags and wrap a clean towel over the bags. Sit comfortably for about 5 minutes.

Remove the bags and rinse your hands with warm water, massaging away the oil. Gently pat dry with towel.

For more on natural skin care and other beauty tips, visit the EnvyMyHealth.com Bath & Beauty Channel!

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided on EnvyMyHealth.com and its affiliates is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. Nothing contained on this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.