Yesterday's entry was such a hit (it got the most views this month) that I thought I would give you more great beauty Remedies that you can whip up right in your own  kitchen!

Today I'm going to focus on skin care home remedies. Let me first stress the importance of having a regular skincare regimen. Everyone should cleanse and moisturize their skin once in the morning and once at night, and exfoliate at least once a week. It's also good to do a deep cleansing or moisturizing mask once a week as well (based on your skin type) and PLEASE do not sleep in your make-up!

Now that I have gotten my lecture in, here are your at-home skincare remedies:

Cleansers:

To clease your dry skin:

- 2 TBS plain (preferably organic) yogurt

- a few drizzles of honey

- 1/2 of a banana, mashed

spread this over skin and allow to sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and splash with cold to close pores

Why this works: Yogurt is very hydrating, honey has anti-oxident, antiseptic, and hydrating properties. Bananas soften dry skin to allow the moisturizers to penetrate

To Clease Sensitive Skin:

- 1/2 cup oatmeal

- a few drizzles of honey

spread over face allow to sit for 5-10  minutes. Rinse with warm water and them splash with cold to close pores

why this works: Oatmeal is very soothing and calming to the skin. Honey has anti-oxident, antiseptic, and hydrating properties.

**To cleanse normal skin:

(this is quick and simple and works for everyone!)

- cut a green seedless grape in half and rub over entire face

-rinse with warm water, then splash with cold water to close pores

Why this works: Grapes gently exfoliate your skin and remove impurities.

To cleanse your oily/acne-prone skin:

- Mash 1 ripe papaya (can't find a papaya? Use the pulp from a lemon or orange)

- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

-1 tablespoon sea salt

-a shake or two of ground cinnamon

GENTLY spread this over face rub in circular motions. DO NOT rub hard as the salt may scratch the skin, causing micro scarring. Allow to sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and then splash with cold to close pores.

Why this works: Papaya contains a special enzyme that removes excess dirt and oil. Yogurt is very moisturizing, sea salt will remove caked on dry skin cells to allow other ingredients to penetrate. Cinnamon has anti-bacterial properties.

Exfoliator:

Scrub

- 1 TBS Cornmeal (can also use coffee grounds)

- 1 TBS vegetable oil

rub vigorously over entire face. Then rinse with cool water

Why this works: The cornmeal (or coffee grounds) are softer grains than salt or sugar, and do not have sharp edges that can damage delicate facial skin.

Toner:

Squeeze a little lemon juice on a cotton ball and rub over skin to clean and close pores

Why this works: All citrus is anti-septic

Be sure to tone skin after using the above scrub to make sure you get all the oil off of the surface of your skin.

Mask:

For sensitive skin

Mix oatmeal and water to form a paste and spread on skin

allow to dry, then remove with warm water. 

Why this works: Those of you with sensitive skin know that the biggest goal is to calm your poor skin, which is irritated by things as simple as wind or the collar of your shirt. Oatmeal will calm the skin and even out blotchiness. 

*This can be used on rashes, insect bites, and even sunburn to calm skin and reduce redness

For normal - oily skin:

Apply the whites of 2 eggs to your face

allow to dry, and remove with warm water

Why this works: Egg white contains Lysozyme, which is a enzyme that kills bacteria. It is even known to be used as a natural preservative in some foods. The proteins in egg whites will also temporarily firm your skin.

For Acne-prone skin

add a few drops of lemon to the egg white mask above

Why this works: the citrus just boots the bacteria-killing power

For Dehydrated skin:

Apply the yolks of 2 eggs to your face

allow to dry, and remove with warm water

Why this works: The egg yolks are nutrient, protein, and moisture rich. They will lubricate and hydrate dry skin.

Moisturizer:

Since I’ve saved you countless dollars already, I suggest purchasing a good facial moisturizer, as it is something that you leave on your skin and do not rinse away.

I suggest: Dermalogicia Active Moist – this is a great daily moisturizer for all skin types that was developed by the international dermal institute.

Dermalogicia is available at select salons, South and North Hills Beauty Academy, as well as Ulta.

Or Clinique: Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (it’s yellow)

Clinique products are available at most department and sephora stores

If you insist on buying your moisturizer at the drugstore, try Neutrogena, as it is water based and will not clog pores or irritate skin.

I hope this helps you save a few dollars while making your skin the most beautiful it can possibly be. 

Here's a suggestion!
Print these recipes, have a girls' spa night in. Have your friends come over in their sweats, put all the ingredients out (and of course some wine :wink:) and let each person mix their own personalized facial kit. Then apply to each other. You can even include yesterday's hair treatments if you want, and give each other mini-manicures.

Sounds like a great saturday night plan to me!

Have fun and send me your beauty questions [email protected]

Thanks,
Bethany