When it comes to skincare, the plethora of luxury lotions and potions on the market today promising a glowing, younger looking complexion in a matter of weeks can be confusing to navigate. With so many brands and different types of products on offer, all purporting varying benefits for different types of skin, it’s a minefield – so just where exactly do you start?
If it all seems a little too much to get your head around, then there is another option. Homemade ‘Do-It-Yourself’ – or ‘DIY’ skincare techniques are a growing trend, with more people than ever recognising the incredible benefits of the great natural ingredients we have available to us in our everyday lives. From turmeric to manuka honey, you may already have many of them in your store cupboards, making DIY beauty a quick and easy way to give your skin the fix it needs in the comfort of your own home. It’s also cost-effective and requires a low skill level, using mainly organic ingredients in order to minimise your exposure to the nasty chemicals often found in popular high-end beauty products.
The great thing about DIY skincare is that you can easily tailor it to your skin’s individual needs by playing with ingredient measures, though it’s important to understand exactly what you are putting onto your face – and the effects it may have – before you get started. Nobody wants an allergic reaction on their hands, so using fresh ingredients and doing a patch test 48 hours prior to applying a treatment is key. Homemade treatments also have a very short shelf life, so you’ll need to make a fresh batch each time for best results.
Unsure where to start? It’s easy once you know how. We sat down with the experts at Premier Dead Sea – a skincare brand which prides itself on the use of all-natural ingredients and bases its products on natural mineral components from the Dead Sea – to find out their favourite at-home DIY skincare treatments. Why not try them out yourself? Once you’re done, head over to Jpost or check out the Premier Dead Sea YouTube channel to read more about natural skincare – there are lots of great tips to get you on your way.
Tomato & Turmeric Sunblock Face Pack
Tomatoes contain some fabulous antioxidants and anti-aging properties that can also help to protect the skin from UV damage, while superfood ingredient turmeric powder has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can decrease oil secretion, preventing nasty breakouts and irritating spots.
To make your tomato and turmeric sunblock face pack, simply mix 2 tablespoons of fresh tomato juice with 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder to make a smooth paste. Apply the mixture to your face evenly and leave on for 20 minutes or till it hardens slightly, then rinse off with water and pat dry. A simple yet effective treatment which offers day long sun protection.
Lemon for Whitening Underarms
Underarm shaving can often leave the sensitive skin in these areas looking dead and grey. Lemon is widely known to have antiseptic properties, and works as an organic bleaching agent, as well as exfoliating dead skin cells to leave the area, softer, smoother and renewed. Lemon also has the added benefit of being a natural deodorant and prevents bodily odour. Sound too good to be true? Try it yourself and find out.
To lighten the underarm area, just slice a lemon in half and rub it onto the skin in a circular motion, ensuring even coverage. Leave on for about 10-15 mins until it dries, then rinse off with cool, clean water and pat dry. Repeat twice weekly before your shower for optimum results.
Lavender-Aloe Vera for Sunburns
If you get burned easily and need something handy to keep in your bag, then this is the spray for you! You can use this soothing lavender and aloe vera treatment as many times as you like to cool, hydrate and calm sore and angry skin.
To make, mix together 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil, 4 teaspoons of water, 1 teaspoon of aloe vera, and 1-2 drops of coconut oil, then pour the resulting liquid into a mini spray bottle. Spray directly onto the sunburnt skin as soon as you can after exposure to avoid blisters, itching, and peeling – and remember to cover your eyes with your hand if spraying directly onto your face.
Milk, Lemon & Honey Mask for Skin Tightening
Milk possesses excellent moisturizing properties, and can also help to tighten facial skin – while honey boasts a range of anti-ageing benefits that make this the perfect combination for getting that desired lift and glow. Add some lemon juice, which has excellent antibacterial and astringent properties, and you’ve got a powerful three-in-one treatment you’ll want to keep coming back to for more.
To make, mix milk, lemon juice, and honey in a bowl equal parts. Apply the mixture directly onto your freshly cleansed face and let it dry for about 20 – 25 minutes, then rinse your face with cold water to reveal tighter skin and a healthy, radiant glow. Use a minimum of once a week to continue to enjoy the benefits.
Simple, cost-effective and chemical free, these at home DIY skincare treatments are a great way to keep your skin in check – and let’s face it, some of them smell pretty wonderful, too. Maintaining a weekly routine will keep your complexion looking radiant and at its very best, so be sure to use them regularly for best results.
Of course, if making your own seems like too much effort, then there are some great, organic brands out there who can do the hard work for you. We love the Dead Sea Mud Mask by Premier Dead Sea, which contains the saltiest mud on earth and the richest minerals. Great for targeting dehydrated areas of skin, and packed with anti-ageing benefits!
