DIY Eco-Friendly Beauty: Feel Good About Looking Great!

-by Sarah Bankoff

It’s always nice to pamper yourself, and what better way to treat your skin then by using the same wholesome ingredients you cook with! Not only is it economical, but using kitchen ingredients to make your own beauty products is fun and earth-friendly. It allows you to control what you put on your skin, as well as eliminating packaging. As an added benefit, you can compost whatever you don’t use, reducing waste and helping your garden grow.

For oily faces: Mix one egg white with a teaspoon of lemon juice, apply to clean face. Let dry for ten minutes then rinse with warm water. This will make your skin feel tight while it dries, similar to gel facemasks, but does wonders for an oily complexion. (Tip: mix the unused yolk from the egg with a tsp. of honey, and 2 tsp of coconut oil for a great hair deep conditioner!! Apply to hair, wrap with plastic bag or saran wrap and leave in for 15 minutes. Then rinse with cool water, shampoo and condition as usual. This will leave your hair silky smooth and shiny.)

For dry faces: Mash one ripe banana with enough honey to make a pulpy textured mash. Add a couple tablespoons of hot water if the mixture is too thick. Apply to clean face after a hot bath or shower, and let sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and moisturize.

For irritated, red facial skin or sunburned face: Apply fresh cold plain yogurt to face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, than rinse with cool water.  Another good remedy for red, irritated skin is cool chamomile tea (bonus green points if you grow your own chamomile. It’s a great potted plant for a container garden, and pretty too!)

To make a great body scrub: Mix a handful of old-fashioned oats, ¼ cup of coarse-ground brown sugar or rock salt and a few glugs of olive, coconut or almond oil. Use as a body polishing scrub, concentrating on rough, dull areas like knees, elbows and feet. Rinse skin thoroughly with warm water and moisturize.

For irritated, rashy or sunburned body care: Fill an old clean sock or stocking with 3 cups oatmeal plus a couple of drops of lavender essential oil, and tie off the end. Place in the bathtub, fill with water, and soak your itchies away! (This is really great for poison ivy too.)