As we all adjust to our new normal of life indoors. Voir brings you the perfect home skin guide to get your indoor quarantine glow. Luckily, many cupboard essentials make for great skin treatments. Many everyday ingredients have natural benefits and can be used in homemade masks and creams. Here are a few recipes that you recreate from the comfort of your own home.
Honey
Raw honey is full of antioxidants which help fight wrinkles and fine lines, as well as helping to fade scars. It’s also a natural antibacterial so will help prevent spots popping up, whilst leaving the skin super soft. It can be used on its own, covering your face with a layer of it for a few minutes and then rinsing off, or combined with other ingredients for a face mask.
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt, apply to face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before wiping off with a warm facecloth. You can also substitute the yoghurt for half a ripe avocado for the same effect (save the other half for some avocado toast). If you want a more exfoliating wash, mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of uncooked oats and gently rub into the skin and leave for 15 minutes.
Coffee
Coffee isn’t just beneficial in perking you up after a sleepless night, it also helps with your skin as it is packed full of antioxidants. From helping reduce the appearance of cellulite and fine lines to reducing inflammation and dark circles, coffee can be used in scrubs and masks to help keep your skin in top form.
Combine 1 tablespoon of ground/instant coffee with a tablespoon of milk to create a spreadable paste, apply to a clean face, massaging the mask gently and then leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off while massaging the face again. This will help reduce puffy eyes and clears the skin from dirt and dead skin cells, while the milk softens the skin.
Sugar
Sugar is something that is always stocked in our cupboards, and when it comes to skincare, sugar is a great ingredient. It’s great for exfoliating the skin, dissolving dead skin cells and cleansing, while not stripping the skin of natural oils. Brown sugar is the best choice for sensitive skin as it is the least abrasive and can be used as a scrub more often. Mix 1 cup of sugar with 3-5 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil (perfect for moisturising the skin) to get a sandy consistency, not too wet. Rub the mixture into the face and lips in circular motions after a shower/bath to get rid of dead, dry skin and rinse to leave you soft and glowing. The scrub is safe for lips as it’s edible and can also be used all over the body.
Teabags
Not only does a cup of tea soothe a tired person but it can also help tired eyes. Soak green tea bags in warm water then place on your eyes and it will help reduce puffiness or use cold tea bags to help with swelling and dark circles. Rubbing warm green tea bags in circular motions on clean skin where you are prone to acne will help clear the skin and reduce acne scarring.
Words by Camila Karalyte
Graphics by Katie Janes
