You may be surprised by how many everyday natural items can be used for health and beauty purposes. Many items in your kitchen can be used as supplements for healthier skin, odor control, and hygiene.
Take a look at these six simple ingredients that could change your daily beauty routine.
1. Extra virgin olive oil
This substance is a jack of all trades; it comes in handy for so many beauty and household uses. You can apply olive oil to dry skin as a moisturizer, restore the gleam to your hair by massaging it into your scalp before a shower, and remove makeup with it.
If your cuticles are dry, dab some olive oil onto your fingernails to restore their shine. The slick and hydrating contents in olive oil make it safe for you to use in bath products and facial wash. You can mix it with a variety of fragrance oils to create a relaxing aromatherapy experience.
2. Baking soda
This powder is also known as sodium bicarbonate, and it is an excellent natural deodorizer that can regulate pH levels. That’s why many people will leave an open box of baking soda in a refrigerator: the powder neutralizes food odors.
Baking soda alone can be used as a quick alternative to toothpaste and mouthwash, removing odors from your mouth and breath. After cooking, you can scrub your hands with a baking soda and water solution to remove the smell of onions and other ingredients from your skin.
Showering with a small amount of baking soda can remove the buildup of hair product residue that can form on your hair.
3. Apple cider vinegar
This common kitchen staple contains helpful bacteria and enzymes that can be used medicinally when consumed or topically on your skin and hair.
If you’re feeling bloated, mix a spoonful of apple cider vinegar into some tea to relieve symptoms of gas and heartburn. This ingredient can also be added to your shower routine; it will remove toxins from your hair and skin. Dilute a spoonful in water and pour it through your hair after using conditioner. Rinse with water, dry, and your hair will shine. The strong smell will fade shortly after you use apple cider vinegar on your skin or hair.
4. Coconut oil
Many beauty products already contain coconut oil, which is well known for its hydrating components and rich, appealing smell. It is a natural moisturizer that can restore the glow to cracked and dry skin.
You can also use coconut oil during a shower as an alternative to shaving cream, hair conditioner, makeup remover, and face wash. After you style your hair, coconut oil can be smoothed across problematic areas, and help you control frizz and unruly strands.
5. Honey
This by-product of beehives has been used in beauty and skin care products for centuries. It’s an anti-bacterial humectant that helps your skin remain hydrated and clean.
Facial scrubs, lotions, and facial masks will often incorporate honey as an ingredient. Mixing honey into your bath water can help restore moisture to your skin after you’ve out in the sun all day. Like baking soda, honey can also freshen your breath if consumed in tea or gargled with warm water.
6. Witch hazel
This plant extract is a natural astringent that can reduce or stop blemish formation, treat chicken pox sores, reduce bug bite swelling, and soothe cuts.
Witch hazel is mixed with a variety of essential oils and other natural ingredients to form beauty product lines, deodorants, and topical creams. It can be a great addition to your medicine cabinet, for providing relief from the discomfort of scrapes and scratches.
Originally posted on August 6, 2013 @ 7:20 pm