Feeling like your skin needs a little help during these cold winter months but not wanting to get out in the elements? We feel ya! So, we are sharing a little beauty secret …. some of the most common items in your kitchen also offer incredible benefits for your skin. Better skin in the comfort of your own home—that’s something we can get on board with.
Here’s the rundown—A number of recent studies have revealed how harmful ingredients (toxins such as parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dye to name a few) found in common skin care products are to your body. This research has left consumers begging for more natural products, but so many people don’t know how easy it is to actually find these products. All you have to do is walk into your kitchen! Today we are highlighting how products such as citrus fruits, coconut oil and caffeine can cleanse, hydrate, and restore your skin to its natural beauty.
Citrus fruits
Citrus has long been praised for its detoxifying powers when consumed, but Vitamin C can help detoxify and heal your skin as well. Aiding in the production of collagen (the super protein that keeps your skin firm and elastic!) in your body, Vitamin C contains antioxidants that can protect your skin from free radical damage. Vitamin C is also a powerful hydrating, brightening, and anti-inflammatory nutrient.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil not only smells dreamy, but has dream-like effects on your skin! With ultra-healing characteristics, coconut oil will leave your skin feeling amazing. The saturated fats in coconut oil lock in moisture and help keep your skin hydrated for days. Coconut oil also contains several antimicrobial fatty acids that will both cleanse and defend your skin. Further, coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe and restore already damaged skin.
Caffeine
Coffee is the last of our surprising products that your skin will love. Choked full of antioxidants, coffee helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation and decrease redness and puffiness. The grounds of coffee also work as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells from your skin. Coffee can even help repair already damaged skin through its DNA-restorative properties. Just make sure you are not consuming too much coffee because the caffeine also pumps up your stress hormone cortisol which can lead to wrinkles due to chronic stress.
So how do you actually use these products? Apply any of these products topically for best results. We have included a recipe for a home-made face mask below!
Coffee Mud Mask-
• Mix 2 teaspoons of raw honey and 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil in a jar.
• Add in 1 Tablespoon of ground coffee.
• Apply to skin in circular motions.
• Leave on for 15 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and pat dry.