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Apr 2, 2012

Homemade Facial Scrub Recipes

April 2, 2012 By Carleenp 2 Comments

Previously we looked at Homemade Lip Balm, and How to Make Facial Masks. Now it is time for homemade scrub!

Although there are many excellent commercial facial scrubs, they can also be quite expensive. Anyone can create a homemade facial scrub, usually from household items or those that are easily obtained, that works just as well to sooth and exfoliate the skin. The most important thing to know about facial scrubs, of any kind, is that they should not be applied more than every two weeks. Overuse can result in dry, red, irritated skin.

DIY Facial Scrub

Honey Egg Facial Scrub

Start with two egg whites. Separate the eggs, just as you would for cooking, retaining the egg whites. Beat the egg whites until they are foamy. Fold in a fourth cup each of olive oil, whole milk and honey. Add chickpea flour, a little at a time, until you reach a paste consistency. The mixture can be scented with essential oils, but it is not necessary. Lavender or rose scents are appealing.

Spread the honey egg facial scrub over your face, while rubbing it into the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Let the facial scrub remain on the face for approximately 5 minutes. Saturate a soft washcloth with warm water. Use the washcloth to remove the facial mask. Give a final rinse to the face to remove any remaining scrub.

Each individual ingredient benefits your skin in different ways. Olive oil adds nutrients, moisture and softness to the skin. Chickpea flour reduces puffiness. Honey adds nutrients and cleans out pores. Eggs firm the skin and milk acts as a moisturizer.

Sugar Facial Scrub

Almost everyone has white sugar in their kitchen cupboard. It is healthier to use on your skin, as an exfoliate, than to eat. The lovely oils smell delectable and leave your skin moisturized. This simple scrub is quick and easy to make. Choose between almond oil, olive oil or sesame oil, as desired.

Combine 1 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup oil. Mix the two ingredients until they are fully mingled together, yet still a bit grainy. This facial scrub is primarily for the face and neck areas, but can also be used in the shower on elbows and knees. Always avoid the eye area when using any facial scrub, not only can it irritate the eye, but also the delicate surrounding skin. After the sugar facial scrub has remained on your skin for 5 minutes, rinse it off completely.

Oatmeal Facial Scrub

Oatmeal has long been used as an exfoliate ingredient in commercial, as well as homemade, scrubs. It leaves the skin smooth and silky. Feel free to extend this oatmeal facial scrub into the shower to use on legs, arms or other areas that may need some tender repair.

Place a half pound of glycerin soap base, found at craft and hobby stores, into a sauce pan. Heat, but do not boil, the soap base on medium-low heat. When all the base is melted, let it cool before proceeding. Chop ¼ cup oatmeal in the blender, until fine. Add to the blender the soap base, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon olive oil and ½ teaspoon sweet almond oil. Blend the ingredients until a paste is formed. Spread the mixture over the face and gently rub around the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and neck. Let the oatmeal scrub remain on the face for about 5 minutes. Rinse with clear water, until all the scrub is removed.

Tips

Place any remaining scrub into an airtight container and put it into the refrigerator. Before the next use, place the bottom of the container in a sink of hot water. This will soften it, as well as warm it up so it is more comfortable on your skin. Remember to apply and rub the facial scrub into the skin gently. Never over work it. Let the scrub ingredients do most of the work. After all, when the job is finished the skin should exhibit a healthy glow, not damaged, red splotches.

Disclosures: Girl Gloss at times reviews products provided by a representative of the company. When we do so, we specifically state so. We also use affiliate links. For more, please see the disclosure page

About the Author: Carleen Coulter

Filed Under: Skin, Spa Tagged With: DIY, Scrubs, Skin Care

Mar 31, 2012

6 Top Footcare Tips

March 31, 2012 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

Our feet have to handle abuse on a daily basis. There’s very little respite until the end of the day when we can, with relief, kick our shoes off.

It’s important to look after our feet. As a piece of advice that might seem obvious, but it’s easy to ignore, which we do all the time! Our body has a way of telling us if there’s something wrong, and you can usually tell when your feet require some much needed TLC. Here are a few tips that might help with the care of your feet.

1. Wash your feet every day. Scrubbing in the shower doesn’t count here, as your feet don’t get the sufficient soaking that they need. Wash your feet in warm, salt water for 10 minutes or more, and it serves to ease away stress while cleansing and deodorising. Be wary not to soak your feet daily, as this can dry out the foot’s natural oils.

2. Dry skin. Many people will experience dry skin on their feet most of their lives. At best, it can be a mild irritation, but at worst it can lead to physical pain, especially if the hardened skin cracks. Use a pumice stone to remove the hardened skin before it becomes too severe, while giving your feet a good soak.

3. Trimming toenails. There is a correct way to cut your toenails that will help to avert such ailments as in-growing nails. Cut straight across the nail, as cutting down into the corners will lead to in-grown toenails.

4. The right shoes. Buying the right shoes for your feet is essential for their wellbeing. Choose your footwear based on how they would fit after being worn for long periods. Of course, there are shoes that don’t take comfort as a priority, and worn occasionally there should be few problems. A great tip is to buy shoes later in the afternoon after your feet have swollen a little, which is normal – don’t panic!

5. Sun block. When enjoying the day out in sunny weather, particularly on the beach or spending a lot of time in flip flops, your feet are at risk from sun damage. Your feet need as much protection as the rest of your body, so be sure to apply sunscreen and keep it topped up throughout the day.

6. Professional help. If you find that you are struggling with any foot complaint, such as infections or pain, do consult your doctor or chiropodist. Even the odd twinge can be an early indicator of infection.

With these tips you should be able to keep your feet in good working order, but always seek professional advice when needed.

Rainbow’s End has a great choice of footwear from brands such as Marco Tozzi, FitFlop and Heavenly Feet shoes.

Filed Under: Bling, Shoes, Skin, Spa Tagged With: Shoes, Skin Care

Mar 26, 2012

DIY Facial Mask Recipes For Different Skin Types

March 26, 2012 By Carleenp Leave a Comment

Last week we looked at How to Make Lip Balm. This week it is time for DIY Facial Masks!

Facial masks are a simple way to relax and improve your complexion at home. Commercially made masks often contain chemicals and preservatives for a longer shelf life, but homemade masks have no artificial ingredients. Most people have the necessary ingredients for a face mask in their kitchen, but supplies can be found at most grocery stores or online. Masks help heal irritated skin, pull dirt and oils from the skin and increase circulation. Clay masks also exfoliate to remove the top layer of dead skin for a healthy glow.

Facial Mask Recipes

Clay Masks

Homemade clay masks have been used for centuries to draw oils, dirt and toxins from the skin. The type of clay to use depends on the type of skin. Most clays can be purchased at a health food store or online.

White clay is a very mild clay gentle enough for sensitive skin. It gently exfoliates and increases blood circulation to improve complexion.
Yellow clay is also mild and works great on sensitive skin. Unlike other clays, it does not pull oil from the pores, so it is the best clay for dry skin.
Rose clay exfoliates and increases blood circulation, making it a good clay for dry or normal skin types.
Green clay pulls toxins, dirt and oils from the skin, so it is best for oily skin. It has a high mineral content that soothes irritated skin and helps clear the complexion. Do not use this clay on sensitive or dry skin.

Clay Mask Recipe

1. Place one tablespoon clay in a plastic or glass bowl.
2. Add water a teaspoon at a time until the mask is looks like a thick yogurt. Adding too much water results in a thin mask that will not be as effective and take too long to dry.
3. Spread mask evenly over the face with your fingers. Use a circular motion with your fingertips to increase circulation. Avoid the delicate eye area and around the lips.
4. Let mask dry for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with tepid water.

DIY Mask For Dry Skin

This honey in this mask soothes irritated skin while the oil and egg moisturize. Yogurt has been said to minimize the look of pores for a better complexion.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon honey
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon olive oil (or other oil high in vitamins)

Directions
1. Combine all ingredients in a glass bowl and mix well. This mask will be sticky and thick.
2. Apply to face with your fingertips in gentle circles.
3. Let sit for at least five minutes before rinsing.

Mask For Oily Skin

Banana moisturizes the skin without using an oil-based product. Honey also moisturizes while it soothes irritated skin.