Geerthana Uthayakumar I often receive questions about my skin routine and to be honest I don’t really have a complicated skin routine or products that I simply cannot live without. During my teenage years I had patches of dry and discoloured skin after having suffered from eczema on my face, however over the years those dark patches have faded and my skin is quite clear. To have clear skin or heal any imperfections, it is important to eat healthy and stay hydrated, but more than that I believe in using the least number of products as possible.
My skin routine is pretty simple and straight-forward. I wash my face with mild baby body wash such as that by Aveeno or the Honest Company, depending on what I am using on the kids at the time. The only moisturizer I use is pure fractionated coconut oil and it works great on my sensitive skin. I also limit using foundation and stick to just a concealer when I really need it. My go to makeup remover is hypoallergenic/unscented baby wipes — It is great at removing makeup and dirt. I also don’t use fancy scrubs, washes, or masks that may strip the natural oils on the skin which may lead to breakouts. Instead I make homemade masks with just a few natural ingredients.
The following masks and scrubs are made with ingredients that you also probably already have at home. In my opinion they are just as effective as the ones you may be buying at the store.
1. Avocado Moisturizing Mask
This mask is perfect for those with dry skin or mature skin and especially great in the winter. The honey and lemon help kill bacteria that may cause blemishes. All you need is:
- Half a ripe avocado
- Quarter cup of honey
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Mash the avocado until smooth. Stir in warmed honey and the lemon juice. Apply to clean, dry face and leave on for 10-15min. Wash off with warm water or a warm washcloth. Using a washcloth will help exfoliate your skin. You can refrigerate the leftovers for a couple days or use it on your neck and chest as well.
2. Brown Sugar Exfoliator
If you have sensitive skin or dry skin, this exfoliator is for you. The dark brown sugar is very gentle on skin and the olive oil is a great natural moisturizer. This scrub works well on elbows and knees as well. To make this scrub you need:
- 2 Tbsp. dark brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Mix the two ingredients onto a paste in the palm of your hand. Massage in a circular motion and rinse with warm water. This scrub will leave your skin very soft. If you have very oily skin, opt for lemon juice or even water instead of olive oil.
3. Salt Scrub
This salt scrub is great to exfoliate normal skin and can be used on the entire body. The two ingredients you need are:
- 2 Tbsp. table salt
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
This scrub not only exfoliates but moisturizes your skin as well. If you have oily skin, use lemon juice instead of the oil. Use sea salt for a more invigorating scrub.
4. Pore-Tightening Besan Mask
If you have visible pores, try this mask to make your pores less noticeable. To make this mask you need:
- 1 Tbsp. Plain yogurt
- 1 Tbsp. ground besan flour
- 1 Tsp. honey
Mix all the ingredients. Make sure that the yogurt is cold. Apply to the face and let it harden. Wash off with warm water. If you don’t have besan flour, you can use finely ground oatmeal instead.
5. Skin-brightening Chocolate Mask
This face mask is my favourite. It smells delicious and leaves your skin glowing and feeling super soft. The caffeine in this masks helps reduce inflammation or puffiness in the skin as well. To make this mask you need:
- 1 Tbsp. instant coffee
- 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ Tbsp. honey
- 1 ½ Tbsp. cold goat’s milk
Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl until it forms a smooth paste. Apply to your face and let dry completely. Wash off with a warm washcloth or warm water. If you do not have goat’s milk you can use plain yogurt, but I prefer the goat milk as it is very moisturizing and nourishing.
These DIY facial treatments make great homemade gifts. Just prepare, store in a glass container, and tie with a ribbon for an inexpensive gift. Your favourite essential oils can be added to the brown sugar and salt scrubs for a nice scent.
If you give these a try, please comment below and let me know!
