DIY SKINCARE ROUTINE

There are always times when you can’t get your hands on your normal skincare products. You could run out when on a business trip, a vacation, or a camping trip in a remote location. Illness can also keep you at home. Though a rare occurrence, the current COVID-19 situation is another issue that is likely preventing you from stocking up on your skincare products.

In these situations, you may consider putting your skincare routine on hold but this isn’t the best idea since those products keep your skin healthy, prevent acne, and reduce fine lines. So, what’s the solution? One option is to replace your regular skincare products with DIY ones. These are easy to make using some items you likely already have in your home.

Cleansing Your Skin

If you have a good stock of your normal cleanser, you can try to use a bit less each time you wash your face. You can also switch to cleansing once a day, preferably before bed, instead of twice each day. This could make it last a bit longer.

If you have a baby or toddler at home, you probably have a good supply of baby wipes. You can use these for your facial cleansing if needed. These wipes are hypoallergenic and gentle on your baby’s little bottom, so they won’t irritate your face. They can also get rid of all the makeup, dirt, oil, and everything else on your skin.

Another handy face cleanser is raw honey, which contains antibacterial properties, as well as some probiotics and enzymes that are great for your skin. Start by dampening your face, then apply about a teaspoon of honey, massaging it in with a circular motion. Then rinse the honey off using warm water and pat your skin dry.

Plain olive oil or coconut oil is great for removing makeup, even waterproof mascara. It isn’t best for those with oily skin, though everyone else can use it in a pinch. Liquid castile soap is the best makeup remover for oily skin. It won’t strip away oil or add any new ones, so if you have some on hand, it won’t hurt to try it out.

Masks

As well as being a great cleanser, honey can also be used as a mask. The routine is the same, only instead of rinsing it off right away, you leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. This lets it get deep into those pores. You can also add a few other ingredients to your honey mask for specific results. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon treats oily or inflamed skin. A teaspoon of lemon juice cleans out your pores and lightens any dark spots. Two drops of lavender essential oil balance your skin.

Another handy mask mixes 2 tablespoons of Greek Yogurt and 1 teaspoon of calendula powder. Wash your face, then apply the mask. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before washing it off. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which removes dead skin, prevents breakouts, and reduces wrinkles. Calendula heals your skin for the perfect combination.

Mixing ¼ cup of Greek Yogurt with 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds, a tablespoon of coconut oil, and the juice from half a lemon also makes a great mask. Apply it, then let it sit for about 15 minutes. The coffee grounds exfoliate your skin, turning the mask into a scrub as you rinse it off in the shower.

Scrubs

Honey can also be used in a handy face scrub. Mix two parts oatmeal, one part honey, and one part sweet almond oil. You can also replace this oil with coconut or olive oil if that’s what you have on hand. Gently rub this mixture over your face for a few minutes, then rinse it off.

Don’t forget your body, either. It also needs exfoliating. A scrub can help get rid of that dry skin and moisturize it at the same time. A simple oatmeal scrub is great for this. Grind 1 cup of old- fashioned oats in a food processer until the pieces are quite small. Pour them into a bowl and add 1/2 cup of both coconut oil and grapeseed oil. Then open up two chamomile tea bags and add the contents. Stir well. Rub this scrub over your clean skin at the end of your shower. Rinse it away pat yourself dry.

Another scrub option is a mint sugar scrub. Melt a half cup of coconut oil in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Then add 1 ½ to 2 cups of sugar, a tablespoon of peppermint extract, and a drop of green food coloring. Mix them well, adding sugar if the mixture is too wet. Then scrub yourself down in the shower as needed.