From hydrating the hair to rescuing the skin, you can find your beauty fix in the fridge. Hint: it’s food!
“The benefits of using food as a beauty fix is that you are feeding your skin with food that is alive in enzymes and full of bioavailable nutrients that profoundly rejuvenate,” explains Carla Oates, The Beauty Chef thebeautychef.com.au.
The skin is like every other organ in the body that requires a diet high in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids and anti-oxidants to be healthy, she adds. Our bodies’ profound synergy with nature and plants – sharing many of the same compounds – also makes using food to nourish the skin pure logic.
Here are some of Carla’s top rejuvenation recipes to try. And the ingredients are only a pantry away…
Problem: Dry Lips:
Remedy: Enzymatic Papaya Lip Treatment
“Mix mashed papaya, olive oil and almond meal together and massage it into the lips,” says Carla, noting that Papaya is rich in papain, an enzyme that helps to dissolve dead skin on the lips. “Both olive oil and almond meal are rich in fatty acids, vitamins and anti-oxidants to nourish, smooth and protect the lips, so just resist licking your lips as saliva contains compounds that dries them out!” she says.
Problem: Crepey Complexion:
Remedy: The Amazing Earl Grey, Lavender and Sage Face Salve.
This fantastic scrub base suits all skin types when mixed with yoghurt and cleanses the skin’s pores, refines the skin and helps to keep to keep the skin’s flora in balance, explains Carla.
- 1/3 cup super fine oatmeal
- 1/3 cup almond meal
- 2 tbsps. rice flour
- 1 tbsp white or pink French or Australian cosmetic clay
- Pinch of cinnamon and turmeric
- Contents of an earl grey tea bag
- 1 tsp each of finely ground dried lavender and sage
Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the fridge. “As long as these ingredients are kept dry, they will last for up to four months,” Carla assures.
To use: mix one tsp of the powder with ½ tsp of live yoghurt and a little honey and massage gently – avoid vigorous scrubbing – into a damp complexion. Leave for a few minutes and gently remove with a damp cloth.
Problem: Dull, lackluster complexion
Remedy: Strawberry and Green Tea AHA Mask
A potent, yet refreshing free radical fighting mask perfect for the summer onslaught. Rich in vitamin C, ellagic acid, anti-oxidants and alpha hydroxy acids, this mask helps synthesis collagen, refine the skin, mop up free radicals and brighten the complexion. “It’s also wonderful for clarifying oily, congested skin during the warmer months,” says Carla, who suggests making a big batch to store in ice cube trays in the freezer. “Every time you need a fresh mask, simply pop one out and thaw!”
- 1 tbsp of strawberry juice
- 2 tbsps green tea cooled
- 1 tbsp apple juice
- 2 tsps of citrus pectin
Combine the juices and tea. Sprinkle the pectin over the juice then whisk to achieve the desired consistency.
To use: apply to a damp complexion and leave for ten minutes. Rinse off with a warm damp cloth.
Problem: Tired, tortured hair
Remedy: Coconut Oil Hair Mask
“Coconut Oil is one of my favourite hair masks,” says Carla. “Rich in moisturising fatty acids, it will help bring your hair back to a super shine.”
To Use: Apply oil to wet hair, cover in a warm hair turban and leave for thirty minutes. Rinse and shampoo twice.
Problem: Empty Perfume Bottle
Remedy: DIY Delicious Scent
Essential oils are not only full of wonderful skin enhancing qualities, but unlike synthetic fragrance they can stimulate the release of nuero chemicals and have positive affects on our emotions. “Patchouli is even touted to have aphrodisiac properties!” laughs Carla. “Here is a lovely warm citrus blend; uplifting, sensual and comforting.”
- 20ml of jojoba oil
- 12 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 10 drops lime essential oil
- 8 drops patchouli
To Use: Mix together and store in a little 25ml bottle. To use: Apply a few drops only on your pulse points. This will last for up to 12 months.
NB: Keep essential oils out of reach of children, urges Carla. “ When you make your own skincare, be sure to do patch tests on arm before applying recipes to the face.”
Image credit: beauty recipes www.thebeautychef.com Amazing Cleansing Face Mask recipe
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