Let's go back to the basics. These days, makeup and skincare products tend to be full of artificial colors, fragrances, preservatives, and chemicals. Unbeknownst to many, these toxins can actually be extremely detrimental to one's health. Commercial skincare products are typically harmful and expensive, and they don't guarantee the results we want in a skincare routine – happy, healthy skin.
In the midst of an aggressive battle with stubborn acne and products that weren't responding, I decided to stop dumping more chemicals on my already-aggravated skin. When I made the switch to keeping it clean and simple with all-natural substitutes, I saw promising results. Here's how you can too.
1. Honey and Cinnamon
Mix honey and cinnamon together to create an all-natural acne mask or spot treatment. Honey's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help to treat blemishes and reduce redness. Its hygroscopic nature helps skin stay hydrated, and as an antioxidant, honey has the potential to reduce the appearance of aging by limiting the amount of free radicals in your body.
Paired with cinnamon, which is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it makes the ideal mixture to combat unwanted pimples. Leave it on as a mask for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water, or leave it on as a spot treatment overnight.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, full of proteins and good bacteria, is a great substitute for your everyday toner. Diluting one part acid with two parts water and applying it to your face can balance and restore pH levels, absorb excess oil, reduce the appearance of acne scars and wrinkles, and remove dirt and toxins. Because of its antibacterial properties, it is useful in fighting acne. You can also use the mixture and give your hair a little love with an easy hair rinse. You're really getting a bang for your buck with this one.
#SpoonTip: To ensure you're getting the best quality vinegar, make sure to buy one that comes "with mother". This cloudy film is the most nutritious part. It forms during fermentation and indicates an unprocessed and unfiltered natural product!
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Everyone knows aloe vera is a must-have when dealing with hot, painful sunburns, but its miraculous properties extend beyond the scope of burning skin. The clear, hydrating gel inside the leaves makes for a fabulous moisturizer. Aloe vera is full of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and minerals that the skin loves, including antioxidants and sugars that promote anti-aging effects. It also contains salicylic acid, a popular substance found in many acne medications.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is all the rage these days, and with its amazing benefits and versatility, there's no question why. It works well as a moisturizing lotion for all areas of the body. Without the addition of any chemicals, coconut oil has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties, as well as antioxidant effects. Use it as cooking oil, a hydrating skin treatment, or even to promote dental health.
#SpoonTip: Look for organic, unrefined coconut oil for the skin. Key words to search for are "raw," "virgin," and "cold-pressed" because this indicates that it contains all the beneficial nutrients.
So, forget the enzyme repair masks and glycolic acid peels that are seemingly lavish and expensive enough to guarantee glowing, radiating skin. Good skincare begins with a good foundation, and when you're talking about your body, less is definitely more.