Tuesday, March 22, 2011

11 one-ingredient face masks

I'm making healthy skin even easier for you with one-ingredient, all-natural,
facials made from common supplies you can easily find right in the
refrigerator shelf or kitchen cabinet. Raiding your pantry is also a great way
to save money and cut back on food waste and packaging.
If you want pretty and healthy skin, don’t skimp on the bare-bone basics. Be
sure to always drink lots of water and wear sunscreen moisturizer.

1. Honey -- A humectant, honey, attracts and retains moisture,
so it's great for anyone who wants to combat dry skin. Use a cloth damp with
warm water and pat skin to open pores. Smear honey onto skin and leave on for 15
to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then pat skin with a cloth dampened in
cold water to close pores.


2. Raw egg yolk -- Egg yolks are high in vitamin A, a common
ingredient in acne-fighting products. Spread on face and neck and leave on skin
for 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water.


3. Raw egg white -- You'll get a lifting effect as the
protein in egg whites dries on your skin. Beat egg white until frothy and spread
on face. Wait until it dries and rinse off with warm water.


4. Grapes -- They contain powerful antioxidants, called
polyphenols, which help combat aging. Cut one grape in half and rub lightly all
over face.


5. Banana -- Bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits
available because they contain magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, folic
acid, and vitamins A, B, and E, all of which benefit the skin. Mash one overripe
banana and spread onto face. Rinse off after 15 to 30 minutes with warm
water.


6. Plain yogurt -- Yogurt contains alpha-hydroxy acids,
including lactic acid, which are commonly used to help reduce the appearance of
fine wrinkles. It's also rich in B-complex vitamins, including B-5, or
panthothenic acid, which is commonly used to promote skin healing. Apply on face
after cleansing and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes.


7. Apple cider vinegar -- It has a tonic action that
promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin. It's
also antiseptic, preventing the proliferation of bacteria, viruses, or yeast
that trigger infection. Dilute apple cider vinegar with two parts water and
apply over face with a cotton ball as a toner after washing face every day and
every night.


8. Olive oil -- Olive oil is a source of squalene, a natural
moisturizer used in many cosmetics. Natural antioxidants found in olive oil
include A and E vitamins, as well as some polyphenols. Dab on lips at bedtime if
chapped or leave on face overnight. It can also be used to de-frizz hair.


9. Avocado -- The fruit is rich in vitamins, A, C, E, iron,
potassium, niacin, and pantothenic acid and its natural emollients. Mash
avocado, then leave on skin for 10 minutes. You can also use it to strengthen and condition your hair.


10. Baking soda -- This pantry staple has a gentle abrasive
action. Use as an exfoliant for face by adding to your regular cleanser. It also
helps neutralize skin's pH.


11. Milk -- Seriously? Yes, seriously. Like yogurt, it
contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that is often used to revitalize
skin. Swab on face with cotton ball, leave on until your skin feels tight. Rinse
off with warm water. Your skin will feel super-soft afterwards.

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