A Natural Beauty
My Nana always said up to the age of 25 you have the face you were born with and after that you have the face you deserve!
I guess she meant that you should treat you body with respect because not even the face and body of most fortunate of individuals could survive years of heaving drinking, smoking and feasting on fast food!
Cosmetic products can be quite costly and some, but not all contain nasty chemicals. However, natural, homemade beauty treatments can work just as well when it comes to perking up tired skin, strengthening weak nails and reviving lacklustre hair. Natural treatments can be easily incorporated into our daily beauty routines and it won’t be long until we are feeling the good effects!
Here are a few natural beauty remedies which my Nana and Grandmother have taught me over the years. I hope you will find them beneficial and economical!
To Cleanse
Cucumber – the juice of a cucumber can be applied as cleanser to the skin and sliced cucumber can be massaged directly onto the skin’s surface. Cucumber is very good for oily skin.
Cabbage – the juice makes an excellent cleanser. Using the darker outer leaves of the plant which are usually discarded not only prevents wastage but provides a cheap and healthy beauty aid.
Strawberries – make a pulp of strawberries, the riper the better (even those thought to be too ripe to eat) and apply to the face. Wash of with warm water an feel instantly cleansed and refreshed!
Banana – too ripe to eat and mashed makes an excellent facepack!
Nettles and Dandelions – mix a handful of chopped nettle leaves (wear gloves and watch out for the sting) and dandelion heads in equal parts into 2 teaspoons of boiling water. Let the infusion cool so that it is bearable and apply as a facepack!
To Exfoliate
A good exfoliater for all skin types can be made by mixing a small handful of ripe strawberries and an equal part of oats. The resulting lotion can then be massaged into the skin or used as a facepack! Any leftover lotion can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and re-used or given to family and friends if you are feeling generous. Try it out, it really is rather remarkable!
To Tone
Rosewater – makes an excellent skin tonic! A simple way to make rosewater is to boil a handful of rose petals (lilies can also be added) in water for 20 minutes. The water is then strained and bottled (dark coloured bottles retain goodness for longer periods) ready to be used.
Mint leaves – crushed and mixed with warm water and a little oatmeal (optional) can be smoothed onto the face to tone the completion. Rinse of with warm water, or if you’re feeling brave cold water for that extra oomph!
To Moisturise
Olive oil – makes an excellent moisturiser! Warm a teaspoon of olive oil over a flame and apply liberally. For very dry skin this method can be used every day. However for oily skin, it is not recommended more than once week. Adding the tiniest drop of lavender oil will sooth the skin and leave a pleasant odour.
To Treat Wrinkles
Potato – cut in half and massaged onto the face and neck will help prevent wrinkles.
Egg white – painted onto the face and left for 30 minutes will work wonders. You can even save the whites of eggs from cooking – helping prevent food wastage!
To Treat Blemishes
Witch hazel – applied morning and evening to the affected area will sooth blemished skin.
Evening Primrose Oil – taken internally (one capsule per day) will soon get to work on helping to combat spots and pimples!
Potatoes – sliced and massaged onto the hand directly will help keep the hands looking young.
Lemon juice – mixed with rosewater and applied to the hands will help keep them smooth and soft.
Egg white – used as a hand lotion will moisturise and refresh.
To cleanse and remove stains from work – mix warmed olive oil and granulated sugar and rub into the hands as you would a soap. Honey can also be added, but only if there is plenty to go round!
Lemon juice – massaged into the nails and cuticles will help keep the nails strong, clean and white.
Zinc – taken as a supplement will help strengthen weak nails.
To Nourish
Egg – a beaten egg rubbed gently into hair that is damp will condition. Wash with tepid but not hot water as this would cook the egg and it will become stuck in the hair. Yuk!
Coconut oil – applied to the hair and left overnight will leave hair soft and glossy when rinsed out.
To Clean
Rosemary – a tablespoon steeped in a pint of boiling water for 15 minutes can be used as an effective rinse when cool.
To Treat Dandruff
Nettles – an infusion massaged into the hair or used as a rinse can help cure dandruff.
To treat baldness
Coconut oil or olive oil – Massaged into the scalp daily will stimulate growth.
Treatments for dark hair
Sage – a tablespoon boiled in a pint of water will darken the hair. More sage can be added for a more dramatic result.
Vinegar – added to a rinse will bring out highlights in dark hair.
Treatments for fair hair
Chamomile – will lighten the hair. Either make an infusion with by boiling a tablespoon of chamomile flowers in a pint of water and apply to the hair as a rinse, or massage chamomile ointment into the hair and leave overnight.
About the Author
Jillie is the editor of Mind Body and Soul Ireland an online resource for alternative therapies and natural remedies in Ireland.www.mindbodyandsoul.ie
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