Good morning, beauties!
Prior to discovering this facial scrub recipes, there was not a single exfoliator that I could use! Every single thing I tried either dried my skin terribly or broke me out! So, I resorted to using a facial sponge and my facial cleanser. However, I have now found the most incredible exfoliator ever - it is so gentle and I cannot tell you just how wonderful my face feels afterwards! I use this as part of my evening routine. This recipe makes enough for 5-7 days - I just keep it in a sealed container:
1/4 cup oatmeal (grounded by my food processor) - yes, I'm a firm believer in the power of oatmeal!!!
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup mineral water (I like Perrier lemon sparkling mineral water)
*Mix all together and gently scrub in circular motions over your face for 1-2 minutes.
Now, if you've been following my blog this week, perhaps you've noticed how everything is tying in together! On Monday, I boasted the benefits of vitamins and minerals for the skin. I hopefully explained how amazing they are when included in your diet. Now, in this recipe, you will further benefit! It's recommended to avoid using tap water because the salts and calcium in it can dry your skin. Mineral water is believed to be better because its high silica content strengthens the spongy cells in between collagen and elastin fibres and plumps the skin. The lemon in this particular brand of mineral water brightens your skin and helps to fade any sun spots or uneven pigmentation. (*LOVE*)
Now, as promised, more information about light chemical peels!
Light chemical peels contain alpha hydroxy acids and/or beta hydroxy acids.
Chemical peels primarily containing alpha hydroxy acids may be referred to as “AHA chemical peels” or “ glycolic acid peels.” Glycolic acid is the most common type of alpha hydroxy acid used in skin care. Salicylic acid chemical peels are the most common type of beta hydroxy acid peel.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are derived from fruit, sugar, sour milk, and other natural sources. AHA chemical peels often contain:
Glycolic acid (extracted from sugar cane)
Lactic acid (extracted from milk)
Malic acid (extracted from pears and apples)
Citric acid (extracted from oranges and lemons)
Tartaric acid (extracted from grapes)
Beta hydroxy acids are simple organic acids derived from fruit. When a physician refers to “ salicylic acid chemical peels,” he or she is referring to a beta hydroxy acid. Though closely related to alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids differ slightly in their molecular structure, and rejuvenate the skin in a slightly different way.
The most common beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, has been used for decades as an acne remedy, and salicylic acid chemical peels are especially effective in eliminating acne. Beta hydroxy acids are helpful because they can exfoliate oily skin and deeply penetrate the skin with no irritation.
Regardless of the specific type, alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids gently rejuvenate the skin and encourage skin cell regeneration with little or no irritation or discomfort. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and other alpha hydroxy acids are so gentle, in fact, that they are common ingredients in home skin care products, and patients who undergo a light chemical peel may be asked to use such products to improve on their results.
A few at home recipes:
Alpha Hydroxy Skin Peel Recipe
Note: when using this peel for the first time, keep on the skin for only 1-2 minutes to make sure there is no skin irritation.
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh pineapple; half-a-cup fresh papaya; 2 tablespoons honey.
Preparation: Puree pineapple and papaya in a blender. Add honey and mix thoroughly.
Usage: Wash your face, and then apply the mixture to your skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for no more than 5 minutes (less if you have sensitive skin), then rinse with cool water. When done, apply a moisturizer. Don't use more than once a week.
More ingredients that can be used as remedies:
Malic acid: Apples, vinegar, applesauce, cider.
Lactic acid: Buttermilk, yogurt, powdered skim milk, sour cream, blackberries, tomatoes
Tartaric Acid: Grapes, grape juice, wine, cream of tartar
Citric Acid: Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruit, and orange
Glycolic acid: Sugar cane
All you need is about one half a teaspoon of liquid per face cleansing. You can freshly squeeze the juice of one lemon, for example, and refrigerate the leftovers for the rest of the week. Just dab some of the juice onto your fingers and pat on your face. Leave on for 10 minutes or so before rinsing. If you are in a rush, just cut a grape or strawberry in half-whatever you happen to have on hand-and rub it over your skin; let the juice set for a few minutes, and then rinse.
Additional Recipes containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Yogurt & Oatmeal mask
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. plain yogurt; 1 tbsp. oatmeal; 1 tbsp honey
Preparation: Simply mix ingredients together to form a paste. To avoid clumps, you may grind oatmeal into a powder before mixing it with other ingredients.
Usage: Wash your face. Massage face with the paste in a circular motion. Keep on for a minute or two then rinse off
Yogurt and aloe healing mask
Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 2 tbsp aloe gel (or a fresh aloe leaf)
Preparation: Simply mix ingredients together to form a paste. (Aloe gel can be purchased in a health food store. Alternatively, you can take a fresh aloe leaf, remove the skin and mash the pulp.
Usage: Wash your face. Massage face with the paste in a circular motion. Keep on for a minute or two then rinse off
My Personal Favorite!!!
500 mg tablet of Vitamin C (pulverized to a powder)
2 Tbsp. honey
(Yes, that's all!!!)
Place the vitamin C powder in a small cup or bowl, add the honey, and stir until completely blended. Apply to your face, Use all of the honey mixture for one application. Keep this on your face no more than 10 minutes. Then rinse your face with cool water. Apply a moisturizer afterward.
I hope this info was helpful!!
Till next time, XOXO!!
