There’s nothing like a good skincare routine to make you feel great about yourself. After all, an effective regimen is not only good for your complexion; it can provide you with some moments of respite and relaxation as well. However, skincare is expensive, and even “budget” products from the drugstore can set you back at least $20.
Fortunately, there’s a way to take care of your skin without breaking the bank—and the solution can be found right in your pantry. From your cooking oil to your favorite spices, here are five multitasking ingredients you have at home that can help create your new skincare regimen.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains three components: antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin K. These three work together to protect skin from free radicals and other environmental aggressors, maintaining its youthful appearance. Just apply a few drops of olive oil (like a moisturizer) onto damp skin and massage until it’s absorbed.
Avocado
In a previous article entitled ‘These 6 At-Home Remedies Will Restore Your Dry & Damaged Hair’, we talked about how avocado can make a good hair moisturizer due to its natural richness in vitamins A and E. The same goes for its skin benefits, particularly for your body. The natural oils in avocado deeply penetrate the skin, so it effectively helps soften and hydrate it. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then shower in lukewarm water.
Turmeric
This particular Indian spice is an excellent natural remedy against acne because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Its main active ingredient, curcumin, also balances melanin production, making your skin appear a lot brighter and more radiant. You can always mix it with water and apply it directly. However, we find that combining it with apple cider vinegar—a natural astringent—increases its potency.
Tea
Tea is a pantry staple in plenty of households across the world, especially for people who enjoy its calming effects. Just take a look at the survey published on Gala Bingo that discusses the amount of tea consumed in the UK, which reveals that over a third of the country drink over five cups a day. A great cup of tea (especially when made with some milk and sugar, as the Brits do) can be a great source of comfort. And while tea isn’t as popular in the US, maybe you should start drinking a cup or two too, to help you relax. Your favorite tea bag can then be used as a quick toner to help tighten your pores, and One Green Planet adds that it can also double as an eye de-puffer.
Rice
Rice is another pantry staple and is especially popular in Asian households. Perhaps this is why Etienne Cosmetics notes that the Japanese were the first to discover its phenomenal skincare effects. More specifically, they found a good use for rice water, or the starchy liquid left after rice grains are soaked. Rice water is full of vitamin B, vitamin E, and linoleic acid that moisturizes and nourishes the skin. So, whenever you wash your rice, don’t just drain the water away. Set it aside to use as a face wash or cleanser.
