10 Homemade Treatments for Radiant Skin

Get Gorgeous Skin with Ingredients from Your Own Kitchen

Did you know that many of the same ingredients found in expensive, high quality skin care products can be found in the natural products that you likely already have in your kitchen? In this article, I will provide you with 10 easy, natural, inexpensive, at-home skin treatments that I love.

There are number of reasons why you can benefit from homemade skin treatments. First of all, they are relatively inexpensive. They are all natural and since you're the one making them, you know exactly what is in them and from where those ingredients came. Many of the ingredients have a wide variety of uses, and, most importantly, they work!

After you read through some of my suggestions, feel free in invent your own natural skin care treatments. I will explain why the ingredients I use are beneficial, and then you can mix and match to create a perfect, customized skin care routine that's best for you and your skin.

1.Grape Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser

Grapes, like other citrus fruits, have natural exfoliation benefits. Grape seed oil can be found in many anti-aging skin care products. The grape is also high in antioxidants and vitamins.The alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found in grapes and other acid fruits such as oranges, lemons, and strawberries, help to reduce wrinkles and sun damage. Though the levels of AHA in natural fruits aren't as high as in cosmetic products, if used regularly you should notice improvements in your skin.

The yogurt in the this recipe is a good source of vitamin A retinol and vitamin b5. The olive oil is high in vitamin E and is great for moisturizing that results in soft and supple skin. The baking soda adds a little extra exfoliation.

Grape Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser

Blend 1/2 cup grapes, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 cup yogurt and 1 TBSP baking soda in a blender until smooth. Gently massage onto face and rinse with warm water.

Simple Grape Anti-Wrinkle Mask

You can also receive the anti-wrinkle benefits from grapes by slicing a few in half and then crushing them gently on your face. Leave on for about 20 minutes.

Beauty Extra: Frozen Grape Snack

Not only are grapes good for your outside, they're good for your inside! Fill a zip lock container with your favorite grapes and pop in the freezer. In a few hours you'll have a yummy, easy and healthy snack. Enjoy when you're craving a sweet snack.

2. Avocado and Honey Face Mask

Use this mask if you want soft, supple, moisturized, and glowing skin.

Avocado is truly a super-fruit. When you're not wearing it, I highly recommend eating it. It is high in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. There have been studies showing that people who eat avocado have lower cholesterol[1]. But, more specifically, how does it benefit your skin? Well, it's high in vitamin E, which is great for softening the skin, reducing wrinkles and stretch marks. It also has antioxidant properties. It boosts collagen (which keeps skin elastic) and new skin growth. Along with vitamin E, avocado is also high in vitamin A and C.

Avocado is also extremely high in omega fats, which improve dry skin and skin firmness. All the oils and fat in avocados will provide your skin with natural moisture and elasticity.

Honey helps to absorb and retain moisture. Honey is naturally anti-microbial and also an antioxidant. It will help to absorb impurities from the skin.

Avocado and Honey Face Mask

Mash 1 ripe avocado with 2 TBSP honey. Apply liberally to skin and allow to sit for 20-30 minutes. Apply two cool cucumber slices to eyes, which help reduce redness and puffiness, if desired.

Use whenever you feel your skin is in need of replenishment and moisturization.

3. Citrus Acid Peel followed by Baking Soda Scrub

One of my favorite facial scrubs used to be Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash. That was until I discovered baking soda. I really liked Philosophy's exfoliating wash because the microbeads were very fine and my skin felt super soft afterwards. Well, plain old baking soda comes pretty close to the same experience! Follow your acid peel with a baking soda scrub for maximum exfoliating and resurfacing benefits. This also works great to soften and reduce blackheads. The acidity in the lemon and orange juice will dissolve dead skin cells and the baking soda will wipe away anything left over.

Citrus Acid Peel

Mix 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 1 TBSP orange juice and 1 TBSP lemon juice. Apply a generous amount all over face and neck. Let work for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Baking Soda Scrub

Now that the acid peel has had time to work, it's time to slough off those extra skin cells. Wet face and neck. Dip your fingertips in a small amount of baking soda and gently massage in small circles all over face, picking up more baking soda as needed. After you've thoroughly scrubbed your entire face for a few minutes, rinse with warm water.

Repeat every 1-2 weeks. It's important to give your skin time to replenish itself.

Some people prefer to mix the baking soda with a mild skin cleanser such as Cetaphil's skin cleanser. I've found that using plain baking soda works fine for me, but do whichever you prefer.

Please note: this treatment may cause the skin to turn pink for a little while afterwards. Please make sure you have time to allow your skin to recover before going out (it may take an hour or two) unless you don't mind leaving the house looking a little rosy.

4. Honey Cucumber Toner

Cucumber helps to soothe and soften your skin. It is anti-inflammatory and naturally refreshing. It will reduce redness, puffiness, and help even your skin tone.

Honey, again, is great for absorbing impurities from the pores. It also helps treat minor irritations and sun burns.

Use this toner twice daily to help clean and moisturize your skin.

Honey Cucumber Toner

Peel 2 cucumbers. Blend. Strain and collect the cucumber juice. Mix 1 TBSP honey into the cucumber juice. Apply small amount with fingers or dab with a cotton ball. Store up to a week in the refrigerator.

Beauty Extra: Cucumber Lemon Water

All of the natural ingredients in this article are just as good for you when ingested as when applied topically. Here is a simple and refreshing drink you can sip while enjoying your homemade spa treatments.

Put about 3 slices of cucumber and 3 slices of lemon in a pitcher of water. Allow to sit in the refrigerator for an hour to allow flavors to come through. Enjoy!

5. Honey and Sugar Body Scrub

Exfoliating will keep your skin refreshed and renewed. Ask any esthetician what are the most important things you can do for your skin and their answer will be: moisturize and exfoliate. I do this scrub about once a week. Use it all over your body, especially those trouble areas (for me, I use it to keep those little bumps on the back of my arms, legs and butt at bay). It is also great in helping to prevent stretch marks, and even to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, as it helps strengthen skin elasticity.

Honey and Sugar Body Srub

Mix 2 parts honey to 1 part sugar, adding honey as necessary to reach desired consistency. You'll probably use about 1/4 cup sugar if you want to scrub your entire body. Apply the scrub in the bath or shower as sugar crystals tend to fall and make a mess. Gently apply the sugar scrub and rub for about 15 minutes. Again, both honey and exfoliation are great for your skin so you really want to give them the opportunity to work.

Rinse with warm water. You'll be amazed at how soft your skin feels afterwards. Moisturize after your shower for maximum benefits.

6. Coffee Ground Scrub

Don't throw away those used coffee grounds just yet! This one can get a little messy, so be sure to do it in the shower or bath. The caffeine in the coffee grounds help to draw out moisture. What?!? I thought the goal was to retain the moisture in our skin! Keeping your skin moisturized in very important, but in this case, by drawing out water, the caffeine may help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. I like to mix the coffee grounds with a little bit of honey. You'll receive all the revitalizing qualities of honey, as well as a gently exfoliating from the coffee grounds.

Coffee Ground Scrub

Use however much of the coffee grounds you have/want. You'll probably need about 1/2 cup if you want to do your entire body. Mix in honey until you've reached your desired consistency. Rub and massage skin for about 15 minutes to get the benefits of the exfoliation and the honey. Rinse with soap and warm water. You'll need to use a soap, as the coffee grounds will leave a residue on your skin.

7. Milk and Honey Bath

As legend goes, Cleopatra frequently indulged in baths of milk and honey. And for good reason; these things are amazing! Simple, yet effective. Doesn't the name simply sound luxurious? Anytime you feel like relaxing into a warm bath, why not consider throwing in some extra ingredients from which your skin will reap extra benefits.

I've added epsom salt to this bath for the added benefits of detoxification, exfoliation and healing.

Milk and Honey Bath

Fill bath tub with water to desired temperature. Mix into the tub 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup honey and 1 cup epsom salt. Gently stir to allow honey and salt to dissolve. If you would like, light candles and dim the lights and use this time to relax deeply. I recommend bathing for 30 minutes to reap the benefits of this simple bath.

8. Almond Oil Moisturizer

Simple, yet effective. No joke, I used this twice daily while I was pregnant and I did not get ONE stretch mark on my stomach! And I don't believe I have naturally resilient skin because I did get stretch marks on my sides and my breasts, where I was not as consistent about applying the oil. Almond oil is gentle on all skin types and it is rich in vitamin E. It helps to improve skin elasticity and prevent stretch marks. Use twice daily, consistently, if you want to see serious improvements in your skin. Also, be sure you are exfoliating for healthy, radiant skin.

Almond Oil Moisturizer

Use pure and natural almond oil. Apply a small amount (a little goes a long way) to skin and massage in until absorbed, usually a few minutes. Repeat two to three times daily to prevent stretch marks.

Massaging the skin is also beneficial in that it increases blood flow and circulation to the skin.

9. Oatmeal and Honey Face Mask

This recipe is simple yet effective. As explained above, honey has many benefits when applied topically to the skin. The honey will help keep your skin soft, smooth and radiant. The minerals in oatmeal act as an anti-inflammatory and help reduce irritation. This mask is great after extended exposure in the sun.

Oatmeal and Honey Face Mask

Process a small amount of oatmeal in a food processor or blender. Mix with a little bit of honey, adding more as needed to reach desired consistency. Apply liberally to face and let work for about 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. If you would like, after you've rinsed off the mask, you can dab your face with cold water to close your pores.

Beauty Extra: Teabags to Reduce Inflammation

While you're enjoying your homemade treatment, try using tea bags on the eyes to reduce inflammations and improve dark circles. After making your tea, save the tea bags in the refrigerator. Then they're ready for your use whenever you're treating yourself. I like to use them while soaking in a honey and milk bath.

10. Oatmeal, Sea Salt and Baking Soda Hand and Foot Scrub

Let's not forget about our hands and feet. They need exfoliation and moisture just as much as the rest of our skin. Actually, our hands are big indicators of age, so be sure to take care of them as much as you care for the rest of your skin. This scrub willexfoliate your skin, leaving it fresh and radiant. Don't forget to moisturize afterwards!

Oatmeal, Sea Salt and Baking Soda Scrub

Mix together 1 TBSP oatmeal with 2 tsp baking soda, 2 TBSP sea salt and slowly add water until you get a pasty consistency. Apply to hands and feet and massage for 5-10 minutes. Remember, the massage with get your blood and circulation moving to your skin and you need to massage for a few minutes to really get your skin nice and exfoliated.

And there you have it! Ten awesome recipes for radiant skin. You will love seeing and feeling your soft, glowing and healthy skin. I hope you enjoy these natural, homemade skin treatments. Don't forget that you are beautiful. If you have tried any of these recipes or have recipes of your own, I want to hear about your experiences so be sure to leave your comments. Thank you!

Note: This information is not intended to be used to treat, heal, or cure any medical condition. Please consult your physician with any health issues you may have.