Imagine strolling through your local drug store and seeing so many enticing products on the shelves, but as you reach for them you get a mental image of blotchy red spots on your face. Not such a pleasant thought, right? That’s what living with sensitive skin can feel like. Although, there are thousands of products on the market claiming to be perfect for “sensitive skin,” many of the products are still too harsh for sensitive skin types. Chemicals like parabens, dyes and skin-drying alcohol can make over-the-counter skin products too strong for sensitive skin.
So if the products intended for “sensitive skin” are still too damaging to sensitive skin, what is one to do? Create your own skin care products, of course! I know what you’re thinking, “Making my own skin care products will be such a daunting task.” But with so many DIY queens out there, it’s become increasingly easy to create your own natural skin care remedies. Read on to discover how you can ditch the chemical-riddled products and go all-natural.
1. Cucumbers
I grew up watching movies that showcased classy women in fancy spas, kicking back and relaxing with cucumber on their eyes. I always thought the cucumber was just a snazzy movie prop, but in reality, cucumber is actually great for sensitive skin! Cucumbers work wonders for fading dark circles, improving acne and tightening pores.
Cucumbers contain antioxidants, vitamin C and caffeic acid, making them the natural ingredient to add to your skincare regimen. Cucumbers are mostly water and since your body is comprised of around 60 percent water, adding them to your beauty routine will help restore elasticity and luster to your skin. If your skin is not getting a sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will create dry, tight and flaky skin. Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkles.
Using fresh cucumber juice has also been known to nourish skin. It gives a soothing effect against skin irritations and reduces swelling. If the sun irritates your sensitive skin, cucumber will relax and alleviate sunburn pain.
Cucumber and Honey Face Mask
If your skin is not deep-cleaned regularly, you may experience a buildup of toxins on your face. Fortunately, cucumber removes accumulated pockets of old waste material and chemical toxins. Honey also has antibacterial qualities to give your skin a much-needed boost!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cucumber
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Puree cucumber until smooth.
- Mix cucumber with honey to create a paste.
- Let the mixture sit on your face for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Seal pores with a splash of cold water on your face, then pat dry.
Always make sure to use organic ingredients. After all, you’re putting these foods on your skin! You can also add oats to the mix if you have dry skin. Enjoy!
2. Shea butter
If I had to choose my favorite butter, it would definitely be shea butter! Shea butter is a fatty extract from shea nuts, which are found in the shea fruit produced by the shea tree. Research shows it has been used for medicinal and beauty purposes in many parts of Africa.
Shea butter is naturally rich in vitamins A, E, D and F, as well as cinnamic acid. Shea butter is very thick and solid at room temperature but has a buttery rich consistency. The velvety consistency of shea butter makes it a great ingredient to create your own natural eye creams, lip balm or body butter for sensitive skin. Shea butter is used for its UV protection and essential fatty acids that give skin valuable nutrients for collagen production. It’s also a wonderful moisturizer due to its emollient properties.
Applying shea butter to skin has demonstrated anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory effects of shea butter can relieve skin that is easily inflamed. Sensitive and dry skin will fall in love with this creamy shea and coconut oil body butter. It’s enriched with wheat germ and lavender oil, which will soothe skin by adding plenty of crucial vitamins.
3. Honey
Honey is more than just a sweet condiment. It’s been used as a skin product for even the earliest civilizations due to its anti-aging, exfoliant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents. If you’ve looked around your local department stores, you’ve probably seen plenty of beauty products containing honey. In cosmetic products, honey serves as an emollient, humectant and skin soother. It keeps skin youthful, hinders wrinkle formation, regulates pH and prevents pathogen infections.
Honey is also widely-known as a dressing for wounds and burns, but is used for treatments against eczema, inflammation, pityriasis, tinea and seborrhea as well. The smooth, thick texture keeps moisture close to the skin, which can help your complexion become supple and glowing.
Factors like an overproduction of oil and clogged pores can cause acne, but bacteria is also a major cause. Using honey to create homemade skin products can help get rid of pesky acne. Try using this honey face mask to ward off sensitive skin and redness.
4. Aloe
While growing up, my grandparents often used aloe for everyday issues. We had an abundance of aloe right in our backyard and we used it anytime one of us suffered from a cut or bruise. As an adult, I discovered it works wonders for sensitive skin!
Aloe is a plant that grows wild in tropical climates. Aloe gel comes from the leaf of the aloe plant. Aloe is anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Studies show aloe also improves facial wrinkles and elasticity by increasing collagen levels in human skin.
Varieties of aloe contain a large amount of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids, which are all extremely useful for healing damaged skin. Those suffering from sensitive skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis will especially benefit from the cooling of aloe vera. Since aloe is antifungal and antibacterial, it’s perfect for protecting sensitive skin against infections as it fights germs that can enter into cuts caused by irritated skin. This natural homemade anti-inflammatory aloe vera face wash is excellent for sensitive skin!
Sensitive skin can be a pain when it comes to finding the perfect skincare routine. When you create your own beauty products, you have better control over the ingredients you’re applying to your face.
What natural skin care remedies do you use for sensitive skin? Leave your comments below!