Sustainable Beauty: What's in your fridge?

I’ve always relied on our kitchen cupboard for skincare because it’s a no-brainer plus it’s cheap. Do you know that there are still good reasons why we should consider concocting our own skincare products? Well, at least occasionally cos it can be unhygienic.

It’s fun and can be shared with children. It’s a way of using up what’s in the fridge before heading out for the supermarket and it’s the only way where you can be absolutely certain about what you’re putting on your face and body. See? :)

Let me share with you my not so secret skincare remedies.

LEMON (or CALAMANSI)

The old remedy for scaly elbows that actually work! It has a gentle, bleaching action as the fruit acids exfoliate the stubbornly dry elbow skin.

It can be used as a natural deodorant. Squeeze out the juice, dab under armpits and let it sit for 5-10 mins. Proceed with your usual bath routine. A home remedy for dark underarms as well!

I use this as an alternative to the commercial cuticle softener.

OATMEAL

Oatmeal baths are excellent for sore, cracked skins. To avoid the feeling like you’re bathing in porridge, wrap the oatmeal in a muslin cloth, or a sock will do just as well.

Oatmeal can also be used as an exfoliant for the face. My favorite concoction is with honey. You can combine it with milk for added exfoliation. Lactic acid is also a natural exfoliant.

Tip: You can make a DIY cheesecloth (katsa) pouch. I made one from a nappy cloth.

GROUND COFFEE

Caffeine has been known to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It may not completely banish those stubborn orange peel in our thighs, but it tightens the skin making it less visible. My favorite inexpensive body scrub. I mix it with oatmeal for extra soft skin.

YOGURT

Yogurt is used as a natural face mask. It contains lactic acid which is a natural exfoliant, similar to the AHAs used in some commercial products.

OILS

There are lots of oils that act as great moisturizer. My favorites are olive and coconut.

Olive oil is a great moisturizer. I’m a bit wary of its smell though, but I love how it makes my skin uber soft! It helps minimize the appearance of stretch marks as it contains high levels of vitamin E.

Coconut oil is excellent massage oil. It helps in preventing premature ageing due to its antioxidant properties.

Cheap and honest to goodness skincare products! Try it and have fun! :)

So, have you been raiding your kitchen cupboard and fridge lately?

**all images were taken from google**