Have you been feeling like your look could use a quick
pick-me-up before summer? Dry skin and less than radiant winter complexion got
you down? With continued use of
these all-natural home beautifying methods, you’re sure to look and feel
younger and more polished just in time for our favorite Shuswap season.
1.
Avocado Hair Mask- Avocados are full of proteins
and vitamins, including A,D,E and B6 as well as magnesium, folic acid, amino
acids, copper and iron- all of which can help with hair growth and nourishment.
Avocado and olive oil are a dream team for a half hour hair mask that will
leave your strands shiny and growth prone. Follow this simple routine once per
week for best results:
·
Mix one tablespoon olive oil and half a mashed
avocado.
·
Spread mix on tresses from roots to ends (if you
have greasy hair, don’t cover roots)
·
Once the mixture is spread evenly over hair,
cover with shower cap or plastic cling wrap, and blow dry for 10 minutes
·
Rinse, shampoo and condition hair
2.
All Natural Teeth Whitening- Nothing brightens a
face like well kempt pearly whites. To whiten your smile for a youthful and
polished appearance, follow this easy and inexpensive toothpaste recipe:
·
Mix 1 part peroxide with 2 parts baking soda
(modify recipe for preferred consistency)
·
Add a few drops of pure peppermint oil to taste
·
Brush teeth for 2 minutes and rinse thoroughly
with water.
·
Repeat twice per day for at least two weeks to
see a noticeably whiter smile
3.
Lemon Juice Facial- The acid in lemons
exfoliates dead skin- making it look brighter, as well as lightens age spots and freckles. For a
miniscule fraction of the cost of a spa treatment (typically $100 and up), you
can perform a nightly facial peel in the comfort of your own home for pennies.
The treatment will cause a slight tingling/ burning sensation, if you
experience great discomfort, rinse face with water and discontinue use.
·
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into container/ use
pre squeezed pure lemon juice
·
Pour a tea spoon of lemon juice onto a paper
towel or clean cloth
·
Wipe juice all over face
·
Repeat, giving age spots extra care
·
Apply sunscreen to skin following treatment
·
Repeat daily
4.
Coconut Oil Hand and Body Scrub- The benefits of
coconut oil on skin are numerous; sun protection, bacteria and fungus fighting,
acts as antioxidant and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles to name a few.
That is why this DIY body scrub is so awesome. Use it daily on face, hands and
body for exfoliating and moisturizing bliss:
·
Heat 1 cup coconut oil in a stovetop pot until
it becomes liquid
·
Add half cup of quick oats to pot
·
Add a quarter cup olive oil
·
Add a quarter cup of coffee grounds to pot (add
more for more exfoliation)
·
Add a dash of vanilla for aroma
Stir ingredients together and
pour into storage container. Stir mixture occasionally until it begins to
harden. Store at room temperature or above (the shower is a great place to store
and use this delicious scrub)
