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These natural and fun treatments will further ensure your skin and hair look amazing on your big day. So set aside some time – either for a peaceful, relaxing session on your own or some indulgent time with your closest friends.
All the following are packed with nutrients to feed your skin or hair and should be used straightaway to maximise the benefits. Because they are all made with natural ingredients you are avoiding the toxic effects of many of the chemicals contained in skin products you buy in the shops.
Face Masks
Egg and Honey Mask
Egg and Honey are among the oldest natural beauty products used to treat the skin and honey is a natural cleanser. This face pack is suitable for all skin types but if you have a dry or a normal skin, then use the egg yolk to make this pack as it will be hydrating. For oily skin it is best to use the egg white as this helps tighten the skin and reduce spots.
To prepare an egg and honey face pack you will need:
1 Egg
1-Teaspoon Honey
Blend the egg with honey to make a smooth paste and gently apply the mixture on your face and neck. Wash it off after 20 minutes or after the mask dries.
Kiwi and Papaya Face Mask
This is a gel mask that harnesses the natural acids in the fruit to exfoliate and results in the skin looking smooth and rejuvenated. You will need:
1 kiwi fruit, peeled
Juice of 1 lime
½ papaya
2 sachets of vegetarian gelatin
Mash the kiwi through the sieve and then add the limejuice. Scoop out and discard the seeds from the papaya and mash the flesh with a fork before pressing through the sieve. Mix the sieved papaya with the gelatin in a bowl which you then place over a pan of boiling water and stir until it forms a wallpaper-like consistency. Remove from heat and slowly add the kiwi and lime. Leave to cool.
Apply to face avoiding the eye area and leave for ½ an hour. Wash off with warm water.
Simple Avocado Mask
Avocados are rich in fatty acids and contain vitamins A, C, E and the B’s too, which are all important for good skin. Avocado also has anti-bacterial properties making it good for acne and other skin conditions.
Simply mash an avocado and apply to face.
Leave for 15 - 30 minutes.
Rejuvenating Face Scrub
This is a gentle but effective facial scrub that can be used once a week. The almonds, oats and vinegar slough off dead skin and the basil oil kills bacteria.
You will need:
1tsp ground almonds
1tsp oat flakes
Pinch of salt
½ tsp cider vinegar
2 drops of basil essential oil (optional)
Mix together and apply to damp skin, massaging gently for a minute or so.
Hair Masks
Hair is our crowning glory and we spend lot of money, time and effort to make it strong and healthy. Instead of spending a fortune on hair care products you can try these wonderful homemade hair recipes. Commercial products can strip your hair of natural moisturizer and damage hair shaft due to presence of chemicals in them.
Sometimes these commercial hair products irritate scalp and lead to dandruff. If your hair is badly damaged by dying, bleaching or heating, using homemade hair recipes could be the best way to protect your hair from long-term damage.
Avocado and Banana Hair Mask
Take ½ banana, ¼ avocado, 1 tbsp wheat germ oil and 1 tbsp yoghurt. Then take a vitamin E capsule and squeeze its content into the mixture for extra conditioning. Apply in hair and leave for 15 minutes.
Olive Oil Mask
This is great for dry hair. Take 4 tbsp of olive oil and take two whole eggs. Blend both the ingredients thoroughly. Apply it into the scalp evenly. Now cover it with a shower cap. Wash your hair after ten minutes.
For Damaged Hair
Take the juice of a lemon, yolk of two eggs and white of one egg and one-tablespoon honey. Blend all the ingredients and massage gently into the scalp and hair. Wash with shampoo after ten minutes.
For Greasy Hair
To control grease in your hair, use the juice of a lemon and leave in for half an hour before rinsing. This also helps lighten naturally blonde hair.
For Dandruff
Take seven tablespoons of dried thyme. Boil it in a cup of water for ten minutes. Let it cool and strain it. Apply ½ of the mixture after washing your hair, when hair is damp. Massage it well into the scalp and leave it as it is; do not rinse. Keep the rest of the mixture for other day.
Body Scrubs
Brown Sugar and Oat Scrub
Oatmeal is highly recommended for sensitive skin because it is soothing and there is little risk that it will irritate the skin. Oatmeal is beneficial to oily skin as it picks up on excess oil. Aloe vera gel is gentle on skin, it speeds its healing and reduces the possible irritation and pain.
You will need:
2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ground oats, 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon almond oil (in case you don't have almond oil, use olive oil.
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix until it resembles a paste. It should be applied on moist skin, the best time is after a shower to help the skin cells slough off faster. Use circular motion and massage gently using your fingertips. Rinse off with warm water.
Honey Body Scrub
3/4 cup of honey, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of sea salt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Mix the dry ingredients first. Add oil and mix until you get a paste-like mixture. It should be applied to moist skin. Use circular motions and massage gently. Rinse off with warm water.
Article by Vanessa May, BSc Nut Med, CNHC, NTC and BANT reg.
www.wellbeingandnutrition.co.uk
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