Did you know that some foods are good for your skin? For example, many fruits and vegetables can be applied directly to your face. A slice of tomato or cucumber can be used as a simple cleanser. You can either apply them directly on your skin, or use them in a lotion or cream. Foods good for the skin are:
Highly Acidic
Use only on oily skin and use in moderation:
Lemon*
Grapefruit*
Apples*
Strawberries*
Lime*
Slightly more acidic than normal skin
Beneficial for most skin types:
Peaches*
Apricots*
Tomatoes*
Grapes (not Concord)*
Neutral
Beneficial for most skin types:
Cucumber*
Bananas*
Watermelon*
Persimmon*
Pepper*
Low acidity
Good for moisturizing dry skin:
Carrots*
Cantaloupe*
Avocado*
Honeydew Melon*
Iceberg Lettuce*
NOTE: Facial masks should be applied very gently to preserve the cusion of fatty tissue and avoid stretching the surface skin.
Be sure to test a small area for skin sensitivity before using any mixture on your face. Dab a little on the inside of your wrist or the underside of your arm and wait a 24-48 hours to see if it causes a reaction, such as a rash.
A Mayonnaise Facial?
Yes, simple mayonnaise contains many useful skin nutrients. Use your own recipe (but leave out the salt!), or buy a good salt-free mayonnaise and massage it into your skin as a night cream.
Bran and Oatmeal
Bran and oatmeal both make great hand smoothers. To make bran water, add 1 cup of boiling water to 1/2 cup of natural bran and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the bran and leave small amount of bran water in a bowl by the kitchen sink (refrigerate the rest until you’re ready to use it). Dip your hands into the water and dab them dry 3-4 times a day, especially after washing dishes.
For an oatmeal wash, simmer one part of old-fashioned (non-instant) oatmeal in 2-3 parts water until the meal swells and is soft. Strain into a container and use like the bran water.
Continue on to Facial Masks & Lotions.
