Need to treat your skin before school starts but spent all your allowance? Don't worry, we have some cheap, homemade solutions
First, find your skin type!
Do you get spots often? Oily skin / acne-prone skin
Does your skin dry out very easily? Dry skin
Is your skin sensitive to lots of products? Sensitive skin
Is your skin partly dry and partly oily? Combination skin
None of the above apply to you. Normal skin
Now, it's time to pamper!
Oily skin
People with oily skin tend to have larger pores. There's also a shine on the face due to light reflecting off the oil on the surface of your skin.
Cucumber and almond yogurt scrub
- Half a cucumber
- 1 tbsp almond powder
- 1 tbsp yogurt
Chop and mash the cucumber in a bowl without removing the skin, either by hand or using a food processor. Add the almond powder and yogurt, and mix. Then apply to face. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse off.
Cucumbers are rich in vitamin A and E, which can soothe skin and control oiliness. The almond powder exfoliates and reduces any irritation in the skin.
Dry skin
People with dry skin tend to have smaller pores. Their skin may feel tight and dehydrated regardless of the amount of moisture in the air.
Olive oil and honey face scrub
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, then apply to face. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse off.
The sea salt will thoroughly exfoliate your skin, getting rid of dried skin and dirt. Meanwhile, the olive oil will moisturise your skin and leave it feeling hydrated and smooth. The honey will leave your skin radiant.
Sensitive skin
People with sensitive skin are more likely to react to skin care products. Many products can make their faces red, itchy, and painful.
Banana face scrub
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tsp oatmeal
- 1 tsp honey
Mash the banana in a bowl and mix in the oatmeal and honey. Apply to face and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing. The oatmeal gently exfoliates your sensitive skin without damaging it. Honey is very moisturising and soothing and will leave your skin glowing.
Green tea avocado mask
- Half a ripe avocado
- 3 tbsp powdered green tea
Place the green tea in a cup and pour hot water over it. Let the green tea steep for five minutes and then strain. In another bowl, mash up the avocado. Add the strained tea leaves and mix well. Apply to face and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse. Green tea has anti-ageing properties that keep the skin young-looking. Avocado reduces redness and soothes irritation.
Combination skin
People with combination skin usually have an oily T-zone and normal-to-dry skin everywhere else.
Kiwi sugar scrub
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 kiwi fruit
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Mix the sugar and kiwi flesh in a bowl. Add the coconut oil and scrub your face. Rest for 15 minutes then rinse off.
The kiwi seeds exfoliate your skin while the coconut oil moisturises the drier zone and balances the skin's oil content.
Peach and sour cream mask
- 1 ripe peach
- 1 egg white
- 1 tbsp sour cream
Mash the peach in a clean bowl, add the egg white and sour cream, and mix thoroughly. Apply to face and wait for 10 minutes. Rinse off and pat face dry.
Egg whites clear up excess oil while the sour cream has lactic acid which will keep skin healthy. Peaches moisturise skin to keep it smooth.
Normal skin
People with normal skin show neither oil nor flaking skin. Their skin feels supple and smooth.
White sugar lemon scrub
- 2 tbsp granulated white sugar
- Half a lemon
Dip the lemon into the granulated white sugar. Rub it over your skin thoroughly for a few minutes. Leave it on for 10 minutes then rinse off.
The granulated white sugar is very gentle, so it will not irritate your skin. The lemon has anti-ageing properties that give a fresh look to your skin.
Tackling problem areas
Dark circles
Peppermint tea bag eye mask
- 2 peppermint tea bags
- sealable sandwich bag
Soak the tea bags in boiling water for two minutes. Then take them out and put them in a sandwich bag. Put the sealed sandwich bag in the fridge for 10-15 minutes and then, once it's cooled, take the teabags out and place them on your eyes for 15 minutes. The peppermint will soothe and moisturise your eyes while reducing any swelling.
Pimples
Intensive aspirin paste
- 1 aspirin tablet
- 2 tsp water
Crush up the aspirin and mix it with two teaspoons of water to form a paste. Using a cotton bud or your fingers, apply the paste to individual pimples, and leave it to dry. Rinse. Aspirin contains salicylic acid that dries out pimples and fights against bacteria.
Blackheads
Homemade pore strips
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp unflavoured gelatine
Mix the milk and the gelatine in a microwave-safe container until it's clumpy and dry. Pop the container in the microwave for 10 seconds; the mixture should come out thick and gooey. Take a spoon or a brush and spread it thinly on and around your nose. (Make sure to test the temperature on your hand first. The mixture can be really hot). Let it dry for 10 minutes and then peel it off. All the dirt and sebum in your pores should come out with it.