In these days, many people spend thousand dollars for skin treatments. People visit skin care centres for massages and laser treatments as well as spend on skin care products to improve their skin. I went once beauty shop for facial massage. I felt good after that however, I felt it is expensive to visit monthly.
I realise that there are many ways we can look after our skin without spending a lot of money.
Here are some tips on how to look after our skin for all age groups at home without spending a lot of money.
Number One,
As we all know(especially as Kiwi's), we need to put sun block and and a sun hat to protect our skin from UV - it is the most important to reduce the damage from the sun.
A face mask can be made out of mixture of 2-5 ingredients, however it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Let’s keep it simple - ONE INGREDIENT from our pantry and improve your skin.
Egg whites
For ageing skin, egg whites can help tighten and firm. If you have large and stretched pores or acne-prone skin, egg whites help close pores and get rid of build up. And if your skin is oily, egg whites are said to clarify our pores and hair follicles that make too much sebum (oil).
How to?
Simply separate the egg yolk and white. We only need the egg white. Beat the egg white and put the egg white foam on your face. Leave it on for 10~15 mins and wash it with warm water. You will feel clean skin right away.
Rice water
Rice water (water after washing dried short grain rice) is rich in vegetable ceramides, which are effective in moisturising and whitening the skin. In addition, water-soluble nutrients such as vitamins B1, B2, and E contained in rice water prevent blemishes such as spots and freckles, and help make the skin bright.
How to?
Wash dried rice with water throughly and remove the water from the first wash.
Now you can use the 2nd time washed water for your skin.
Wash your face with rice water and gently massage around your face.
Rinse your face with clear water.
If fine particles of rice water remain on your skin, it may cause skin problems, so you need to rinse it off with clear water. In addition, rice water contains an ingredient called Oregonian peptide, which helps the skin synthesise collagen and makes skin more elastic.
Oatmeal (& milk)
Oatmeal can soak up the excess oil on your skin and help treat acne. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to treat dry skin and remove dead skin cells. Oats also contain compounds called saponins, which are natural cleansers. They remove the dirt and oil that clog the pores and help to exfoliate the skin.
How to?
Soak 1 tablespoon of oatmeal in to 3 tablespoons of water or milk and rub it on the face. Leave it for 10 -15 mins and wash with clean water.
Green tea
Great tea is great for calming down the skin. It would be perfect after you have had some sun on your skin.
How to?
Make a green tea and let it cool. ( I normally made it the night before and keep it in the fridge). Soak a cotton pad into the cold green tea and put on the face. Leave it for 10 mins (no more than 15 mins). There is no need to rinse it off.
After washing your face, make sure put toner and enough moisturising cream on your face. If it is the day time, make sure a sun cream on. Repeat the pack twice a week. You will see the improvement on your skin gradually and you will feel good! Good job on looking after yourself!