Most people want healthy, glowing skin, yet not everyone has the time, energy or money to seek out branded products.
The good news is that skin care solutions need not be expensive or hard to find. In fact, in many cases, it is as easy as opening the kitchen cupboard and simple as making a salad.
As with any skin care product, the first thing to establish is your skin type - normal, oily, dry or a combination - and then set about developing a morning and evening routine for cleansing, moisturising and protecting during the day.
Many foods and oils found in the kitchen can be used to make homemade products. Below is a list of common ingredients and their properties, followed by some easy-to-make recipes.
ALMOND -Contains fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and proteins. Is soothing, softening and nourishing. Relieves dryness, itching and inflammation.
APPLE -The juice combats skin dryness. Softens and soothes sensitive skin. Good for all skin types.
AVOCADO - Cleanses, nourishes and relieves dryness. Good for all skin types. Penetrates the skin well. Contains vitamins A, D, E.
BANANA -Nourishing and smoothing for normal to dry skin. Contains vitamin C and is high in potassium. Banana peel can help remove warts, reduce inflammation from bug bites, and improve the overall texture of the skin. Also thought to be a natural treatment for psoriasis.
BARLEY - A fantastic all-purpose ingredient. Cooked barley is good for anti-aging if used as a face mask.
It can also be ground up as a scrub for an exfoliate - and the water that it has been soaked in can be used as a facial wash to relieve itchy or irritated skin.
BAKING SODA - Rub on the face or body once a week in the shower, for a gentle exfoliation.
COFFEE GROUNDS - Rub the ground coffee into cellulite and enfold in plastic wrap for 30 minutes.
COOKED CARROT - Steam and mashed, it can be used in masks as a general skin tonic because it is high in vitamin A. Also good for clearing pores, acne and relieving dry skin.
CUCUMBER - Contains an enzyme that softens skin. It also has cleansing, cooling and toning effects. For normal to dry skin.
EGG - Used in face masks, the yolk is rich and nourishing for dry skin. Egg white is used for tightening pores, reducing puffiness and soothing sunburn. For eczema it can be used instead of soap to heal damaged skin.
HONEY - Has been applied to skin for thousands of years because of its toning, stimulating and moisturising properties. Honey is a natural humectant and bacteria cannot grow in it. Honey also has anti-bacterial properties, enzymes, minerals and vitamins. Darker honey, especially manuka honey from the North Island of New Zealand, which is now available in Thailand, is renowned for its healing properties.
LIME AND LEMON - These have bleaching, astringent and antiseptic qualities. Can be used in masks and creams for blackheads, oiliness and open pores. Removes stains from nails.
PAPAYA - Good for all skin types. Contains exfoliating enzymes, is high in vitamins A and C and can be used to reduce rings under the eyes.
PINEAPPLE - Contains an enzyme good for rejuvenating normal skin.
TOMATOES - Cleansing, nourishing and stimulating for the skin. Rich in vitamins A and C. Acidic, so not recommended for sensitive or dry skin. Also removes the green tint which blond hair picks up from chlorine in the pool. Apply the juice straight from the can and work through with a comb and wait 15 minutes before rinsing.
VINEGAR - Mix water and vinegar 50/50 to prevent odour without irritation. Also for athlete's foot, a week of vinegar foot-baths will alleviate the problem.
WHOLE MILK - Cleans, nourishes, and softens the skin. Good for all skin types and can be poured into the bath.
YOGURT- Nourishes and brightens dull, oily skin.