Summer is here, which means it's time to put on the tanks tops and bathing suits. If you've been neglecting your skin during the past few months months, it will definitely show. Luckily, there are plenty of natural remedies that will have your skin looking its best.
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From ingredients you already have in your kitchen to essential oils, you'll have plenty of tricks up your sleeve that will bring your skin back up to speed. Consider dry skin, razor bumps, mosquito bites, sunburn, and more handled with this list.
Keep your bikini line bump-free with tea tree oil.
Use tea tree oil as a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic treatment that will help open up your pores, release ingrown hairs, and kill bacteria. Dilute it with warm water and use a washcloth to apply it to problem areas.
Keep lemon on hand as a post-shaving treatment.
Frequent shaving and dull razors can cause painful razor burn. Treat the irritation with lemon juice. Its acidic qualities will help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Apply the juice directly to the area and rinse it off once it dries.
Use black tea bags on razor bumps.
The tannic acid in black tea is another effective treatment for razor bumps because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Rub a damp tea bag over the affected area to get relief.
Take advantage of the healing properties of grapeseed oil.
It is rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid, which helps skin heal quicker. Plus, grapeseed oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which are an added bonus for those with irritated skin.
Coffee can free trapped ingrown hairs.
The acidic qualities of coffee are a godsend for this issue. Exfoliate the skin with a paste made from unused coffee grounds and water, rinse it off, and follow up with a moisturizer of your choice.
Lavender oil is a summer skin essential.
The essential oil isn’t just great for relieving stress through aromatherapy. Razor bumps are no match for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and hydrating properties. Mix a few drops into grapeseed oil or almond oil, and your irritated skin will thank you.
Get silky smooth legs with a DIY sugar scrub.
Mix equal parts olive oil and brown sugar for a body scrub that will leave your skin feeling like butter. Brown sugar is a natural humectant and the texture helps slough off dead skin cells. The antioxidant and hydrating properties of olive oil gives dry skin the extra moisture that it craves.
Milk is a gentle exfoliator.
Milk is a great alternative if body scrubs sound too harsh for your skin. It contains lactic acid which gently exfoliates the skin. Try a full-body skin-softening soak by adding a few cups to a warm bath.
Restore your skin with coconut oil.
Try virgin coconut oil as a daily moisturizer on the body. “Coconut oil is mainly composed of saturated fats, which are amazing at repairing your skin’s natural barrier function and can also keep moisture in the skin by slowing down the evaporation,” facialist and laser expert Debbie Thomas told Elle UK. It’s ability to absorb quickly into the skin is an added bonus. However, it should be noted that coconut oil is considered comedogenic, therefore you should limit its use on the face in order to avoid clogged pores.
Kiss dullness goodbye with almond oil.
The emollient and skin smoothing properties of almond oil make it an excellent moisturizer. Not only does it treat dryness and improve your skin’s tone, it reduces irritation as well, which will come in handy if you’re shaving frequently.
Honey can banish ashiness.
Use the natural sweetner to give yourself a one-ingredient body treatment that will attract moisture and lock it into the skin. Start with clean, dry skin, apply a layer of raw honey, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and rinse it off to see the benefits for yourself.
Soothe sunburn with aloe vera.
Apply the gel inside of aloe vera leaves directly to sunburned skin to reap the benefits of its healing properties that reduce inflammation. Aloe vera is also hydrating and anti-fungal, which is great news if you are dealing with dry, damaged skin.
Avocado oil can heal sunburned skin.
The fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals with proven healing and moisturizing qualities for the skin. The oil is also a powerful antioxidant that can help reverse the damage caused by the sun. It is important to note that avocado oil is considered comedogenic, therefore you should limit its use on the face in order to avoid clogged pores.
Transform cracked heels with a banana peel.
Bananas are rich in potassium which restores moisture levels and smooths dry skin. Mash them up for a quick body treatment or take the peel and rub it on your heels to treat cracked skin before throwing it away.
Sesame oil is another effective treatment for cracked heels.
Sesame oil contains vitamins A and E which repair the skin, help restore elasticity, and promotes the production of collagen. Massage the oil directly to cracked heels daily and watch them come back to life.
Heal scars and stretch marks with rosehip oil.
The concentration of linoleic and fatty acids in rosehip oil has healing powers that can help reverse signs of damage to the skin and aids its collagen production. Apply it directly to the skin and let it work its magic over time.
Treat dry skin and stretch marks with olive oil.
The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties of the natural emollient repairs skin and gives it the extra moisture that it craves. Combine it with collagen-boosting aloe vera gel for an extra-strength topical treatment.
Help skin on a cellular level with flaxseed oil.
Having the right levels of omega-3 fatty acids in your system will boost your cells’ ability to retain water, which dry skin needs. Flaxseed is a great source that you can incorporate into your diet by adding it to your cereal or taking an oil supplement.
A handful of walnuts is another excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
According to WebMD, this serving of walnuts is just as potent as 3.5 ounces of salmon. It is a great alternative for people concerned about mercury levels in fish but still want the skin benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
Lighten dark underarms with potato juice.
Potatoes have an enzyme with skin-bleaching properties that you can use to subtly brighten your underarms over time. Simply cut a potato in half and rub away.
Exfoliate and brighten dark knees and elbows with this oatmeal paste.
Soe Kabbabe of MamaBeaute shared a recipe from her grandmother that combines the brightening effects of lime, parsley, and oatmeal. The result is a potent lightening paste for stubborn knees and elbows. Get the instructions here.
Reduce the appearance of stretch marks with turmeric.
The spice contains antioxidant properties that can help cells fight against skin damage. It is a great option for stretch marks since it is powerful enough to lighten the skin and make them less obvious to the naked eye. Give it a try by mixing equal parts turmeric and yogurt, apply the combo to your stretch marks, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off, and moisturize your skin.
Lighten dark knees and elbows with a yogurt treatment.
Combine equal parts yogurt and lemon juice or white vinegar, massage it onto discolored knees and elbows, and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off and moisturizing the skin. The acidic properties of the ingredients will help exfoliate and brighten your skin.
Treat itchy mosquito bites with mint.
Mint contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that can soothe itchiness. If you need relief from multiple bites, try taking a warm bath with mint leaves and peppermint oil.
Apple cider vinegar is another great option for aggravated mosquito bites.
Help heal mosquito bites and disinfect areas you’ve scratched with apple cider vinegar. Dilute it with an equal part of water and apply it to your bites.
Reduce inflammation with an ice pack.
You can always count on having ice in the freezer. Make your own ice pack and use it to reduce inflammation on mosquito bites.
Drink plenty of water.
While several studies contradict each other on whether or not increasing your water intake can actually change your skin, it can at least create the illusion that it is hydrated by making it appear plumper. Consider adding a few slices of cucumber for a refreshing boost that is rich in antioxidants.
Incorporate dry brushing into your daily routine.
Invest in a dry brush with soft yet firm bristles to literally brush away dead skin cells and boost your circulation. Start at your feet and work your way up, always brushing towards your heart being careful not to use so much pressure that you end up scratching your skin. Follow up with a shower and your moisturizer of choice.
Use a natural sponge or loofah to get rid of chicken skin.
The texture of the sponge will help you reduce the bumps. Gently scrub the affected areas daily while you shower, and don’t forget to moisturize when you’re done.
Time your showers.
Long, hot showers are one of your skin’s worst enemies. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends 5-10 minute-long showers with warm instead of hot water.