7 Foods to Have on Hand for Natural Beauty Treatments

Treating yourself to a nourishing spa treatment doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals and unnatural ingredients! Some of the most effective and natural treatments for skin problems such as dry skin or acne can be created at home with just a few ingredients from your kitchen. I’m constantly mashing up foods and carting them from kitchen to bathroom so I can slather them on my skin! The best part is, the foods that are the most beneficial for your skin aren’t expensive or hard to find. They are all very common ingredients that you most likely already have on hand.

Next time you make a trip to the grocery store, add these 7 foods to your shopping list for some at home pampering!

Coconut oil: This is my go-to DIY beauty supply! Not only is it great on its own as an intensive night time moisturizer for your body and face, it’s also an incredible hair mask to liven up dull, dry locks and is the perfect smoothing body scrub when mixed with a bit of sugar. I also keep a jar in my shower to use as shaving cream!
Avocado: Not only is everyone’s favorite savory fruit the perfect addition to just about any meal, it’s also a powerhouse when it comes to natural beauty. It’s rich in essential oils that moisturize dry skin as well as vitamin A that can remove dead skin cells. Mash up an avocado and rub it into your hair as a conditioning mask before you shower, or apply it to your face as an acne and wrinkle-fighting facemask!
Cinnamon: This spice has very strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so it’s one of my main natural defenses against acne. If you have acne prone skin, mix cinnamon with honey to create a detoxifying facemask. You can use it as a stronger spot treatment by mixing more cinnamon and less honey to create a thick paste. Apply it to the affected area and leave it overnight.
Raw, Local Honey: The base of all of my favorite natural facemask recipes is raw, local honey. Honey is another great remedy for troublesome skin and it provides the right texture and viscosity needed to make a face mask. I love using raw, local honey because it’s 100% pure honey and it provides a slight defense against local allergies.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Looking for a nighttime toner? Look no further than your kitchen pantry! Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water in a small spray bottle and use it to spritz your face after you wash it. This toner can help clear out your pores, but it does have a strong smell, so I recommend only doing this treatment at night. ACV also has many summertime beauty benefits!
Oranges: Citrus fruit is a great all-natural cure for dry, flaky skin. The acidity in the fruit removes dead skin cells. I like to cut an orange in half and rub half into each elbow to keep them soft, although this technique will work on any body part where you have dry skin. You could also add freshly squeezed orange juice to your sugar and coconut oil scrub!
Bananas: Bananas are incredibly moisturizing and hydrating. If your face is dry, add a small amount of mashed banana to your raw honey facemask. This mask will liven up your complexion and leave you with very soft skin! If you’re suffering from dry, cracked skin on your feet, try adding one part honey to three parts banana and rubbing it into your cracked heels. Remember to cover your feet with plastic wrap to avoid making a mess while you relax during the treatment!