The Best Facial Ever From Your Favorite Foods
It’s no secret how dull skin can feel in the winter. You want those pores open but they seem to stay permanently closed, blocking in dirt and bacteria – which is basically the extent of the situation us potato-heads are familiar with. That’s why we called upon an expert – dermatologist Debra Wattenberg (you’ve most likely seen her on The Today Show, or have fabulous skin from visiting her practice in NYC) – to give us an easy at-home facial. We’re not talking specific products; we’re not talking a laundry list of things you need to prepare; we’re talking a truly easy homemade facial. Ironically, it includes some of our favorite ingredients, so if you’re hungry afterwards…you see where we’re headed with this.
As told by Dr. Debra Wattenberg…
As winter settles in so does dry, itchy, dull winter skin. Winter skin is caused by a drop in humidity, dry heat and long showers. In addition, wind and cold air remove the natural oils from the skin leaving the skin feeling chapped and irritated. Prevention is key to healthy skin. The dry heat, cold air and excessive alcohol intake all dehydrate the skin. It’s super important to shorten your showers, avoid excessively hot water and apply the right moisturizer. Also remember to drink lots of water.
Luckily, getting that great skin doesn’t have to cost a lot. While there are great products available in the drugstore and department store, there are some really easy things you can do to improve your skin – and you probably have these ingredients in your kitchen or bathroom.
Steaming your skin can do wonders for you. You don’t need a fancy steamer and you don’t need to spend a lot of money. The two simplest ways to steam your face is to run really hot water in the kitchen sink and hold a towel over your head creating a tent, or do the same thing with a pot of boiling water. Be careful not to burn yourself. I recommend steaming for ten minutes, then use a gentle scrub to remove the dead skin cells. One of my new favorite products is coconut oil. Coconut oil is a fabulous moisturizer and a great antioxidant. It can be used to calm dry, itchy inflamed skin and it’s simple to use.
As a scrub, all you need to do is mix 1/4 cup of solid coconut oil with a 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Apply and rub gently for a few minutes, then rinse. This will leave your skin soft and refreshed. The coconut oil can be used directly as a moisturizer for your hands and feet. Just apply and rub in.
To add hydration, try an avocado mask. Avocado is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which moisturize and help sooth the skin. It’s super easy to make. Just mix a half an avocado, a tablespoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of olive oil into a paste and apply for 10 minutes then rinse. Your skin will feel energized and look great. To complete the treatment apply a dab of your favorite moisturizer. In the morning, don’t forget the sunscreen.
*Photo by Alli Shepherd
