DIY Skin Treatments to Try at Home

Amidst the uncertainty the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to our lives, there is one thing that is certain for the near future at least -  we'll have a lot more time at home!

Our change in daily rituals have us working from home, catching up with friends via video chat and generally with less distractions that allow us to spend more time on selfcare and giving our skin a bit of a detox from daily makeup application, and exposure to pollution and other environmental toxins.

It follows, that now is the perfect opportunity to try some natural and effective skincare treatments -  most of which you'll be able to make with ingredients already in your pantry or others you can pick up next time you're shopping for essentials at the supermarket.

We've shared three of our go-to, DIY skin treatments below!

PSA: We've seen DIY skincare recipes that include baking soda and lemon. Do not ever use lemon juice or baking soda on your face! If you come across a blog recommending this -  run! Baking soda can actually burn your skin due to its pH levels and lemon juice can be too acidic and highly irritating.

1. Honey & Turmeric Brightening Face Mask

Benefits:

• Brightening
• Moisturising
• Calming
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Can help with acne
• Contains healing properties 

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp Raw, unfiltered, organic honey or manuka honey
• 1 tsp. Turmeric

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl to make a smooth paste. Apply and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Note: Turmeric can stain skin and eyebrows if left on too long -  so be careful not to leave on beyond 15 minutes and be sure to rinse thoroughly!

2.  Oat & Oil Renewing Face Scrub

Benefits:

• Helps to remove dead skin cells
• Smooths skin
• Helps to unclog pores
• Deep cleaning
• Anti-inflammatory
• Can help with acne
• Contains healing properties 

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. colloidal oatmeal or oat flour
• 1 tsp. of your favourite face oil. Our picks include sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or, for a more luxe version, our own Obv. Beauty Oil.
• 1 tsp. raw, organic, unfiltered honey

Mix the oil and honey in a bowl to create a smooth paste. Add in oatmeal or oat flour in small parts until you achieve the right consistency (amount you add might vary depending on the oil you choose!). Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eye area, and rub gently in circular motions. Rinse well with water and follow with your favourite face cream or face oil.

Note: We recommend against using any face scrubs with abrasive ingredients such as walnut shell, almond shells or sugar, as these can actually cause microtears in your skin, leading to damage or even infection!

3. Apple Cider & Green Tea Clear Skin Face Mask

Benefits:

• Clearing
• Can help with acne
• Anti-ageing
• Anti-inflammatory
• Contains healing properties 
• Softening

 Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. diluted apple cider vinegar with 'mother' (dilute in water in ratio 1:1)
• 2 tsp. green tea (Hot water added and then cooled)
• 1 tsp. raw, organic, unfiltered honey

Pour cooled green tea in a bowl (we use the normal, tea bag variety!). Mix in ACV and honey, adding more honey if you prefer a thicker consistency. Apply to face and leave for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

For a deeper clean, we love mixing apple cider vinegar with our HG deep cleansing mask, Aztec Secret's Indian Healing Clay. While you probably won't find this during your food shop, you can order online!

Disclaimer: As with all new skincare products, patch test before use and discontinue immediately if any irritation occurs!