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It's true that proper nourishment is the key to glowing skin, especially inthe depths of winter as cold air strips us of essential moisture andnutrients. But before running to the closest store for a moisturizer, look around your home first. Why buy expensive pre-packaged productswhen you can find natural moisturizers in your kitchen?
Here are nine natural moisturizers for hydrated, glowing skin:
1. Honey
Raw, organic honey is naturally anti-bacterial, so it's an effective acnetreatment, helps unclog pores and is a great cleanser. It's also full ofantioxidants, making it a potent fighter of wrinkles, aging skin, irritationand blemishes,all while leaving a lovely afterglow.
To use:Mix two tablespoons of honey with eight tablespoons of wateruntil a paste forms. Apply to skin and allow it to dry, then gently washoff with warm water.
2. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is rich in lactic acid, an ingredient found in many expensiveskin care products. Why? It's a pro at breaking down and removingdead skin cells, speeding up cell turnover and rejuvination. And newskin cells = younger looking skin. These new cells getthe added benefitof being bathed in all the nutrients found in buttermilk, making it a greatmoisturizer.
To use:Dip a wash cloth in cold buttermilk and lay it on your face forfive to ten minutes. Gently rinse.
3. Olive oil
Olive oil has been used for centuries as a moisturizer. Its antioxidantsand natural acids help strengthen the skin to create a natural barrieragainst the harmful effects of the sun.
To use:Add a few tablespoons of olive oil and two drops of lavenderessential oil to a bath for a moisturising and refreshing effect.
4. Castor oil
Castor oil is an amazing moisturizer. It has a high concentration of fattyacids, enabling it to quickly absorb into the skin. It's an effectivelubricant for dry patches and hydrates the skin from the inside outbecause its linoleic acid creates a barrier that prevents skinfrom losingmoisture.
To use:Massage a few drops onto dry skin every night.
5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is naturally full of collagen-supporting lauric acid and iseasily absorbed deep into the skin for great moisturizing without leavingyou feeling greasy. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties alsomake it a great anti-ager.
To use:Find raw, unrefined, virgin organic coconut oil, heat it betweenyour hands to liquify and rub into your skin.
6. Shea butter
Shea Butter is a rich source of vitamins A and F, both of which help toalleviate dry skin and keep it looking young. Produced from the nutsfound inside the fruit of the Shea tree, it's a totally natural moisturizerand acts as barrier from the harmful effects of theelements.
To use:Make sure your shea butter has not expired (it loses all itsfantastic moisturizing properties if it is!) and then go ahead and slather itall over your skin.
7. Avocados
When applied to dry skin,avocados help lubricate every layer of yourdermis. Their high levels of fats and vitamins like A, D and E help skinretain moisture and and work as anti-agers.
To use: Eat a ripe avocado and then rub the inner side of the peel lightlyon your face. Let the avocado residue sit for 15 minutes before rinsingoff with warm water.
8. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are an excellent source of water for your body, both insideand out. Packed with nutrients like magnesium, potassium, vitamins Aand E, cucumbers promote blood circulation and healing, both of whichbenefit skin, bones and nails. The vegetable alsohelps to reducewrinkles and promotes a glowing complexion, and can treat puffinessaround the eyes because of their high water content.
To use:Start small and simply place slices of cucumber over your eyesfor an easy de-puffer. You can also puree a cucumber and add a fewdrops of honey to make a soothing, hydrating mask.
9. Aloe
Aloe is widely used in many skin care products because it helps moisturize skin without leaving it greasy. Nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamins C and E keep skin plump.
To use: Carefully cut and peel an aloe vera leaf to expose the gel inside, then apply to skin.