All-natural recipes to pamper the skin at home

---

SINGAPORE - The circuit breaker has made visits to the beauty salon a no-no, at least until June 1.

 

But local skincare gurus say home-made, do-it-yourself beauty treatments can help fill the void until the next pampering session at your favourite salon.

 

Ms Hildra Gwee is the founder of local vegan beauty brand Oasis : skin, and makes most of the products she sells.

 

She says: "My favourite ingredient is oils. Plant-based oils can be very good for the skin - although I would recommend that people stick to lighter oils for the face and leave the heavier oils like coconut and olive on the body."

 

Many common pantry items also have qualities the skin love.

 

She says: "For exfoliating, sugar and salt are good bases to start. Honey can be very moisturising too, but honey that is very cheap tends to be more processed so it's always good to use organic honey.

 

"Tea bags too - teas are packed with antioxidants and are also slightly astringent."

 

Ms Lynsey Lim, founder of Handmade Heroes, another home-grown natural and vegan skincare brand says she likes avocado and tumeric powder in her stay-home beauty treats.

 

She says: "Avocados are great for moisturising the skin and turmeric contains anti inflammatory properties that can help reduce and heal acne."

 

However, she advises those making their own products to be cautious and to keep their chosen ingredients as clean as possible - without added flavours or colourings.

 

She says: "And for sensitive skin, always go a patch test on your wrist before applying any products on your face."

 

Ms Gwee and Ms Lim share their favourite at-home recipes to look fresh and dewy.

 

FROM MS GWEE:

 

Lip Sugar Scrub

 

What it does: Exfoliate your lips for a smooth pout

 

Prepare:

 

3 tbs of regular white sugar (preferably fine-grained)

 

1-1.5 tbs of organic virgin coconut oil - 1-1.5 tablespoon

 

1-2 drops of essential oil (optional)

 

1. Soften the coconut oil for 15 seconds in the microwave in a heat safe bowl, or till semi liquid.

 

2. Add the sugar and drop 1-2 drops of essential oils (avoid strong ones like tea tree or peppermint) into the mix.

 

3. Mix well till you get a uniform paste.

 

4. Apply the scrub to your lips and rub it in circular motions for a few minutes before washing off.

 

Natural Vinegar Rinse

 

What it does: Balances out your scalp and hair pH levels. It is also beneficial for people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that affects the scalp.

 

Prepare:

 

1 tbs of organic apple cider vinegar with the mother (a substance with strands of protein containing enzymes and beneficial bacteria)

 

4-5 tbs of distilled water

 

1. Combine the apple cider vinegar and water into a small bottle and shake well to mix the solution.

 

2. After shampooing your hair, slowly pour the diluted ACV blend over your hair, massaging it into your scalp.

 

3. Wash off and towel dry.

 

Note: A vinegary smell would linger on the hair after but should wash out in one to two days.

 

FROM MS LIM:

 

Avocado and Oatmeal Face Mask

 

What it does: Moisturise the skin, leaving it soft and soothed.

 

Prepare:

 

1/4 (25g) avocado

 

1 tbs oatmeal

 

1 tbs water

 

1. Add the water to the oatmeal and let sit for 5 mins until soft.

 

2. Add the avocado and mix until smooth.

 

3. Apply the mask for 10-15 minutes.

 

Chia Seed Gel Face Mask

 

What it does: Refreshes and hydrates the skin

 

Prepare:

 

1/4 cup (60g) chamomile tea, warm

 

1 tbs of chia seeds

 

1/16 tsp of turmeric powder (just a smidgen, because turmeric can stain the skin)

 

1. Add the warm chamomile tea, chia seeds and turmeric powder to a bowl. Mix well and let sit for 30 mins until a thick consistency is formed or until cooled.

 

2. Add the mixture to a blender and blend on high for a minute. Stir and blend on high for another minute.

 

3. Apply the gel face mask for 10-15 minutes.

 

Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.

 

 

---

ALL views, content, information and/or materials expressed / presented by any third party apart from Council For Third Age, belong strictly to such third party. Any such third party views, content, information and/or materials provided herein are for convenience and/or general information purposes only. Council For Third Age shall not be responsible nor liable for any injury, loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly howsoever in connection with or as a result of any person accessing or acting on any such views, content, information and/or materials. Such third party views, content, information and/or materials do not imply and shall not be construed as a representation, warranty, endorsement and/or verification by Council For Third Age in respect of such views, content, information and/or materials.