Here are some lovely and simple ways to keep your skin feeling healthy and beautiful. Most of the ingredients you can find in your kitchen and can be just as effective as going to a spa. I love using simple and natural ingredients when it comes to my skin. Some people will never again wash their face with an over the counter cleanser when they have learned how effective Mother Nature can be. It’s healthier to know what you are using on your skin. Enjoy.

Baking Soda Scrub
Baking soda is an inexpensive way to get a very effective facial without having to go to the spa each time. The sodium bicarbonate exfoliates off the dead skin cells allowing the pores underneath to breathe freely. This is a wonderful and gentle treatment for all skin types, and has antiseptic properties that fight off breakouts.
Directions- (Can be used twice a week) Make a paste with 4 tsp baking soda and 1 Tbsp water, allow to sit for a couple minutes before applying. Apply to a moist face with circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off after 3 minutes. Always splash your face with cold water at the end of your cleanse to close the pores.

Lemons for Dry Skin
Remedy those dry patches on your elbows or even your face with a lemon. Citric acid is great treatment for rough and dry skin, leaving it feeling softer and looking brighter.
Directions- (Use no more than twice a week) Slice a lemon in half and rub on part of the body that is dry or rough for a couple of seconds, then rinse. I add 1 tsp of sugar and 1 tsp honey to my sliced lemon for an even more stimulating treatment.

Coffee Fights Cellulite
Don’t throw away your coffee grounds after making your morning cup. This treatment will exfoliate and target cellulite. Since coffee acts as a mild diuretic the caffeine will draw water out of your fat cells, shrinking them.
Directions- (Use twice a week) Combine 2 Tbsp of used coffee grounds and 4 tsp olive oil. Apply over cellulite prone areas in strokes toward your core for 2 minutes, then rinse. Keep in mind to watch your step in the shower with oil!

Mint for Pimples
Peppermint contains menthol and menthone, compounds that reduce redness and inflammation. Mint also acts as an astringent clearing away unwanted oil.
Directions- (Use twice a day till gone) Blend a handful of leaves in a food processor with 1 tsp lemon juice. Cover blemish for 15 minutes and then rinse.

Parsley for Dark Circles
Parsley is rich in Vitamin K which reduces blood flow to the eye are, the main reason for dark circles. As time goes on the skin under our eyes becomes weaker and thinner. Always keep your eyes protected and moisturized.
Directions- (Try once a week) Mix a handful of parsley and 2 Tbsp plain yogurt in the food processor, creating a paste. Apply generously under your eyes and let it sit for 20 minutes and then rinse.

Facial Steam at Home
Plump and rejuvenate your skin with a facial steam. The steam opens your pores and will bring toxins to the surface of your skin to be rinsed off. You will feel like you had a professional facial at home and just using hot water!
Directions- (Try twice a week) Boil water and pour into a large bowl that you won’t need to move. Add a couple of essential oils for more simulation. I tend to keep it simple and use lavender, roman chamomile and lemon. Just a couple drops of each. Grab a towel and lean yourself comfortably over the bowl. Place the towel over your head and the bowel, the towel should be large enough to not allow too much steam to escape. Now relax over the steam till it is no longer steaming.