Hey! This month's #Macademics post I'm going to switch it up. Instead of talking about something super technical, I'm going to share with you all some DIY skin care recipes with things you more than likely have laying around in the kitchen. I always tell people that chemistry is like cooking so I thought I'd give you all some things to try based off of what's been working for my skin. For my chemists out there, I'll try to tie in what makes these natural ingredients good for the body.
Three things to know about me: 1) I'm cheap, 2) I just recently went natural, and 3) I love Pinterest. These are my inspirations for this post. When I tell you I look for things on Pinterest first and foremost, I really do. When I need a recipe, gift idea, hair style, etc., I always find what I'm looking for there. Leading up to my "mini big chop", as I call it, I was on that app all the time trying to find products and hairstyles that could work for me and every time I found something about using different oils for my hair, they always say you can use them for your skin too. Naturally, I tried this out and found things that worked for me.
My current skin care routine consists of cleansing with Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser, then using a cotton pad to apply some witch hazel. Once that dries, I spritz with rosewater, and end with Vitamin E oil. I also use a Q-tip and some tea tree oil for active acne - be careful with that though, it can be strong for some people's skin. Now, I found parts of this particular regimen on twitter and other parts on Pinterest so shoutout to social media. I've doing this routine twice a day for about a month or so and my skin is amazinggggg. I've barely worn foundation because it's cleared up and glows. It's wonderful honestly. My skin is loving it and the oil makes it so soft. I love it. I used to buy all this stuff at Sephora and it would work to an extent but using natural ingredients on my skin was one of the best decisions I've made in 2017.
Later in this post, I give some great DIY recipes, some that I've tried and others that are on my list to try. I tried to pick things that people are more than likely to already have at home to use for food or their hair. They center on things like honey, olive oil, roses, etc. so I hope you guys find it helpful!
Now what makes these things so good?
Perks of Witch Hazel
This is a natural and gentle astringent which makes it great for healing the skin. It tightens and cleans the pores as a toner thanks to its active ingredient tannins. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Perks of Vitamin E oil
Fun fact: vitamin E is actually a name to describe 8 chemical forms of fat-soluble compounds in nature. Vitamin E, or a-tocopherol acetate, is an antioxidant and can protect your skin from harsh environmental stressors. It also tightens the look of your skin, all while keeping you hydrated and moisturized.
Perks of Rosewater
Rosewater is really beneficial for those with sensitive skin or rosacea because it has anti-inflammatory properties to help ease irration and calm the skin. It's also anti-bacterial, and cleanses and hydrates your skin. It definitely smells great and you feel like you're at the spa when you use it. I use this as my toner #2 for the hydration purpose.
Perks of Honey
Raw honey tastes good, can be used in hair masks, and is also great for the skin! It's full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that keep the skin hydrated. It also contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is a disinfectant, making it ideal for wounds or chapped lips. Honey also has a high pH, meaning germs wouldn't surivive near it so it's anti-bacterial as well!
Perks of Olive Oil
Good ole olive oil. This oil has vitamin E, along with other antioxidants, in it! So you already know that's a plus. It is high in oleic acid which is how it soothes and softens the skin. This acid also helps olive oil penetrate the skin so it doesn't clog your pores, meaning you can use it for DIY exfoliants.
Onto the DIY! Check out these recipes for a scrub, toner, and moisturizer. I've hyperlinked the original Pinterest posts in the titles too, if you wanted to see other people's commentary.
2 cups Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Olive Oil
1/4 cup Honey
-Add ingredients in a bowl or reusable container and mix well
This can be used as a face, lip, or body scrub for super soft skin
Swear by this scrub! Great exfoilater!
Rosewater
Organic Roses (however many you like)
Distilled Water (just enough to cover the petals)
- Remove petals and run them under lukewarm water
-Add them to a large pot with the distilled water to cover them
-Simmer over medium-low heat and cover
-Strain the mixture & throw away the petals
Rosewater Toner
1 Tbs Rosewater from above
4 Tbs Distilled Water (enough to fill your spray bottle)
2.5 oz. Spray Bottle
-Combine in a spray bottle and shake!
Note: Leftovers can be sealed in a glass jar and stuck in the fridge
I bought my rosewater from Target (SW Basics) since I don't get actual roses. But next time I get some/buy myself some, I'm doing it DIY style!
3 Tbs Cocoa butter
4 Tbs Coconut Oil
1 Tsp Vitamin E oil
4+ drops of your fave essential oil(s)
- In a double boiler/heat safe bowl over a pot of boiling water, melt the cocoa butter and coconut oil.
-Whisk this together to combine and remove from heat
-Let it cool THEN add vitamin E oil and essential oil(s)
-Transfer to a bowl (if you didn't start in one), cover it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for one hour
-Whisk vigorously until it's light and fluffy
-Cover bowl with plastic wrap again and refrigerate for 30 minutes
-Whisk again then scoop into a quarter- pint sized mason jar, or something similar
-Apply a small amount to a clean face
I love Vitamin E oil in general so I can't see this not being amazing. This is in the queue.
Try some of them out and let me know what works for you and what doesn't! I'm definitely trying to make the Vitamin E night cream first next paycheck! If you have any other suggestions for DIY skin care I'm all ears.
See you next week!
-The Chemist
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