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GOOD SKIN IS IN THIS SEASON THANKS TO THESE DIY TREATMENTS

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Though October can be a scream — ghoulish yard decorations, scary slasher movies, horrifying piles of sugary candy — there is nothing more monstrous than not properly taking care of your skin from head to toe. But fear not: Here are a few healthy skincare ingredients you might already have at home, plus a few DIY treatments that will leave you hauntingly radiant.

TURMERIC

homespa3You’re probably more familiar with its uses in the kitchen, but turmeric is all the rage these days in the health community — and for good reason. A member of the ginger family, turmeric offers anti-inflammatory and high antioxidant properties that not only benefit our digestive and immune systems, but also our largest organ: our skin. You’ve probably already got the ingredients for this face mask in your kitchen; it can provide relief to dry spots, psoriasis and eczema. 

Anti -Inflammatory Tumeric Face Mask
2 tablespoons organic flour (almond, rice or all-purpose)
1 teaspoon turmeric
3 tablespoons organic milk or plain yogurt 
1 teaspoon honey (local or manuka is best)
 

Mix flour, turmeric and milk/yogurt to make a paste. 

Apply a thin layer to your face and let it set for 20 to 30 minutes. (Note: A thin layer is ideal, as the thicker the application, the more likely it will temporarily stain your skin yellow.) Rinse off in the shower or with a warm, wet washcloth using a circular motion and being gentle around the eyes. 
 

Full Body Sugar Scrub

homespa1/2 cup organic coconut oil 
1/2 cup granulated, organic white or brown sugar
5 drops helichrysum essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil 
1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)
 

Mix all the ingredients in a wide-mouth Mason jar. Place a wooden cheese spreader in the jar for to help apply the scrub. 

While in the shower, turn off the water and apply the scrub to your face and body. Turn the water back on and gently wash away the residue. To avoid slipping when using on the feet, sit down and gently scrub callused areas, then remove with a wet washcloth and dry before standing.

HEALING OILS

Sugar scrubs can be just as fun to make — or give as gifts — as they are good for your skin. The real star in the recipe above is the helichrysum, an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial essential oil; it’s also a great antioxidant. Peppermint oil is also pretty cool, from its energizing scent to its healing qualities and the invigorating tingle it leaves on the skin. Make sure you are purchasing high-quality oils, such as those made by Young Living, that will not cause a skin reaction.

CUCUMBER

homespa4Cucumber isn’t just delicious: It’s also very hydrating. This foot treatment feels refreshing on tired feet and is great for removing dry skin. 

Cucumber Foot Treatment
2 small organic cucumbers
1 lemon, juiced
3 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
 

Add the ingredients to a blender and combine. Divide the mixture between two large plastic freezer bags and then place your feet inside for 10 minutes. Rinse. 

CLAY

Bentonite clay regenerates skin tissue, draws toxins from the skin, and exfoliates. It is also economical in that a little bit goes a long way.
 
Clay Detox Facial Mask
1 chamomile tea bag
2 teaspoons bentonite clay
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops melaleuca essential oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
 
Steep chamomile tea bag for 10 minutes in a mug of warm water. Remove the tea bag and mix the tea-infused water with bentonite clay in a mixing bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients.
 
Apply the mask to your face and let it set for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing. 
Becca Edwards is a wellness professional, freelance writer, and owner of b.e.WELL+b.e.CREATIVE (bewellbecreative.com).