Simple Skin Tips for Moms {Using the Kitchen Pantry}

Taking care of your skin is important throughout your life. For moms, it can fall to the bottom of the to-do list when kids are demanding all of your time and attention. Besides, many skincare products are expensive. Here are some homemade skin care ideas to meet your need for ease and frugality.

Shelf life of products is increased through the use of preservatives. That goes for food as well as toiletries. For skin care, some of those preservatives can be harmful especially to sensitive skin. When you next go shopping for food, pick up a few foods that double as skin care products.

5 Frugal Ideas for Skincare Straight from the Kitchen

1. Lemons – Lemons are not just for making that sweet summer drink. The citric acid in lemons acts as a natural astringent to pull dirt and grime from your pores. Rub lemon juice on your hands to cut grime after working in the garden. It also cuts the smell of fish after you’ve prepared dinner. For your face, use lemon juice in water (distilled water is great for the face) to apply after cleansing as an astringent.

2. Tea bags – If you drink herbal tea, save the tea bags. Chamomile and green tea bags can be cooled in the refrigerator and applied to puffy morning eyes to reduce the swelling. Cucumber slices can also be used for the same purpose if you don’t drink tea.

3. Honey – If the bees swear by it that’s good enough for us. Honey contains many healthy properties that can benefit your skin. It is an antibacterial to help heal wounds. It also can be used as a facial mask alone or with egg whites. Honey will pull dirt from the pores for a clear complexion. Honey can be applied to your bath water to soften skin.

4. Mayonnaise – You may have heard of this one. Applying mayonnaise to your hair provides a great conditioning mask. It contains protein from egg whites and cleaning properties of vinegar to leave you hair strong and your pores clean. You can use commercial mayonnaise or create your own. Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge to avoid spoilage.

5. Oatmeal – Oatmeal soothes the skin by reducing itching caused by skin conditions. Add cooked oatmeal to your bath water to combat dry itchy skin. Combining oatmeal with baking soda and water can be used as an exfoliating treatment for your skin. After exfoliating, rinse your face with cool water to close your pores.

Always use clean hands to handle any homemade skincare products to avoid contamination. These ideas provide ways to protect your skin without spending a lot of money. Homemade products work just as well without all of the preservatives found in store brands.