Now that winter is here for most of us, cocooning practices are in full force. And rightfully so! I think colder months are the perfect excuse to spend more time indoors and indulge in activities such as: reading a book, cooking comfort foods, sipping on some warm ginger tea or pampering yourself… And talking about pampering oneself, DIY body care treatments are my favs. Not only are they natural and clean (i.e. free of nasty chemicals), but they are also super affordable as most of these can be reproduced with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. There exist many foods that you can apply on your body, but today I only share with you my favourite ones: 5 Foods To Incorporate Into Your Beauty Care Routine.  

I chose these particular foods because they are very potent, yet relatively cheap and easy to find. Some of them will even last for a few weeks, if not months when preserved properly into your kitchen cupboards or fridge!

Note: all of these ingredients are just as beneficial for your body when taken internally (i.e. consumed) or when applied externally. Food (when done right) truly is the BEST medicine there is…

Without further ado, here are:

5 Foods to Incorporate into Your Beauty Care Routine

1. Avocado

How could you NOT use avocados? They are such a versatile foods and they are just as great when applied topically onto your skin or hair. Being a great source of healthy fats (i.e. omega-3s), these will quickly become your skin’s best friend. Avocados are also rich in vitamin E and C, which are excellent for the formation of collagen and your skin’s elasticity. Finally, avocados contain a lot of water and therefore are really hydrating for you hair and skin.

Coconut-Avocado Deep Conditioning Hair Mask*

• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 banana
• 2 tbsp of extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 tsp of raw honey
• 1 can of coconut milk (full fat)
• 1 Tbsp of olive oil

Blend it all up in a mixer and apply onto your hair (humid or dry), place a plastic cap over your hair and leave the deep conditioning treatment in for 30 min to a few hours (if you have time, sometimes I even leave it in over night for a deeper treatment). Rinse it out and follow with your usual hair washing routine… You will then enjoy some bouncy, soft and hydrated locks :).

*You may have to increase those measurements if you have a lot of hair (as I do ;)).

2. Raw Honey

Yes, honey is great for your body when applied topically too! Indeed, it is FULL of antioxidants (which are great for your skin and anti-aging), and it is also a great natural anti-bacterial. Plus, honey is often added to conventional skincare products as it is a great skin emollient as well and it will add a nice sheen/shine to your hair when added to your DIY treatment. I love to add a bit of honey to my face masks or hair treatments as you saw it in the recipe above…

Honey-Lemon Scrubbing Facial Mask:

• 1 lemon, cut in half
• 1 Tbsp of unprocessed raw cane sugar
• 1 tbsp of raw honey

Dip your lemon halves into the honey and sugar and apply it gently on your face into circular motions. Use each half for 1 side of your face. Let the mask sit  on your face for 5 minutes and then rinse it off. Enjoy a baby’s smooth skin right afterwards!

3. Cucumber

Cucumbers are super high in water-content and vitamin C as well and they are very soothing for the skin. They are excellent to reduce inflammation and puffiness on the face, for example. Try mixing/blending some cucumber with some honey and ground oats for a great soothing facial mask.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is already a favourite of mine when consumed internally, but it is just as beneficial to your body when applied topically. Given its antibacterial properties, it can be great with treating acne, dandruff and dull hair. It is a great skin toner too! Simply, dilute some ACV with water and apply it onto your skin with a cotton ball or a spray bottle. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil (if you don’t like the smell of ACV) and voilà! And as a hair rinse, it can help your hair recover shine and softness (use it as so: 1/3 cup of ACV to 4 cups of water).

5. Coconut Oil

Last but definitely NOT least is my all-time favourite product: coconut oil. This food is SO versatile and it is even more so for your body care. It is rich in vitamin E, which is great for your skin and hair. And given its antioxidant properties, it is great for preventing premature aging of the skin and to help nourish your skin as well. Finally, given its healthy fats content, it is a great moisturizer for not only your skin but also your hair. I love to add coconut oil into my homemade body lotion, deep conditioning hair mask, or I use it on its own to remove my makeup. It works like a charm and leaves my skin soft instead of dry and irritated ( as it would with regular makeup removers).

So what about you, ladies, what you are your favourite DIY beauty care ingredients? Comment below and share the wealth!

As always, stay vibrant,

Sarah.