Refreshing Homemade Treatments for Summer Skin
Natural Ways to Cleanse, Moisturize and Tone Skin
Jul 29, 2009
Summertime weather can be hard on the skin, and suntan lotions with a good sun protection factor (SPF) rating may not be the only thing needed to maintain healthy skin. Here are some natural, inexpensive homemade treatments for skin ravaged by summer heat, humidity or dryness, salty sea air and over-exposure to the sun's rays.
Natural Cleansers and Scrubs
If skin is dry or sensitive, here is an easy-to-make oatmeal cleanser that should not irritate the skin. Mix 1 tablespoon instant powdered milk and 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal with just enough water to make a paste. Let it sit and thicken for a minute before massaging on the skin, avoiding the eye area. This mixture can be used as a daily cleanser.
For oily skin, try this cleansing scrub. Mix 1 teaspoon each of ground oatmeal, fine sea salt and ground almond meal, and add 1/2 teaspoon of either powdered peppermint or rosemary leaves. Add a bit of herbal astringent to form a paste, and let sit and thicken for a minute before massaging on skin, avoiding the eye area.
Any skin type can benefit from a coconut oil scrub, especially those with very dry skin, as long as the scrub is not used on the face, on broken skin or after shaving. This scrub both exfoliates and moisturizes. Combine 1/4 cup sea salt or regular sugar with 1/4 cup warmed coconut or olive oil. Stir well, then massage using a gentle, firm pressure until a pinkish glow appears. Use warm water for a rinse, and dry the skin with a towel using a blotting motion; don't rub.
Also for every skin type, try mixing 1 tablespoon of fine ground sunflower seeds with 1 tablespoon applesauce, and massage the paste onto the body and let sit for about 10 minutes, because it takes that long for the sunflower oils to be absorbed by the skin. This is a particularly good treatment for dehydrated skin.
All these cleansers and scrubs should be rinsed off using warm or cold water, never hot water. To grind the ingredients, a nut grinder or coffee grinder works well for dried herbs, seeds, nuts, and grains. Only use a blender or food processor if you are making really large batches.
Homemade Cleansers for the Face
Organic unflavored yogurt or buttermilk can be used like a conditioning cream on all types of skin, the lactic acid helping to gently exfoliate without scrubbing. Another excellent natural cleanser and conditioner is a ripe banana. In a small container, mash about 1/3 of a really ripe banana. Wash face and throat with the pulp, but not around the eyes. Leave on for up to 5 minutes, rinse, and dry.
Senior citizens will love this next cleanser, perfect for thin, dry skin. The ingredients must be mixed fresh for every use. Take 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and add 1-2 drops of scented essential oil such as oil of rose. Massage the mixture on face and throat, even on the eye area. It smells and tastes like a rose flavored milkshake.
Homemade Skin Toners
For a refreshing splash, try these homemade skin toners. Chilled peppermint or lemon balm tea will cool the skin and remove shine. For itchy skin, steep 1 teaspoon of crushed fennel seed for 10 minutes in a cup of boiling water, then strain the mixture and chill. To soften and moisturize, strong chamomile tea can be chilled and used on all skin types. If skin is on the dry side, stir 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin into a half cup of rose water for a light summer moisturizer with a floral scent.
