Many of us have wild tales of household beauty regimes implemented by our moms and grandmas. My mom would often encourage me to do mayo hair masques in order to add body and shine to my hair. A friend’s mom encouraged milk and honey facials. The jury is out on whether a lot of these are more legend than fact, but there are a few that the experts agree are great (or not so great!) for at-home beauty.
THE BEST
Seaweed
Not just good for sushi rolls or as a low-cal snack, ground-up seaweed can easily be incorporated into a brightening and anti-aging mask. Seaweed is rich in proteins, amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, says esthetician, certified aromatherapist and natural cosmetics formulator Michelle Ornstein, founder of Enessa Skincare.
Olive oil
Use olive oil as a gentle moisturizer for dry skin. “Apply it directly to your skin with a cotton ball or add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer to amp up its effectiveness,” says Lindsey Fredell, Spa Director and Lead Esthetician of George the Salon in Chicago. “Olive oil has the same healthy fats as avocado, and plumps and moisturizes the skin with a combination of vitamin E and vitamin A.”
Nettle tea
Delicious as a tisane for sipping, brewed nettle tea is great as a sebum-regulating toner or scalp treatment, says Ornstein.
Matcha green tea
Matcha is rich in chlorophyll and catechin, which are both packed with antioxidants. Matcha also detoxifying and antibacterial, says Ornstein. Since it’s in powder form, it could easily be infused into any beauty product: cleansers, toners, facial masks, bath soaks, etc.
Ground flaxseed
Fantastic for natural facial exfoliating, as it’s gentle and high in omega 3s, says Ornstein.
Yogurt
Due to high levels of lactic acid, yogurt can act as an exfoliator as well as dark spot corrector, says dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden. Yogurt also helps fight acne due to its anti-fungal and anti-bacteria properties. Always use plain yogurt, and look for the lowest amount of sugar.
Lemon
Lemons can be used to exfoliate chapped, dry lips. Rub a little lemon juice your on lips before bedtime and rinse in the morning. But if you have open cuts on your lip, do not attempt this—it could burn your lips, says Dr. Goldfaden.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil will nourish and hydrate your hair. “Coconut oil is an anti-oxidant with anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It can be used as a makeup remover, moisturizer (high in Vitamin E) or an acne fighter,” says Dr. Goldfaden. “Coconut oil helps with sun protection by screening about 20 percent of UV rays; however, we still recommend a physical block SPF,” Goldfaden continues.
Honey
“Honey naturally has the ability to attract and retain moisture—and the skin’s ability to retain moisture affects its appearance, touch and elasticity,” says Candice Betz, director of Austin, Tex.’s AWAY Spa [http://www.austinawayspa.com/]. “Studies also indicate significant antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a huge role the revitalization of damaged skin cells. Honey also is an effective antimicrobial agents— which inhibit growth of certain bacteria and help fight against blemishes and breakouts.”