Fridge to Face: Nourishing and Chemical-Free Skin

For centuries, we have been using herbs, and food items for more than just cooking. They can also be used as medicines and to better our physical appearance.

Updated: Thursday 15 April 2021

Raid the Fridge for: Moisturisers

1. Avocado - ripe avocados have a high percentage of fatty acid oleic acid, increasing the skin's permeability without having the oils sit on your skin throughout the day. Rich in vitamins and chlorophyll, these fruits are an excellent resource for sensitive skin and work to brighten the skin.
2. Coconut oil - a face cleanser, you can use it to remove makeup, moisturise your skin and even to protect it against the sun. It also has antimicrobial properties and can be used on all skin types!
3. Beeswax retains the moisture in your skin without clogging the pores and has the added properties of being an antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.
4. Aloe vera hydrates the skin and hair. It is also an excellent healing agent for minor wounds and abrasions, especially for nettles stings, sunburn and skin irritations.
5. Eggs - softens the skin and hair while retaining its moisture, particularly for dried and damaged hair. It also improves skin texture and soothes without clogging pores.
6. Honey retains the water in the skin and so reduces the chance of wrinkles later in life.
7. Cucumber - 95% water, this vegetable has high levels of vitamin C and caffeic acid, which soothes the skin and reduces irritation.
8. Shea Butter and jojoba oil are emollients, moisturising the skin, softening it and making it smooth. Also, they add strength and shine to hair and restore moisture to hair fibres.

Exfoliants

1. Oats - this cereal is high in lipids, it locks in moisture, and its gritty nature makes a good exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. It also contains saponins, creating a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil perfect for acne-prone skin .
2. Papaya - the enzymes in papaya make it a very mild exfoliant by digesting dead skin cells.
3. Milk - lactic acid present in milk is a superb but gentle exfoliant, and milk has been known to brighten dark spots on skin.
4. Sea salt is full of minerals including potassium, calcium and magnesium that we need for our bodies to function effectively. A skin-restoring exfoliant, it also balances oil product and thoroughly cleans pores.
5. Baking soda - this simple chemical has countless applications, including as a detergent, toothpaste, in pyrotechnics, shampoo, pest control, cake-riser, and face scrub.
6. Yoghurt - a gentle exfoliator, it also packs potassium and sodium to replenish your electrolytes.

Spice it Up

1. Seeds- this broad category includes grains, nuts and beans. In particular, soy protein, almond protein, and wheat protein all bind to hair fibre and make it thicker.
2. Green tea is an antioxidant, which can reduce the effects ageing and disease.
3. Turmeric can be used to treat breakouts as well as acne.
4. Essential oils - tea tree, lavender, lemon are all widely used for their lovely fragrances and also have antibacterial properties.
5. Calendula - soothing and moisturising to the skin and with antimicrobial, it also stimulates healing and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
6. Elderflower tones skin, balance its oils, and treats acne.

Make Your Own Combinations

Depending on your skin type and your need, these will certainly have you reaching for natural ingredients more often. Quantities are flexible in the recipes, see which ratio works best for you and you can even add essential oils if you are feeling creative.

Scrubs

• Sensitive skin - Honey & aloe & oatmeal
• Oily skin - Egg white & turmeric & baking soda
• Dry skin - Coconut oil & avocado & ground almond

Toner

Yoghurt, oatmeal & lemon juice - the perfect toner for any season

Moisturisers

• Avocado, honey & milk mask
• Calendula & beeswax
• Elderflowers & cucumber & lemon essential oil