No one likes the signs of aging like wrinkles. Fortunately, you can restore your youthful appearance without spending much money. These DIY recipes are fast, easy, and affordable:
Rice Milk Cleanser
Rice is naturally rich in vitamin E, an ingredient well-known for its rejuvenating abilities. Vitamin E helps to reduce visible scarring and can help to alleviate the appearance of some wrinkles. The natural texture in this recipe also helps with gentle exfoliation, and the vitamin A from the rice milk aids in boosting retinol production.
To make this simple cleanser, combine:
- 1/4 cup of brown rice flour
- 3 tablespoons of rice milk
If you don’t have rice flour, you can make some by grinding dry rice in a food processor until a powdery consistency is formed.
Mix the ingredients together to form a paste. Immediately spread onto the skin and massage gently with circular strokes to loosen dead skin and help to open pores. Remember that exfoliation works only by removing the outer layer of dead skin; don’t scrub too hard and risk damaging your skin. Once your skin feels invigorated, rinse gently with warm water and pat dry.
Follow up with your favorite moisturizer to help replenish lost moisture and protect your freshly opened pores.
Age Spot Fighter featuring Lemon and Agave
Age spots develop most commonly on your hands and other areas of frequently-exposed skin. These areas of heightened pigment can be an embarrassing reminder of aging. Fortunately, there are ways to lighten their appearance and return some brightness to your skin.
This scrub relies on a combination of exfoliation, hydration and pigment lightening to reduce the appearance of age spots and other skin tone flaws.
Combine:
- 1/2 cup of cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon of agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Mix the ingredients together in a blender or food processor and blend well until fully incorporated into a smooth paste. Spread the mixture over your dry skin, rubbing it in a circular motion with gentle pressure. You can also apply this scrub to your palms or feet to help soften calluses.
The rice works as a gentle exfoliant, sloughing off the outer layers of darkened skin and allowing the healthy skin beneath to show. The acid in the lemon helps to lighten the skin tone and stimulate the skin’s surface while the agave provides hydration.
Anti-Aging Face Cream
This all-purpose cream works to moisturize and rejuvenate aging skin. It’s packed with antioxidants that help to mitigate free radical damage as well as the moisturizing power of natural oils. Vitamin E helps with evening out skin tone and complexion as well as reducing the appearance of scars, wrinkles and age spots.
You will need:
- 1/4 cup of almond oil
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of beeswax
- 1/2 teaspoon of vitamin E oil
- 1 tablespoon of shea butter
You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance and aromatherapy benefits. If you’re adding essential oil, add it after the mixture has been heated to preserve its potency.
To create the cream, combine all ingredients in a glass jar, bowl or double-boiler. Place this jar in a pan with 3-4 inches of simmering water over low heat and allow the oils to melt, stirring occasionally. Once evenly combined, the mixture can be transferred to a small jar for storage. The cream will firm up at room temperature, and can be stored this way for up to three months.
For best results, apply to skin in the morning and evening. This makes an excellent moisturizer to use after exfoliating. Rub it into your skin and leave it there to hydrate and nourish your skin.
Avocado Honey Mask
This classic two-ingredient recipe is deceptively simple. Avocado is a powerhouse of rejuvenating fats and antioxidants, and the anti-microbial properties of honey help to clarify the skin. Honey also helps to make the skin more receptive to moisture, allowing the vitamin E and essential fatty acids from the avocado soak in deep where they can do the most good.
To make the mask, combine:
- 1/2 of an avocado
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Mash this together with a fork or blend in a blender for a smoother consistency, then apply to your face and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. You can also place freshly-sliced cucumbers or damp tea bags over your eyes to help combat dark circles while the mask does its job.
Once it’s finished, gently rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry. After a few uses, you’ll start to notice your skin feeling softer and looking brighter with a more even skin tone.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
There are many homemade skin care recipes that can help to reduce the appearance of aging and improve your complexion to return that healthy, youthful glow. However, for maximum effect, you may wish to add a few professional-grade products to your skin care regimen.
Look for products that are organic, paraben-free, and made with all-natural ingredients. One active ingredient that is especially helpful in anti-aging creams and skincare products is collagen-boosting hyaluronic acid, which is prevalent in many anti-wrinkle products.
Whether you’re making your own skincare products or shopping for the best-quality professional alternatives, taking time to nourish your skin will help you keep looking young and healthy well into your golden years.
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