Herbs and Spices for Beautiful, Luminous Skin

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Did you know that some herbs and spices in your kitchen address common skin issues? Forget about expensive creams and serums. Turn to your kitchen and look for these herbal remedies to achieve clear, luminous skin:

Lemon

Did you know that lemon extract is loaded with potent fruit extracts that kill germs, speed up cell turnover and restore luminosity? Lemon extract works well to even the skin tone and reduces dark spots. Lemon juice is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants that slough off dead skin cells and lighten dark spots of all kinds.

To use lemon juice to improve skin tone, just get a halved lemon, squeeze out the juice and then saturate a cotton ball with it. Apply on the face and leave on for at least 10 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water after.

Honey

Honey is packed with antibacterial compounds that kill microbes that cause skin breakout. It’s an excellent remedy for acne prone, problematic skin. Honey also draws moisture into the deeper layers of the skin. It boosts hydration and ward off infection.

To use raw honey to care for the skin, apply directly on the skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing with tepid water. To boost the potency of the honey, mix it with a half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix well and apply the mask directly on clean face. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes before rinsing.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps rebalance the skin’s pH level. It also reduces inflammation and skin infections. In fact, some of the best skin care products available in your local beauty counter contain baking soda. Baking soda removes impurities from the skin while sloughing off dead skin cells. It keeps the skin clear and rosy!

To use baking soda as a face mask, mix a tablespoon with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix the ingredients well to make a loose paste. Then apply on freshly cleansed face. Wash with lukewarm water and then follow up with your favorite moisturizer.

Papaya

Papaya contains natural enzymes that lighten the skin, evens the complexion and reduce the appearance of scars. This is a great natural remedy for acne-prone skin. The papain enzymes in this fruit also heal wounds, remove dead skin cells and reduce breakouts.

To use papaya to treat problematic skin, scoop out the flesh of a ripened papaya. Put the papaya flesh in a mixing bowl then add a teaspoon of sandalwood powder and honey. Mix well into a loose paste then apply on the face. Leave the mask on for at least 30 minutes then rinse with cold water. Pat your skin dry then follow up with a little spritz of rose water!

Mint

Mint’s active ingredient is menthol. Menthol imparts a cooling sensation to the skin, soothing irritated, acne-prone skin. This compound also keeps the skin glowing by boosting blood circulation. Even better, mint contains healing compounds that protect from skin infection!

Dealing with irritated, inflamed skin? Whip up this soothing mask: add a teaspoon of mint powder with a tablespoon of plain yogurt in a clean mixing bowl. Apply the paste to the skin and leave on for at least 15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water and say hello to glowing, rosy skin!