How to Make Skin Care Beauty Products

With the rising cost of fuel prices, more and more people are looking for ways to cut costs in other areas. One possibility for saving a bit of money is by making your own skin care products from items that are traditionally found in the home.

Things You'll Need

• Milk
• Herbs like mint, rosemary and lavender
• Old pair of pantyhose or netting
• Bath and shower gel
• Oatmeal
• Moisturizer
• Coffee grounds
• Sugar (white or brown)
• Vitamins A, B or E
• Fruit (peach, strawberry, banana or cantaloupe)
• Heavy whipping cream
• Lemon
• Olive oil
• Net ball or loofah
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Bathe in mixture of water and milk to give your skin a wonderful porcelain look. If you want to also give it a kick start of rejuvenation, use buttermilk rather than plain milk. Pour 1 qt. of your chosen milk variety into a tub. Fill the tub about one-quarter full of hot water. Get in and relax as the milk soothes and invigorates your skin.

2. Add natural herbs like mint, rosemary or lavender to your bath water, or grind them up and put them into your favorite bath and shower gel. To prevent the herbs from stopping up the tub, tie them inside a net cloth, or put them in the foot part of an old pair of pantyhose and tie off the end. Toss the ball into the hot water as the tub is filling for a wonderfully soothing and great-smelling aromatherapy bath.

3. Use oatmeal in your bath for a natural exfoliant. Apply to the skin with a net ball or loofah. As you rub in the oatmeal, it will help to both soothe and soften rough, dry skin.

4. Use coffee grounds mixed with your favorite shower gel to exfoliate your skin when you shower.

5. Make a paste of coffee grounds and moisturizer for your own natural self-tanner. Smooth evenly on to the skin with a sponge and let the mixture sit for between 20 and 30 minutes. The result will be a very natural-looking tan.

6. Mix a bit of sugar (white or brown) with your favorite shower gel to help exfoliate as you shower. Use a net ball or loofah to gently slough off the dead, dry skin. Rinse and towel-dry.

7. Make your own body moisturizer using the juices of your favorite fruits like peach, strawberry, banana or cantaloupe or your favorite herbal ingredients such as rosemary, mint or lavender mixed with heavy whipping cream. If you happen to have them on hand, you can also add a bit of vitamins E, A and B for even better skin.

8. Refresh your skin with a bit of cracked ice mixed with crushed mint. Smooth on your skin wherever you need a cool, soothing break from the heat of summer. To always have this treat on hand, crush some of the mint leaves up and put them inside ice-cube trays. Add water to the trays and freeze. When you are ready to use the cubes, grind them up slightly in a blender and apply the ice directly to the skin. You can also use the mint-flavored ice cubes in your tea for a refreshing pick-me-up.

9. Use lemon to soften and lighten thick and often discolored areas of skin. Cut the fruit in half and rub the lemon directly on to the elbows, knees, ankles or any other necessary areas. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse if you so desire.

10. Use olive oil as a moisturizer. Rub the oil into areas of dry skin like the ankles, knees or elbows. Leave on overnight for maximum effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative in mixing your own skin care products to deal with the specific issues of your skin.

• Research the Internet or read beauty product books for more tips on everyday home products that can help your skin.

• Don't apply anything to the skin that you suspect you might be allergic to.

• Stay away from as many chemicals, additives and preservatives as possible to maintain healthy, glowing skin.