How to Make Skin Softening Treatments

Many women use homemade beauty products because they're less expensive and because they're concerned about the chemicals, additives and preservatives so commonly found in skin care products today. The green movement and a need to get back to nature are motivating women to keep it simple.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Moisturizing cleanser
• Buttermilk
• Water
• Coffee grounds
• Plastic wrap
• Egg whites
• Honey
• Lemon juice
• Pan
• Stove
• Sponge
• Wax strips
• Mixer
• Green tea
• Oatmeal
• Body cleanser
• Olive oil
• Paper towel
• Papaya
• Food processor or blender
• Vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Add 1 tbsp. baking soda into your favorite moisturizing cleanser for a gentle, natural face exfoliate. Apply the mixture and gently rub it into the skin in circular motions. Rinse and pat the skin dry.

2. Pour 1 pint buttermilk into hot bath water, along with your favorite bath oil, for a luxurious skin softening treatment. Soak for between 10 and 20 minutes to get the best effect.

3. Use old coffee grounds to treat cellulite. Apply the grounds to the offending area. If possible, wrap the area with plastic wrap. Then wait for about 10 to 20 minutes. Remove the wrapping, rinse and pat the area dry with a soft towel. The more often the mixture is used, the less cellulite you should notice.

4. Whip two egg whites together with 2 tbsp. honey and 1 tsp. lemon juice into a soft meringue. Apply the mixture to the face and neck area. Leave on for about 30 minutes. Honey will soften the skin and kill any bacteria that might cause breakouts. Lemon will help lighten skin discoloration. Egg whites act as a natural face-lift, making the skin look more youthful.

5. Keep used green tea bags for an eye beauty treatment to remove discoloration, eye bags and swelling. Apply the damp tea bag to closed eyes for between 10 and 20 minutes. Green tea is chock full of anti-inflammatory ingredients that will sooth irritated skin, making it softer, suppler and much more youthful looking.

6. Mix 1/2 cup honey with 2 tsp. lemon juice to make a natural hair lightener and remover. Heat the two products together in a pan on the stove for about 20 minutes. Cool the mixture to room temperature before using it. Apply it to the skin with a sponge. Place a wax strip on top of the area and then pull it away quickly. Hair will be removed while the lemon bleaches any discoloration and skin bacteria are killed by the honey.

7. Mix equal parts oatmeal together with your favorite body cleanser to make a thick paste. Apply it anywhere desired--face, neck, torso, arms or legs. For the best results, let it sit in place for about 15 minutes. Rinse and dry for softer, suppler skin.

8. Apply a small amount of olive oil to rough, dry skin. It acts as a natural, softening moisturizer. Rub it in carefully, removing any oily residue with a soft paper towel.

9. Mash papaya in a blender or food processor. The enzymes of the fruit are great for helping the body slough off dead skin. Put it on the body anywhere you want and let it sit in place for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse and moisturize for skin as soft and supple as a baby's.

10. Use vegetable shortening as a treatment for eczema. Apply the shortening to the area and let it sit for about 10 to 20 minutes. Then wash it away with your favorite moisturizing cleanser.

Tips & Warnings

• Cease using any homemade product if redness or skin irritation occurs.