Homemade Natural Skincare Treatments on the Cheap

Just because I'm a man it doesn't mean I care any less about my complexion. In the past dozen years, the cosmetics industry has taken notice that men have long been a huge untapped market, and although we have specific concerns when it comes to our face (shaving, pre and post care), skincare is still a unisex concern that doesn't have to be gender divided.

The biggest trend these days is facial cleansing products touting all natural, certified organic ingredients. Despite this, most of the products still have dyes, preservatives and chemicals mixed in, nullifying or lessening the authenticity of these organic claims.

What's more, the cosmetics industry would have you believe that a skincare product made from organic sources, or even better - obscure herbs or wild ingredients like rhinoceros penis - means paying big bucks for it. Don't take my word for it; just look at any cosmetics shelf in Sephora, or even CVS or Walgreens. How much does that minuscule bottle of Dr. Perricone's facial cleansing youth serum cost? Do you really need to pay $23 for Murad toner when a huge 16 oz. bottle of witch hazel can set you back only $4?

It's a load of bunk. Skin care treatments and facial cleansers of any kind don't have to be expensive.

How Can You Take Control of Your Skincare Regimen?
The best way to take care of your skin can be answered the same way you take control of your diet: prepare the food yourself so you know exactly what you're putting in when you make it. Same goes for your skin care needs. For just a little effort, you can prepare an all natural facial cleanser with food ingredients from your own refrigerator or pantry.

The following list contains common household ingredients that not only taste good and promote good health, but also have specific beneficial properties for your face. Olive oil, for instance, is great for cooking, but did you know it's also a dirt remover? Lemon juice tightens pores and red apple cider vinegar acts like an astringent. And it may help Jamie Lee Curtis stay regular, but the lactic acid in yogurt is also a great dead skin cell remover.

Also, I stress that the following is great for both men and women; don't get hung up on gender labels.

Face Cleanser for Dry Skin
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 mashed banana or avocado
1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp olive oil

Face Cleanser for Oily Skin
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp lemon juice

Face Cleanser for Normal Skin
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Mix the ingredients and scoop out or pour enough to fill your cupped hand, perhaps a bit more; then gently rub all over your face and neck in a circular upward motion for about a minute. Rinse with cool water, pat dry and moisturize. Store the unused portion in the refrigerator for about a week. Moisturizing is a very important part of your skin care routine and I will follow up with a future article about toners and moisturizers.

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Sources:
Recipes are courtesy Jeremiah McElwee, Senior Global Coordinator of Whole Foods, as featured in TimeOutNY Magazine, April 24 - 30, 2008 edition.