With so many skincare options on the market, figuring out the right products for your unique skin can feel like a daunting task. The good news is, much of what your skin craves is available right in your own kitchen!

And since many of the beauty products sold in stores are packed with synthetic ingredients that end up doing more harm to your skin (and our planet) than good, consider “shopping” in your kitchen as a great place to start cleaning up your skincare routine so you can avoid unpronounceable ingredients, added fragrances, and unhealthy chemicals.

1. Sea Salt

How exactly does this ubiquitous seasoning benefit your skin? Sea salt is absolutely loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals (like calcium, magnesium, and potassium) absorbed directly from seawater—this is where ordinary table salt just can’t compare.

Now, we all know the benefits of a good skin scrub. Not only does a sea salt scrub work to remove dead skin cells to reveal a glowing complexion, but it balances oil production to reduce breakouts, and can soothe blemishes and scars. Another surprising benefit? Ironically, sea salt helps skin retain its natural moisture.

Pink Himalayan, Celtic, or Pakistani sea salt contain the nourishment your skin needs. Add raw honey or coconut oil (more on this below) for a decadent scrub that will leave your skin feeling refreshed.

2. Lemon

Lemon may not be the first skin food that comes to mind, but this little fruit has earned its skincare stripes. Both the juice and peel of lemons have special properties that can keep your skin looking its best.

Adding fresh lemon juice to hot water can work to heal your skin from the inside out by helping to rid your body of toxins that can contribute to breakouts, oily skin, blemishes, and a dull skin tone. Well known for it’s antioxidant properties, lemon also combats free radicals—both internally and externally—that harm your skin.

As a topical application, lemon (both the juice and oil) helps remove dead skin and lightens skin discoloration and aging spots. The acid in lemon also absorbs oil and cleanses pores, without disturbing your skin’s natural balance. You can make a great homemade facial peel using simple ingredients like water, lemon juice, and baking soda.

3. Honey

Rather than spending money on skincare products that claim to contain this superfood ingredient, why not dig that bottle of raw honey out of your pantry and move it to your bathroom counter?

Honey is an excellent (and natural) source of vitamins, skin boosting acids, and nutrients the skin needs to look healthy and youthful. In addition to reducing breakouts, honey is a perfect cleanser for sensitive and combination skin types—which is why it’s often such a popular ingredient in store-bought skincare products.

Honey is exceptionally healing, and has gentle antibacterial and moisturizing properties. The key to making honey work for your skin? Make sure it’s raw, which means unheated, unprocessed, and unpasteurized. You’ll pay a little more, but it’ll last you longer than you might think—a little honey goes a long way.

4. Coconut Oil

Dust off that jar of coconut oil, because this amazing skin treatment isn’t just the latest skincare product du jour—it’s a veritable rock star for supporting strong, healthy skin.

Not only does coconut oil strengthen epidermal tissue, but it also removes dead skin cells, protects against sunburn, and has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. And here’s the real kicker; research shows that coconut oil has the power to fight serious skin issues.¹

How do you incorporate coconut oil into your skincare routine? Simple, just use as a natural makeup remover or skin moisturizer (apply as soon as you get out of the shower—it will melt and absorb right away on warm skin!), and to heal and minimize the appearance of scars. Best of all, you can combine it with countless other kitchen ingredients for a refreshing facial scrub!

5. Yogurt

When you eat yogurt rich in life-supporting probiotics, the beneficial bacteria help your body absorb nutrients from all the good food you eat, which nourishes your skin. Balanced immune function, steady hormone levels, and improved digestion are just some of the other skin-boosting benefits you’ll experience from the good bugs in this creamy delight.

But, did you know you can also use yogurt externally to optimize your skin’s health? Indeed! A luxurious yogurt face mask can help to moisturize, clear up blemishes, and even prevent premature aging (due to the lactic acid content).

Combine one tablespoon of organic yogurt with one teaspoon of raw honey and a splash of rose water for a rejuvenating facial blend. Mix together, smooth on your face, and relax for a glorious ten minutes before rinsing to reveal glowing skin.

6. Spirulina

A true superfood, spirulina is a type of nutrient-rich blue-green algae loaded with skin-healthy antioxidants that fight free radicals and promote cell regeneration. Taken internally (try this spirulina powder in smoothies!), the many vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals in spirulina help to detoxify cells, boost immunity, regulate blood pressure, and improve cognitive function.

Fortunately, spirulina is also incredibly beneficial for your skin when used topically! A spirulina face mask works to tone, brighten, and detoxify your complexion, and is perfect for any skin type.

For a nourishing mask, simply mix ¼ teaspoon of spirulina powder with a few drops of water until you reach desired consistency. Apply to face and let sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse off, moisturize, and enjoy renewed skin!

7. Water

Did you know that your skin is made up of 64% water? Indeed, without adequate hydration, skin becomes tight, dry, itchy, and flaky. What’s more, dry skin can’t heal as well or as quickly as hydrated skin, it’s less resilient against every day damage, and it’s more prone to wrinkles and other signs of aging.

We often think of water as crucial for our internal organs, but the truth is that our skin needs water just as much as the rest of our body. Make sure to consume at least half your bodyweight in ounces of water each day—this will help to keep your skin supple, hydrated, and naturally moisturized.

Now that you know what a treasure trove your kitchen can be when it comes to all-natural skincare, dive in and find the perfect food for your skin!

References:

1. Evangelista, M. T., Abad-Casintahan, F., & Lopez-Villafuerte, L. (2013). The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. International Journal of Dermatology,53(1), 100-108. doi:10.1111/ijd.12339