Beauty products are known to give us glowing skin and help us relax #selfcare. However, they’re not typically known for being inexpensive or having the most eco-friendly packaging (or ingredients). This is where natural DIY self-care recipes come in. All you need are a few basic ingredients that you may already have, and some leftover jars to repurpose (I know you have a cabinet of jars, don’t lie to me).
So if you want to get to work on that head to toe glow, continue reading below for recipes that will leave your hair, skin, and body nourished, no expensive serums, or questionable ingredients involved.
Benefits
If you’d like to get straight to the recipes keep scrolling, but I thought it be fun to go through the benefits of these DIY self-care recipes before getting to the actual recipes themselves.
Benefits of hair mask ingredients
Coconut oil – Coconut oil is mostly made of a medium-chain fatty acid (lauric acid). To put it simply, this means it absorbs well, so it will moisturize and protect against any loss of protein when it’s wet. Basically, it’s a superior oil, making it a bandwagon we’re happy to jump on and stay on (more information on the benefits of coconut oil here).
Eggs – Eggs contain vitamins A and E, folate and biotin which are all connected to strengthening hair. For normal hair it’s recommended that you use the entire egg, for oily hair, stick to just egg whites, and for dry hair use egg yolks as they contain the largest amount of moisture. When you’re done, make sure to compost those egg shells! (more on the benefits of eggs pertaining to hair here).
Avocado oil – Avocado oil is rich in vitamin B, important for hair because it helps create red blood cells that carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp, which is the center of healthy hair! It also has many other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your hair become stronger and healthier (More on the benefits of avocado oil for hair here).
Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt contains protein which will help strengthen and moisturize hair, but the texture also helps make the mask the perfect consistency (more on greek yogurt here).
Peppermint essential oil – Not only does peppermint oil make the mask smell delicious, it can also help nourish dry hair and scalp, which is essential for healthy hair growth (more on the benefits of Peppermint oil here).
Benefits of Face Mask and Body Scrub Ingredients
Turmeric: The vitamins and antioxidants in turmeric may aid in clearing acne scars, and resurfacing the face (and other areas of the skin). Watch your dosage with turmeric though, just because it is natural doesn’t mean it’s not strong! I recommend testing a bit out on your arm to ensure it doesn’t cause any irritation (more on the benefits of Turmeric here)
Avocado: Avocados contain vitamins and antioxidants, one of the most important being vitamin E, which is nourishing to the skin. Avocados can be hydrating without leaving the face oily, which can help reduce acne. It can also reduce redness due to its anti-inflammatory effects (more on the benefits of avocados here).
Green Tea: Green tea is also known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that reduce redness and may help with acne (more on green tea benefits for skincare here).
Honey: Honey speeds up the natural skin cell process (where the skin sheds any dead cells), so using it in a face mask will make your skin look and feel fresh (more on honey for skincare here).
Strawberries – The acids in strawberries can help get rid of dark spots on the skin and may even help exfoliate and tighten pores (more on the benefits of strawberries here).
Cane Sugar – Using cane sugar helps exfoliate and get rid of dead skin cells. But be careful not to use it on your face or any areas where your skin can be sensitive, it can be too harsh for those areas (more on benefits of sugar on the skin here).
Recipes
Ok, here we are, the DIY self-care recipes you’ve been waiting for: NourishMint, The Glow Up, and Berry Body Glow. If your feeling the self-care Sunday vibes, feel free to also check out my round up of everything you need for the perfect sustainable self-care night.
Hair Mask: NourishMINT
You put your hair through a lot of wear and tear every day by washing it, drying it, even putting it up in a bun, so it deserves a little love. This hair mask caters to dry hair because let’s be real, we all struggle with dry ends from time to time. This recipe makes about three to four masks.
- 1/2 tsp Coconut Oil (melted)
- 1 Egg Yolk
- 1/2 tsp Avocado Oil
- 3 tbsp Greek Yogurt
- 1-2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Directions: Whisk egg in bowl, add greek yogurt and oils, add more greek yogurt for a thicker consistency. Let thicken in fridge for at least an hour. Apply to damp hair and leave on for about 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo and condition your hair. Add the rest to a repurposed tight closing container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Face Mask: The Glow Up
You can never have too much glow right? This face mask is versatile and is sure to leave you glowing regardless of skin type. This recipe makes about three to four masks.
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp steeped green tea
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1 half avocado
Directions: Start by mixing the olive oil and honey, and then add in the turmeric and avocado. Whisk well to make a fluffy texture then mix in the green tea. Apply to face, wait about 10 minutes, wash off and follow up with moisturizer (always wear spf if you’ll be going outside). Add the rest to a repurposed tight sealing container and store in the fridge for up to five days.
Body Scrub: Berry Body Glow
Exfoliating is an extra step that you may only make time for on self-care Sunday’s, but the refreshed soft skin it leaves you with makes it so worth it. This recipe makes about six to eight uses.
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 mulled strawberries
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1/2 tbsp avocado oil
Directions: Begin with sugar and olive oil, mix well. Add in turmeric and mulled strawberries, mix with hands and add more sugar for preferred consistency. We recommend using this at the end of your shower after you’ve used body wash. Turn off water (#waterconservation) to apply on clean, damp skin. When applying make sure to massage into skin (avoiding sensitive skin areas like your face). Wait about 2-3 minutes to let the scrub soak in, turn water back on and rinse well, no need for soap. Add the rest to a repurposed tight sealing container and store in the fridge for up to five days.
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