As we approach the festive party season, at-home natural skincare treatments are on the rise, with searches for ‘how to make skincare products at home’ increasing by 240%1.
Ocado has spoken to skin expert and owner of RE/Skin Clinic, Rebecca Elsdon, to share effective food-based skincare treatments that can help bring out the glow – and you will probably have them in your kitchen.
Whilst certain foods and DIY treatments are discouraged, beauty experts say that some foods can help ‘brighten and protect skin.’ From olive oil to potatoes, these four unique ingredients are suggested by experts as helping to hydrate and balance skin tone, while having the added benefit of being a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your kitchen.
Olive oil
To get skin soft, smooth and moisturised during the winter months, olive oil can be a great replacement to a moisturising cream, especially for the body.
Rebecca explains, “Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, making it a great moisturiser and protector from environmental stresses. Containing vitamin A, D, K and E that can all help reduce the signs of skin ageing, and squalene to strengthen and retain hydration.”
The natural oil has multiple benefits, but she warns to not use olive oil long term, as it may clog pores.
Coffee scrub
Ground coffee beans from your cupboard can also double as an effective skin exfoliator, removing dead skin cells and impurities. Rebecca adds, “Coffee grounds are perfect to use as a natural exfoliant due to their gritty texture, leaving the skin smoother and more radiant.”
Coffee also contains chlorogenic acid, “an antioxidant that protects against free radicals and helps maintain a youthful complexion. It’s believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, benefiting individuals with skin conditions and promoting balanced skin tone”, says Rebecca.
“It also contains antimicrobial agents that can protect against harmful bacteria, making it suitable for acne-prone or those seeking clean, healthy skin.”
However, as with any product you apply to the skin, Rebecca advises to be gentle and careful with exfoliation, as over-exfoliation can lead to damaging the skin barrier.
Rice water
Before throwing away your leftover rice water, consider storing it in a hygienic container, and spray on the skin as part of your skincare routine, as experts say it can brighten skin.
“Rice water contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids” says Rebecca, “and it’s also shown to maintain the elasticity of the skin by inhibiting elastase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down elastin.”
Raw potatoes
After a video of a girl applying a raw potato to her new spot overnight went viral last year on TikTok, many people have turned to the root vegetable to tackle their last minute skin dilemmas.
Rebecca confirms this viral beauty hack, by saying: “Raw potatoes, with their natural starches, may have anti-inflammatory properties that could assist in reducing the appearance of acne. They contain vitamin C which can help prevent any pigmented scarring and hyperpigmentation.”
What do you think, will you be reaching to the kitchen cupboard to create your skincare this season?
