We asked three skincare experts to share their favorite-and easy-DIY skincare recipes for summer to keep you looking and feeling beautiful from head to toe.
According to Cecilia Wong, facialist and founder of eponymous skin care line, Cecilia Wong, it is just as important to replenish the skin in summer as it is in the winter.
She says on her blog, "During the summer, the sun is the strongest and UV levels can wreak havoc on exposed skin. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to premature aging, causing excessive oil and sweat, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin discoloration, and loss of collagen, hydration and vitamins."
Cecilia Wong's Citrus Loofa Recipe
One of her top favorite recommendations is adding vitamin C to the beauty regimen.
"Vitamin C contains loads of antioxidants that help repair sun damage, reduce sunburn caused by exposure to ultraviolet B radiation and prevent the consequences of long-term sun exposure that leads to wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and loss of collagen," she explains on her blog. "Vitamin C is also great in preventing and reducing acne. I'd recommend using vitamin C from plants or fruit oil which is less invasive and won't irritate skin."
Citrus fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C that is readily available in stores and is easily absorbed by the body.
You will need:
- One orange or one lemon for a more intense treatment.
- Raw organic sugar
Instructions:
- Cut an orange in half
- Sprinkle some organic raw sugar on it.
- Rub on elbows, knees, and heels. It can also be used on arms and the areas with cellulite. Citrus fruit sloughs away dead skin cells and works great on cellulite too.
Vegan Deep Moisturizing Treatment for Dry Skin
Sheryl Lynn Gibbs, holistic esthetician and founder of Sevani, suggests keeping super light grapeseed oil around for the summer. Combine it with arnica (optional), clove, wintergreen, and Peppermint essential oils to soothe sore muscles and treat those pesky bug bites.
According to Gibbs, one main issue to address throughout the year is dehydration as a result of exposure to winter's dry air, prolonged periods in the sun, and other factors. She created this DIY treatment to infuse skin with an extra dose of hydration.
The amounts you'll end up using will depend on how much of your body is suffering from dry skin. The proportions given below will be enough for your face and hands. At least double if not triple the amount for a full body moisturizing treatment.
You will need:
- 1/3 C Organic Oil Blend — You can choose any combination of these or just use one — all are amazing for treating dry skin: Coconut Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil
- 1/2 Organic Papaya
- 6-8 Organic Strawberries
- 1/4 C Organic Aloe Vera — from your plant if you have it, or you can purchase organic aloe vera juice
- 1/3 C Organic Sugar/ Evaporated Cane Juice
Instructions:
- Cut and mash organic papaya and strawberries. Add organic oil blend, aloe vera, and sugar. Stir until well mixed.
- Apply to skin in a gentle circular motion. Allow to penetrate as long as possible, 15 min at least.
- Then take a lukewarm or cool shower—not hot—to rinse.
- Gently pat dry with your towel, but leave your skin a bit damp. Now apply your favorite moisturizer and your dry skin will feel as good as new!
Enjoy this wonderful, vegan DIY moisturizing treatment at least weekly for best results, twice weekly for extremely dry skin.
Brightening and Lightening Mask
If too many hours in the sun has plagued your skin with a dull complexion, then try this brightening mask created by the team at Annmarie Gianni skincare.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon organic yogurt—smoothes and moisturizes the skin
- 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice—a natural skin brightener
- 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder—repairs skin damage and promotes new skin growth
Instructions:
If you find your skin is looking dull, mix all these ingredients, apply to your face, and leave it on until it dries. When you wash it off, your skin will be bright and refreshed! Massage the ingredients into your face as your rinse them off for some exfoliation.
DIY Vegan Hair Masque
One area that you don't want to neglect is your hair. Heat styling, sun, chemical treatments, and chlorine can ravage the locks. To revitalize your hair, try this vegan hair mask created by Sheryl Gibbs, using ingredients that you already have in your kitchen.
This mask will "undo all that damage and treat your beautiful hair and scalp to a relaxing, purifying, rejuvenating experience that will feed it from the inside out and keep it healthy and shiny even when you give it your worst the rest of the time," says Gibbs on her blog.
You will need:
- 1/2 C organic coconut oil — More for longer hair, less for shorter. Also — you can substitute olive oil if that's what you have on hand.
- 1 RIPE organic banana mashed — nice and brown — not a bright green/yellow — bananas become more nutritious the browner they get.
- Juice of 1 organic lemon — preferably fresh — but lemon juice will do.
Instructions:
- Combine organic coconut oil, mashed banana, and lemon juice.
- To be sure you get a thorough application, divide hair into a few sections. For each section, apply a bit of the organic coconut oil mixture starting at your scalp. Then smooth it down the hair shaft. Be sure to apply liberally.
- Now, the most important step of this Vegan DIY hair masque recipe is to leave it on for a bit. You can put on a shower cap if you have one or just lightly tie your hair into a loose bun. Then leave the masque on as long as you can—15 minutes at a minimum. The longer you leave it on the longer these beneficial organic ingredients have to work their magic!
- Then rinse your hair and shampoo/condition as normal.
This hair masque is something that you ought to do for your hair each week at least, the more the better! Each time you'll renew your hair and scalp and better prepare it to face the harsh life we all force our hair to lead!
Each recipe reprinted with permission.
Sarita Coren is a freelance writer and blogger at Peace on the Skin & Peace Within. She is committed to spreading the world about green beauty, holistic wellness, and living from the heart. She can be contacted at ediblefacial@gmail.com.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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