Natural Beauty Products

Things from nature can add to natural beauty. Look around the yard, kitchen cabinets, and in the refrigerator before heading to the cosmetics department.

From the yard:

• Aloe Vera-it protects and heals skin. As it dries, it will also slightly tighten up sagging skin. Cut a piece of Aloe Vera off the plant. Trim off all spines. Open from the base where it is cut and slightly separate the sides. The inside will contain gel and juice that can be applied to skin. Store in a airtight container or plastic bag. Use within a few days. Aloe Vera gel can be applied to eyelashes as a mascara alternative.
• Lemons-has several uses as a beauty aid. To lighten discolored elbows, cut lemon in half and hold cut end on elbow for about 10 minutes then wash and apply lotion. To exfoliate skin, rub a cut lemon and sugar on skin 1-2x per week. It will also help age spots and freckles lighten. Especially blond haired people will benefit from using the juice from one lemon mixed with a cup of warm water as a hair conditioner. A few tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with olive oil rubbed into the scalp will treat dandruff problems. Soaking feet in lemon juice, olive oil, and milk will make feet soft and smooth within weeks.

From the kitchen:

• Coffee-use the left over coffee or run the water through used coffee grounds. Brunettes can use this to rinse hair. Be sure coffee is completely cooled.
• Olive oil-warmed it can be used as a hot oil treatment for hair. It can also be rubbed into troublesome dry spots on skin.
• Vinegar-can be used as a hair rinse and help control dandruff.

There are many recipes for beauty products, which use natural ingredients from the kitchen.