Compounding in the kitchen

If you love a bit of DIY, saving some dollars, also relish the thought of making natural skin care with the ingredients probably already right there in your own cupboard, then read on. This is compounding you can do in your own kitchen!

Pimp your moisturizer- Sorbolene cream has been known for years to be a budget friendly yet effective moisturizer. Let’s face it, it can be a little boring though. Add some moisturising oomph to a 100g jar of Sorbolene by mixing in a teaspoon of avocado oil, virgin olive oil, grape seed oil, even peanut oil or coconut oil. For soothing irritated skin try adding a little cooled, strong green tea or aloe Vera gel. A few drops of skin friendly essential oils like lavender, rose or geranium give it a more luxurious feel. Experiment, and see what you prefer!
Cocoa Face Mask – Use natural cocoa powder if possible, rather than Dutch processed, as it contains more good flavonoids, which are considered anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. Mix 1 tablespoon each of cocoa powder, plain yoghurt, honey and a small egg white together. Yogurt contains the AHA lactic acid, egg white contains protein and the honey acts as humectant to hold moisture. Apply thickly to clean skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Lemon Hand scrub – Perfect for after gardening where a little dirt removal and moisturizing might be both be needed. Take the rind from a couple of lemons and place in a jar with 1/4 cup regular salt and 1/4 cup of sugar. Shake it up and leave for a week, shaking every day to extract all that lemony goodness. After one week, remove the peel and place the sugar and salt mixture in a food processor and add extra virgin olive oil, a teaspoon at a time. Pulse until a thick paste is obtained. Massage through hands then wash off with warm water. Keeps well in an opaque jar.

 

Cucumber Face Water- Roughly chop half a cucumber, then blitz in a bullet blender, skin and all, with 1/4 cup of freshly boiled, cooled water, and 2 teaspoons of glycerine. Pass through a tea strainer. Add 1/4 teaspoon of a gentle body wash gel soap to the liquid and mix gently. Keep in the fridge and remake fresh each week. Use on makeup pads to wipe over face for a cleansing refresh.