Food

10 Home Remedies for Skin Rejuvenation You Can Get on Every Grocery Store

8. Green Tea Green tea is often referred to as ‘the healthiest beverage on the planet’. Made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis tree, it… Elizabeth Lilian - July 14, 2017

8. Green Tea

Green tea is often referred to as ‘the healthiest beverage on the planet’. Made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis tree, it originated in China and quickly became popular across the world. There are several different varieties of green tea thanks to the different growing conditions, methods, processes and harvest times of the leaves, however, all varieties are full of health benefits.

Green tea contains bioactive compounds like flavonoids and catechins, which are polyphenols that act as powerful antioxidants to rid the body of free radicals and protect cells from damage. Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is a particularly powerful compound found in green tea which is purported to be the main source of green tea’s medicinal benefits. EGCG is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and even prevent cancerous cells from forming.

Drinking green tea can lower the risk of diabetes, fight against bacterial infections, prevent inflammation, improve liver health, prevent baldness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Green tea contains tannins, which act as an astringent to shrink pores, reduce sebum production and eliminate acne and blackheads. It also protects the skin from damaging UV rays, and neutralizes any pre-existing skin damage. The anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective remedy for sunburn when applied topically.

To use green tea on your skin, brew two tablespoons of tea leaves and allow it to cool, then add half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply it to your face like a toner, leave for at least 15 minutes, then rinse off. You can also mix two teaspoons of honey with two tablespoons of green tea and massage the paste onto your skin. Leave until it dries, then rinse off with warm water. The green tea will act as an exfoliant, rejuvenating your face and leaving your skin soft and glowing.

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9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes originated in South America, and were a popular ingredient in Aztec civilizations. Tomatoes have since become an incredibly popular addition to most cuisines, in fact, almost 130 million tons of tomatoes are eaten every year. The tomato comes from the plant Lycopersicon esculentum and is botanically considered both a fruit and a berry. There are a number of different tomatoes, such as Roma, cherry, grape, heirloom and truss tomatoes, though all contain many different health benefits.

Tomatoes are believed to decrease the risk of things like heart disease, hypertension, macular degeneration, constipation, diabetes and some forms of cancer. They contain a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, biotin, molybdenum, vitamin K, potassium, copper, manganese, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B6, B3 and B1, folate, phosphorus, vitamin E, magnesium, chromium, iron, zinc, choline, pantothenic acid and protein. On top of all that, they also contain a myriad of phytonutrients like caffeic acid, lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene, naringenin, chalcone naringenin and ferulic acid.

Tomatoes are an effective treatment for different skin problems too, and have the ability to shrink the appearance of large pores, reduce acne breakouts and control excessive oiliness. Tomato can also treat sunburn by cooling inflammation and neutralizing the surface of the skin.

There are a variety of different ways to use tomato in your skincare regime. They’re great when mixed with honey, yogurt and/or avocado, and you can even make your own tomato toner by juicing two tomatoes up in a blender and putting it in the freezer for five minutes to cool it. Then just dip a clean cotton ball into the mixture once it’s nice and cold, and apply it over your face.

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10. Oatmeal

Oatmeal, also known as porridge, is a dish that is made from grains of the oat plant. Known scientifically as Avena sativa, oats are enormously versatile in different cultures and are commonly eaten for breakfast. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked with milk, or used as an ingredient in other recipes like pancakes, bread, muffins and cakes or even used as an ingredient in smoothies.

Oatmeal provides a variety of different health benefits, such as lowering high cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Oatmeal is packed full of dietary fiber which helps support the gastrointestinal system, and an array of vitamins and minerals like manganese, molybdenum, copper, protein, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. Oats also contain various phytonutrients like carotenoids and flavonoids, which can help reduce symptoms of diabetes and obesity.

Oatmeal is an effective treatment for a wide variety of skin conditions like sensitivity, allergies and eczema, as it acts as a moisturizer with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that can relieve swelling, redness and itching. Oatmeal also restores the skin barrier to provide additional protection and is a great alternative to harsher skin care products.

You can add oatmeal to any face mask recipe, but they’re especially beneficial when cooked and mixed with plain yogurt, honey and egg white. Apply the mask to your face and let it sit for more than 10 minutes before rinsing. The oat granules will act as an exfoliant while moisturizing the skin, creating a healthy, fresh glow once washed off.

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