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

As we age, our skin begins to lose elasticity and show signs of wear and tear such as discoloration, fine lines, age spots, sagging and wrinkles, just to name a few. Skin texture can begin to grow rough, and skin tone might start to look dull. This is a normal part of aging, but it can be a source of embarrassment for many people all over the world.

Other factors such as lifestyle choices like smoking, sun exposure, air pollution, an unhealthy diet and too much alcohol can cause our skin to lose radiance even earlier, and people often spend hundreds of dollars on skincare products, laser treatment and other cosmetic surgeries in the hopes of reversing these changes.

However, you don’t need to break the bank to refresh your face. Some of the best skin rejuvenation treatments can be found right in your kitchen. Here are the top 10 home remedies for skin rejuvenation.

1. Lemon Juice

Lemons are a superhero fruit. Not only are they deliciously zingy and amazing addition to any diet, they can be a cheap alternative to a myriad of beauty uses. Lemons have been used for thousands of years to treat things like sore throats, indigestion, constipation, tooth and gum disease, burns, obesity, fever, high blood pressure and even cholera. Lemon water can purify the blood, cleanse the stomach and strengthen the immune system, and drinking lemon juice can help reduce the occurrence of kidney stones and lower body temperature.

Lemons contain a huge amount of nutrients, like vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and protein. They also contain other plant compounds like the antioxidants hesperidin, diosmin and eriocitrin.

The large amounts of vitamin C found in lemon juice make it a perfect treatment to use when trying to rejuvenate the skin. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin and prevents damage caused by free radicals such as smoking and UV rays. Lemon juice also contains mild bleaching properties which can further improve your complexion.

Using lemon juice on your face is as simple as slicing a wedge and rubbing it gently over your face. As lemon juice can be quite drying, you can pour a drop or two of honey onto the lemon wedge before you apply it to your face. Alternatively, you can squeeze one lemon and apply the juice onto your skin using a cotton ball. Leave the juice on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water and moisturizing.

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2. Cucumber

Scientifically known as Cucumis sativus, the cucumber is part of the same Cucurbitaceae family as watermelons, cantaloupes, zucchini and pumpkin. Cucumbers are largely made up of water, but still contain a wide array of health benefits. Cucumbers are a great source of vitamin K and molybdenum, as well as pantothenic acid, copper, potassium, vitamin C, caffeic acid, manganese, magnesium, biotin and phosphorus. They also contain silica, a trace mineral that is important for maintaining healthy connective tissues throughout the body, such as in the muscles, hair, nails and skin.

Cucumbers contain cucurbitacins, lignans and flavonoids, which are phytonutrients known to hold antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer benefits. These properties make cucumber an effective and cheap skin treatment option. Not only do cucumbers have the same pH levels as our skin, which means they can help restore balance if our skin is too acidic, they’re also enormously hydrating. This extra hydration, as well as the astringent properties that cucumber contains, makes them beneficial in treating everything from puffy eyes to burns and dermatitis.

Eating lots of cucumbers is recommended as a great natural source of silica, which can have wonderful benefits for your skin, and you can add cucumber slices into your bathwater to treat your entire body to cucumber’s rejuvenating effects. Cucumber can also be peeled, chopped and blended up with water and witch hazel to create a facial toner, which can be kept in the fridge and applied to the face using a clean cotton ball.

Cucumbers can be used in at-home face masks, mixed with other all-natural ingredients like yogurt, avocado, egg whites and/or honey. Adding a few drops of fresh lemon juice to cucumber juice will further benefit and enhance your complexion, leaving your skin with a healthy, natural glow.

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3. Papaya

Papaya is a soft, fleshy fruit that used to be considered exotic, but is now found throughout the world. They have a sweet taste and a vibrant color and are native to tropical climates. Also known as pawpaw, the papaya is commonly used in various cuisines and is packed full of nutrients.

Papaya contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, folate, dietary fiber, vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, copper and pantothenic acid. These nutrients provide protection against colon cancers and support a healthy cardiovascular system, thanks to the presence of the powerful antioxidants vitamins C and A. Papaya also contains carotenoids, a phytonutrient that helps prevent oxidation of cholesterol, making it less likely to stick to the walls of the blood vessels and reducing the growth of plaque.

Papaya contains unique enzymes such as papain and chymopapain that provide anti-inflammatory benefits, making papaya an effective addition to the diets of people suffering from such medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and osteoarthritis. Not only is papaya great for our insides, it’s also enormously beneficial for our outsides, and is one of the best fruits to incorporate into a skincare regime thanks to the large presence of nutrients.

Using papaya can keep the skin soft, supple, smooth and well-moisturized. It is beneficial in treating skin problems such as acne, dark spots and other blemishes, and is very simple to use. Just mash up two tablespoons of ripe papaya with one tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of lemon juice, and apply it to your face. Rinse off with warm water after 15 minutes, and apply moisturizer. Use this face mask once a week for bright, rejuvenated skin.

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4. Banana

Bananas are probably the most frequently consumed fruit, native to Southeast Asia but grown in countries all over the world. They are available all year round, and are incredibly convenient and easy to eat. Boasting a wide range of essential nutrients, bananas can be beneficial for everything from digestion to weight loss.

Bananas contain lots of fiber and are rich in essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamins B6 and C, magnesium, copper and manganese while being low in calories and fat. The high levels of potassium make them hugely beneficial to cardiovascular health, with one medium-sized banana containing upwards of 400 mg of potassium. Eating bananas regularly can prevent high blood pressure and provide protection against hardening of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis.

Bananas are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals and water, which make them a perfect treatment for a wide range of skin problems, like acne, oily skin and dry spots. Bananas are often referred to as ‘nature’s Botox’, and for good reason. The nutrients found in bananas can help reverse signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, while nourishing and exfoliating the skin.

To use banana on your skin, you can combine it with cucumbers, lemon juice and honey for a power pack that will rejuvenate your skin and leave it feeling as good as new. Simply mash up the banana and add it with the rest of the ingredients and apply the paste to your face. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Treat yourself to this face mask at least once or twice a week to get the full benefits.

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5. Yogurt

Yogurt is a dairy product that is cultured from milk through a process of souring and thickening. It’s one of the oldest and most popular fermented foods that is enjoyed by people of all cultures, and it’s made through the addition of friendly bacteria to fresh milk. This bacteria causes the milk to thicken and produces lactic acid, which further coagulates the milk and adds that familiar sour flavor.

While it might be a bit off-putting to know that yogurt is made by bacteria, they’re actually incredibly beneficial strains of probiotics (also known as starter cultures) called Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. These probiotics are necessary for maintaining a healthy bacterial balance in the digestive system, as well as giving the immune system a boost, shortening the length and severity of cold and flu and even reduce eczema in infants.

Yogurt contains a rich amount of protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus and riboflavin. Yogurt is also very effective as a skincare ingredient as it contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, which means it can help dissolve dead skin cells and provide gentle exfoliation while working to tighten pores and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Yogurt can also provide moisture, fight acne breakouts and prevent premature signs of aging.

Make your own yogurt face mask by mixing three or four tablespoons of yogurt with a tablespoon of olive oil and applying it to your face for around 30 minutes. Enjoy this treatment at least three times a week to uncover a smooth, youthful complexion.

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6. Orange Peel

Oranges are a bright-colored citrus fruit that is native to Asia, though nowadays they’re eaten and enjoyed all over the world. There are two different categories of oranges: bitter and sweet. Sweet is the variety most commonly eaten as a snack, while bitter oranges are often used in jam and marmalade. Oranges are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

Oranges provide many health benefits. They can lower the risk of stroke, reduce high blood pressure through vasodilation of the blood vessels, and support a healthy cardiovascular system. Oranges contain a large amount of vitamin C, with one medium orange containing 93 percent of the daily recommended intake. They also contain fiber, folate, vitamin B1, pantothenic acid, copper, potassium and calcium.

The pulp of orange is exceptionally nutritious, but so is the orange peel – in fact, the orange peel holds even more vitamin C than the pulp does. Orange peel is also commonly used in skin care products and is an effective ingredient to home remedies. Orange peel can help cleanse the skin, extract dirt from deep within the pores, whiten dark spots, remove blackheads, tone the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Orange peel is easy to use on the skin, as you can literally just rub it across your face. However, there are many different recipes that you can follow in order to make your own orange peel face masks. Simply remove the white fibrous material on the inside and wash them in warm water before laying them on a tray and placing them somewhere in your house that gets lots of sun to dry them out. This can take anywhere between one to five days, depending on the weather. Once they’re dried out, crush the peels into a fine powder using a blender, and mix the powdered peel with other ingredients like honey, yogurt, lemon juice, baking soda and even oatmeal for a refreshing face mask that will make you glow.

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7. Avocado

Avocado is a unique fruit that comes from the avocado tree, botanically known as Persea americana. Avocados are a delicious, creamy green powerhouse of nutrients, and is used commonly in many different cuisines and recipes. Avocado has earned the title of a superfood thanks to these nutrients, which include 20 different vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and B6, vitamin E, folate and potassium.

Avocado also contains trace amounts of copper, iron, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, as well as healthy fats and protein. They contain more potassium than bananas, which is why they’re linked to healthy blood pressure levels. They’re also full of fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid, which makes them perfect for heart health.

Avocado isn’t often used for skin care, but it should be. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties it contains, such as carotenoids like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein, help to eliminate free radicals found in the skin and provide protection against further damage.

To use avocado in your skincare routine, simply mix one tablespoon of avocado with one tablespoon of honey and three tablespoons of yogurt, then blend into a paste. Apply to the skin and let it soak in for 30 minutes before rinsing. Follow up with a moisturizer for even more benefits.

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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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