Do-It-Yourself Skin Saving Solutions

Taking care of your skin is important, but with so many skin care products on the shelf, it can be hard to decide what products are right for you. It also can get expensive to buy products to clear your skin, get rid of acne, smooth fine lines or help with any other skin issues you have. You don’t need to spend on high-end, pricey products though. There are many at-home recipes for skin saving creams or mixtures that can be made with inexpensive products, many of which you probably already have at home. Here are a few of my favorite DIY skin-care solutions:

Coconut oil and olive oil are great for removing stubborn makeup. (Photo: YouTube)

Skin cleanser and makeup remover

What you need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil

 
This cleanser is super easy to make and is great for removing excess makeup. Despite what you may think, this is especially great for people with oily skin, as olive oil actually dissolves excess oil on the face. Blend the two ingredients together in a bowl, apply to your face with your hands or a cotton ball, then rinse off.

Dry hand remedy

What you need:

• 3 cups whole milk

 
With just this one ingredient, you can soften your hands and nourish your skin. Heat the milk in the microwave until warm and then soak your hands for 5-10 minutes. The vitamins present in milk are what help moisturize your skin, and heating it makes it cooler and easier to apply.

Aloe vera juice is great for a clear complexion and can be found at most drug stores. (Photo: kinksarethenewpink.com)

Skin toner

What you need:

• 2 ounces rosewater
• 6 ounces aloe vera juice

 
Mix the ingredients together, and you’ve got a product that hydrates, tones and plumps the skin. You can apply it directly to the face or put it in a reusable spray bottle and spray a little on throughout the day when you need to feel refreshed. Make sure to store it in the fridge to avoid spoiling.

Dry knee and elbow relief

What you need:

• 1/2 cup almond oil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1 cup fine-grain sea salt

 
This mixture is great for anyone who suffers from dry, dark elbows and knees year-round. Mix the ingredients together and store in an airtight container until ready to use. Massage onto your skin, wherever you have extra dryness, then rinse off in the shower. The oils will moisturize your skin, while the sea salt exfoliates dead skin.

Puffy Under-Eye Solution

What you need:

• Strawberry jam

 
Here’s another easy one with just one ingredient. Strawberries contain vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help give your dark, puffy eyes some relief. Coat some jam underneath your eyes with a cotton ball or cotton swab. Wait five minutes, then rinse off.

This strawberry face mask is all natural and will leave your skin feeling smooth. (Photo: Kristin Edridge)

Exfoliating facial mask

What you need:

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 4 strawberries

 
Strawberries are truly a skin saver — they also contain salicylic acid, which helps rid the skin of acne. Place the contents in a blender and blend until thoroughly mixed. Apply to your face and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water. The mask will unclog your pores and leave you with clean-feeling, exfoliated skin.