The 5 Best Household Products for Skin Care

Here are 5 easy ways to make your own at-home facial masks and skin care remedies using products from your kitchen or under your sink. Each works to brighten, tighten and calm the skin for a great complexion.

1. Baking Soda

It is a little known fact that baking soda makes a great exfoliant. It can be little harsh so I recommend diluting a little in water and adding a little more dry to the palm of your hand. Wet face with warm water first and then work in the baking soda with your fingertips, concentrating on your problem areas. Your skin will be smoother after 1 application.

Down sides: it can be a little harsh. Try to limit the treatment to 1 a week.

2. Oatmeal

So good for dry skin, oatmeal can make a great mask. Wet your face with warm water and make up the oatmeal in hot water or milk. The heat opens the pores and the oatmeal moisturizes the skin as well as tightens.

Down sides: make sure the hot oatmeal isn't hot enough to burn the skin. Keep it warm, but not too hot.

3. Eggs

Egg whites make a great tightening mask and the yokes make a great moisturizing mask. You can separate the yokes from the whites or leave together for both effects. Rinse clean skin with warm water and pat egg evenly onto skin with fingertips. Rinse off with cooler (but not cold) water. The cool water serves to close clean pores the way hot water opens them.

Down sides: egg shells carry salmonella. Be careful when handling eggs, especially the shells. Wash your hands afterward and don't get too near your mouth or eyes


4. Yoghurt

Great for moisturizing and for healing, yoghurt makes a fantastic mask. Use plain, unsweetened yoghurt and whip with a spatula to get a creamier effect. Leave the mask on for 5 minutes and see softer, moister skin.

Down sides: make sure to get unsweetened, plain yoghurt. Sticky, sweet yoghurts can have ingredients that irritate the skin.

5. Strawberries

Nature's acidic face peel. Take one strawberry, wash and spit open and then apply to clean skin. Leave on for 5 minutes before washing off. The natural acids eat away dead skin cells and leave smoother skin.

Down sides: don't leave on too long. It can irritate more sensitive skin and can redness.

As always, don't get carried away. Test a small part of your arm with any of these just in case your skin doesn't like the ingredient. Have fun and start experimenting!