Homemade Beauty Recipes for Winter

A Beauty Wonderland

-- By Liza Barnes, Health Educator

SparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more

Winter is here, and for many people that means dry, flaky and cracked skin. Many skincare experts advise switching to more moisturizing hair and skincare products during the blustery months to avoid these problems. But before you invest in high-priced lotions and potions, head to your pantry, because there are many wintry foods—almonds, oatmeal and even chocolate—that can make your skin feel like it’s on a holiday in the tropics.

*Note: As with all skin products, do not use any of these recipes if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients, or have very sensitive skin. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions. In case of a rash or reaction discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice.

Sweet Almond Body Scrub
Almonds are packed full of nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy monounsaturated fats. These compounds make them nourishing to your body inside and out. Try this recipe to exfoliate and moisturize your skin.

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup almond oil
2 tsp honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together in a shatter-proof bowl. In the shower or tub, massage the scrub into your skin in circular motions (after washing your skin with soap), concentrating on rough or dry areas of the skin. Rinse with warm water, allowing the residual layer of almond oil to remain on the skin. Pat dry.

Double Almond Body Scrub
Your skin will reap the moisturizing benefits of almond oil and the exfoliating properties of almond meal with this scrub. To make almond meal, toss a handful of raw almonds, with skins, into your blender. Blend for a few minutes until the almonds are the consistency of whole wheat flour.

6 Tbsp almond meal
6 Tbsp honey
3 Tbsp almond oil, or enough to bring mixture to desired consistency

Mix all ingredients together in a shatter-proof bowl. In the shower or tub, massage the scrub into your skin in circular motions (after washing your skin with soap), concentrating on rough or dry areas of the skin. Rinse with warm water, allowing the residual layer of almond oil to remain on the skin. Pat dry.

Chocolate Face Mask
From Halloween to Valentine’s day, chocolate is the ever-present treat that tempts our taste buds. Once regarded as a bane to our health, new research has shown that dark chocolate is healthy—and not just to eat. Compounds found in chocolate can actually benefit the skin when applied topically.

1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbsp cream or plain yogurt or sour cream
3 tsp oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)

Place all ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry.
Continued ›

Page 1 of 2 Next Page › Return to main wellness page »

Stay in Touch With SparkPeople

About The Author

Liza Barnes
Liza has two bachelor's degrees: one in health promotion and education and a second in nursing. A registered nurse and mother, regular exercise and cooking are top priorities for her. See all of Liza's articles.

Member Comments

ICHAMOIS

Please post this article, again , later on in the season and others like it...
Thank you so much... - 11/17/2012 7:23:17 AM
Report Inappropriate Comment
LLAMACATCHER

Haha. I just made (and applied) the chocolate/honey mask. First, I got to scare both kids coming out of the bathroom (bonus #1, then we fought over the spoon and bowl (bonus #2)! Tastes great! Hopefully it does some wonderful things for my face as bonus #3 :) - 10/19/2012 4:38:27 PM
Report Inappropriate Comment
1BUBBIE20

The recipe sounds like something good to eat. Does anyone have any ideas about keeping my hands from cracking at the fingertips? Even in the summer my fingers crack. - 7/23/2012 2:49:43 PM
Report Inappropriate Comment
PRETTYNPURPLE23

Did anyone actual try these facial recipes? Just wondering, they sound amazing :] - 11/4/2011 10:03:22 PM
Report Inappropriate Comment
SHAGGIEB

thanks so much for these recipes. i am going to try some. - 2/5/2011 3:02:37 PM
Report Inappropriate Comment
JLKW07

Interesting article. I think I should try some and maybe give away as holiday gifts next year. - 1/20/2011 4:05:56 PM
Report Inappropriate Comment
ANGEL_WISE

Thanks so much for these articles. I am going to use that cocoa face mask recipe asap. - 3/12/2009 7:51:22 PM
Report Inappropriate Comment
JIBBIE49

Good article. You did a lot of work in putting this one together. - 4/6/2008 10:09:27 AM
Report Inappropriate Comment
BEACHDREAMS

How fun--and you're right, it will be hard not to eat them!! It's nice to plan a special home-made treat for my beauty!! THanks for the great article. - 2/20/2008 9:57:44 AM
Report Inappropriate Comment
SUMMER65

Sounds wonderful!! I dont know if I should use them or eat them, YUM - 2/14/2008 6:20:13 AM
Report Inappropriate Comment
MARINERSFAN

Thank you so much for this article and all the recipes! I would much rather make my own products. That way, I know what's in them. These would make fun little gifts for friends as well! - 2/12/2008 11:32:46 AM
Report Inappropriate Comment
JENNA2007CANADA

I love it - I hate bought products with all their additives so it is great that we can do something at home that really helps. Fantastic. - 2/12/2008 11:18:58 AM
Report Inappropriate Comment
NEOPKWAII

Ditto what lil mommy said: It'd be wonderful to be able to read more articles like this one......

Thank you so much for the info! - 2/12/2008 11:13:30 AM
Report Inappropriate Comment
L.I.L.MOMMY

Please keep articles like this one coming, it's great to have alternatives to chemically enhanced beauty treatments. - 2/12/2008 10:32:37 AM
Report Inappropriate Comment