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Health & Wellness Articles  ›  Look as Good as You Feel

Homemade Beauty Recipes for Summer

Natural Treatments for Healthy Skin

-- By Liza Barnes, Health Educator
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  • 1 unpeeled organic cucumber, grated
  • Plain, unsweetened yogurt
Place cucumber in a bowl, and add just enough yogurt to form a paste. Wet face with warm water, and apply cucumber cleanser, in gentle circular motions, over entire face. Rinse with warm water, and pat dry. If desired, allow to remain on skin for 15 minutes before rinsing off. Store any leftovers in a tightly-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Cucumber Mask for Sensitive Skin
Cucumbers contain nutrients like vitamin C and caffeic acid, which help soothe the skin and can reduce swelling.
  • 1 unpeeled organic cucumber, chopped into large chunks
  • 2 Tablespoons plain, unsweetened yogurt
  • 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast (available in the bulk foods section of your local natural food grocery)
  • 1 Tablespoon rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon honey
Blend cucumber and yogurt in a blender until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients blend just until mixed. Apply to clean face and leave on skin for up to 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water.

Aloe Vera Gel
Although the juice and gel of aloe vera can be consumed, aloe vera is not usually considered a food. But the gel of this desert plant is a super-beneficial substance, especially for sun-exposed skin. You don't have to buy bottles of aloe from the store, though. The plant itself is hydrating, healing, and very easy to use. Simply buy a small aloe vera plant, keep it in a sunny window, and water it when it gets dry. After you cleanse your skin in the evening, break off a small piece of the plant, open it up to find the gel, and pat it onto your skin.


Remember that no matter how nourishing and revitalizing these homemade skin care products are for your skin, nothing can completely undo the damage of too much sun, so always wear sunscreen when you’re going outside.
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About The Author

Liza Barnes 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

  • JRRING
    I like the cucumber mask for sensitive skin.... - 5/24/2013 10:49:13 AM
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  • SUNSHEE
    i love blue berrys i have a punnet in the freezer at all times and will snack on a handfull often. - 12/31/2012 6:43:26 PM
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  • M_SGIRL
    I don't like the feel of blueberries in skin products.

    I do make scrubs from salt, sugar, honey, and a few drops of essential oil. A treatment for soft skin is heavy cream, whipped, and then drizzle in fresh lemon juice. Not only will it make your skin soft, but the lemon juice will make your skin brighter.

    My face cleaner is a mix of castor & almond oils. I apply it in the shower and then use a hot cloth over my face...this draws out the impurities. I've never had smaller pores or softer skin. - 2/22/2012 6:12:25 PM
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  • CHRIS3874
    Yeah I agree I would rather have eaten some of these- not to mention what you EAT affects not just your health but also your appearance.... - 2/8/2012 9:45:18 PM
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  • WHEREIS170
    I love to put the cucumbers in the freezer and almost freeze them (just till their a bit stiff) and then put on my eyes. ahhhhhhhhhhhhh feels so good! - 6/2/2010 8:15:52 AM
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  • LADYPIEALOT
    Like the other commenters, I would more likely eat these ingredients! - 5/29/2010 7:02:38 PM
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  • TWOOFTHREE
    sounds like a waste of good food . . . - 4/24/2010 5:59:43 PM
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  • SUPERDUPER26
    I come home from blueberry picking with purple stained fingers every time.... Wouldn't the blueberries turn your face purple too? I guess maybe next time I get some that are a little too ripe for optimal snacking I could try wearing them, but honestly, I'd rather eat them. Yum!
    - 1/19/2010 6:47:09 PM
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  • CATHYELCIK
    A summer lede in a story running in November? Seriously? - 11/15/2009 2:16:09 PM
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  • SASANDRA
    I don't think I'll be using the blueberries at all first because they're really expensive (organic blueberries) second I think it's a waste of a perfectly good snack, lol. I'll stick to my Beauti Control products for my face. ...I may have to try the oatmeal though. - 9/18/2009 1:14:23 AM
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  • JIBBIE49
    When I was young, I didn't think about chemicals making me sick from NAME BRAND products that I bought, because I thought they HAD to be safe, but now I'm not sure, so I avoid them and opt for items sold in the HEALTH FOOD STORE. - 7/28/2008 8:26:23 PM
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  • KEMGRIA
    the recipes sound great and I really want to try the 2 blueberry ones, but i have a sensitivity to raw almonds...just wondering if anyone has a suggestion to replace these? or could i just leave them out? what do they offer aside from exfoliation? - 7/6/2008 1:34:13 PM
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  • LUCKYDUCK2
    I decided to try the recipe with oatmeal. I don't think I have ever felt my skin so smooth. It worked just as good if not better then those expensive items I have tried. Now, got to find a natural recipe for dry hair. LOL - 6/29/2008 3:09:16 AM
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  • JENNLOCK
    I love that they have beauty regiments listed on here! - 6/19/2008 7:56:51 PM
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  • PINKBUTTERFLY9
    I'm with you ... sounds good enough to eat to me. I'll just use my MaryKay on my skin it does a great job. and let the blueberries, yogart and almonds work from the inside out.
    PinkButterfly9 - 6/17/2008 10:38:15 PM
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