Baking Soda as a Skin SoftenerThe best skin softener that I have found to date is baking soda. When used while bathing, baking soda leaves your skin soft and smooth looking. At about 40 cents a box, I don't think any professional exfoliator can come close to such a bargain!
By Michelle H.
Yogurt and Oil Cleansing Routine for Makeup UsersThis is a pretty simple cleansing routine that should be safe for all skin types.
Honey Oatmeal FacialPut 1/2 cup oats and 1/2 cup honey in a blender and mix until it becomes a paste. To use, massage 2 tablespoons of the mixture on your face. Let the mixture sit on your face for a few minutes, then rinse well.
Vitamin E for Sun and Wind BurnsI recently got a terrible sunburn/windburn while at an all day air show. I was blistered and swollen, it was so bad. I've found THE cure for the worst of sunburns - Solarcaine sunburn pain for the pain plus an anti-inflammatory.
Honey for Skin BlemishesHoney remedy for skin blemishes. Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
Younger Looking Skin With HoneyTo get rid of feeling that your face looks older than your age, try indulging yourself by applying honey to your face. Let it stand for an hour and then wash with unscented facial soap.
Aloe Vera for SunburnsTake the burn out of a sunburn by slice open an aloe vera leaf and putting the gel on the burned skin. If you don't have an aloe vera plant, buy pure aloe vera gel at a health food store. Good for all MINOR burns.
Vitamin E for Stretch MarksWe found out last weekend that we have a baby on the way. The first thing my husband said to me was "You have to go get that stuff you used last time, because you don't look like you gained 40 pounds and lost it."
Olive Oil and Sugar for a Clean FaceFor a good clean face, dip a cotton ball into olive oil and a bit of white sugar.
Marigold CleanserMarigolds are so much more than the hardy, popular orange and yellow flowers we see in flower beds and boxes during the summer. The petals are a bit spicy and can be used as decoration in salads and are sparingly used in custards to provide a hint of spice.
Natural Ways to Fight Oily SkinIf you have oily skin, you can spend a lot of money applying store-bought products three or four times a day to fight it. Or, you can try some of these natural remedies and tips:
Vinegar As A Face CleanserDid you know that vinegar is a wonderful cleanser for your face. It's a natural bacteria killer. You mix one part vinegar, one part water and use a cotton swab and wipe all over face.
Milk of Magnesia for AcneMilk of Magnesia for Acne. This is a great tip! I am 43 years old and have acne. As a teenager I didn't have this problem. . .
Use Old Sunscreen As MoisturizerMost people toss out products when the expiration date comes about. For your sunscreen. . .
Camouflaging A PimpleCamouflaging A Pimple. To camouflage a pimple and heal it at the same time, mix your foundation or concealer with a drop or two of acne treatment. . .
Chamomile Herbal Tea Facial SteamerTry this facial steamer to help wash dirt that builds up in your pores. Boil 1/2 quart of water. Then put two chamomile tea bags (or a handful of dried chamomile flowers) in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them.
Moisturizing TechniquesIt's been particularly dry this year and I have been slathering on the hand cream/face cream/lip balm! Somehow I find that my skin reacts better when I vary the types of lotion/cream I use, so I switch off.
Stretch Expensive LotionsThere's a lot of buzz about anti-aging products - and I see that most of them are $20 a jar. I had some alpha hydroxy lotion I had picked up that actually was too strong for my sensitive skin.
Mix Moisturizers for Improved ScentI bought some inexpensive moisturizer with sunscreen (usually $7-8 per bottle) at the dollar store, but didn't like the scent. I poured the bargain moisturizer into my two bottles of a brand name moisturizer that had a little left in them.
Using Up Hand Lotions That Are Too StickyInstead of tossing them, I use them as foot lotion in my socks when I just want to soften my feet for a few hours or over night.
A&D Ointment As Night CreamA wonderful night moisturizing cream, possibly in your medicine cabinet! I stumbled across a wonderful, cheap nightcream. A & D Ointment.
Add Baby Oil to Hand Lotion for Extra MoisturizingMake your hand and body lotion work better! When you are putting hand cream on, add a little baby oil. I use the gel. Just a little, mix it up well before you put it on your hands.
Use Cigarette Papers Instead of Expensive Facial Oil BlottersUnfortunately, at the age of 24, I still struggle with breakout-prone, oily skin in the "T-zone." I have always really liked using those blue Clean and Clear oil blotting sheets during the day to remove excess oil from my face without piling on more makeup.
Use Vegetable Shortening for Very Dry SkinIf you suffer from dry skin, or just want a good moisturizer, try Crisco. I know it sounds gross, but it really works well, is cheap and sinks in. The only problem I have found is that my dogs follow me trying to lick it off.
Use Milk of Magnesia as a Facial MaskFor adults or teens with an oily T-zone on their face; there are lots of cosmetic items that help with oil control, but a very inexpensive item that does the job very well is Milk of Magnesia. A generic brand will suffice and is even less expensive.
Use Bubble Bath to Refill Soap DispensersI buy large containers of bubble bath or shampoo at the dollar store and use these to refill my soap dispensers in my bathroom. In the past I used watered-down dish soap, but this made my hands dry, so I switched to Bubble bath or Shampoo as they don't dry my hands out.
Link: The Proper Way To Pop A PimpleI know a lot of teens and their moms and dads read this blog - and there have been many questions about skin care. There is a great little how-to here on a dermatology blog about how to properly pop a pimple ...
Yeast for a Dry Skin FacialFor dry skin the following facial is both economical but it also works great and is safe to have around.
Use Lemon To Fix Sunless Tanning StreaksWell, its sunless tanning time. I heard a great beauty tip that really works. If your "tan" dries and you see streaks, just cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side over the streak until it blends.
Rotate Through Different Brands Of MoisturizerRather than stick to one brand of moisturizer or face cream, I like to switch around the products - and my skin seems to appreciate it! This is where sample packages of various lotions can play a role in your skin care routine - use them to supplement your usual lotions and creams in rotation.
Use Powdered Alum On BlemishesPowdered alum works wonders on blemishes and canker sores, and can be found in pencil or block form as well as the spice can we're more familiar with. Apply from the stick or mix the spice with a little water, leaving it on overnight for almost instant results.
Skin Preparation for Wedding PhotosTo get the most out of your wedding photos, start early with caring for your hair and skin. Start drinking lots of water and get plenty of sleep. Both are essential to healthy hair and skin.
Cocoa Butter and Vitamin EI no longer waste money on expensive moisturizers. I have found two products that are amazing and very inexpensive. The first is cocoa butter in a jar. It is made by Queen Helene and is a very rich and very moisturizing body cream that can also be used on the face.
Aspirin Scrub For Softer SkinI have recently found a fantastic new recipe for radiant, soft skin. It might sound really strange, but the trick is aspirin and water. It's a great combo and works really well. Give it a try.
Copper Infused Pillow for Skin EnhancementI bought a copper infused pillowcase that enhances your skin when you sleep. You don't put on a night cream so you save loads, and it has cleared up dry patches on my cheeks.
Product Review: Village Naturals TherapyThis is the best muscle relaxing bath product I have ever used. It is good when you need something to clear your sinuses and I have never seen another product that works as good.
Use Vaseline for Young Looking SkinI have a friend who uses Vaseline on her face every night and has for many years, and she has very young looking skin. I'm trying that Moisture Therapy Intensive hand cream on my face and it seems to work.
Vitamin E for Skin ConditionsVitamin E is good inside and out. If you suffer from a skin condition or injury, open an E capsule and rub the oil on. It's quite tacky in texture, so rub or stroke in all that your skin will take and then wrap the affected area overnight to protect your sheets.
Olive Oil for Sensitive, Dry SkinI have really dry skin, and have tried many types of lotions to help. Most lotions that I used ended up leaving my skin slippery, which might leave a residue on fabrics I'm working with or get in the way of my work.
Use Abreva Cold Sore Treatment For PimplesI applied a little dab on and gently rubbed it into my cold sore, I decided to also experiment and apply a dab of it to a pimple that I noticed on my face and thought, "well, it couldn't hurt".
Antiseptic Body WashMake a lovely antiseptic body wash by adding a few drops of tea tree essential oil to your shower gel or foam bath. Shake it well and enjoy!
Moisturize Back with Long Handled PoufIn the colder times of the year, my skin gets very dry and itchy. I always moisturize after bath time, but could never get it very good on my back. I decided to use a long handled pouf for that purpose. You can find them almost everywhere and they are inexpensive.
Product Review: Curel Itch Defense LotionI have a three year old daughter with eczema. It's a constant struggle to keep her extremely dry skin hydrated and not itchy. I've tried many products in the past but I've finally found an inexpensive miracle; Curel Itch Defense Lotion.
Use Shampoo for Body WashI save money and clutter by using my shampoo and cream rinse on my whole body! When you lather use the shampoo on your hair, some of the suds to clean your body.
Add Vitamin E Oil to Moisturizing LotionInexpensive lotions and creams do not moisturize skin well, but after being unemployed for over a year, the better ones were out of my budget. I found that adding a little bit of Vitamin E Oil to a new bottle of inexpensive lotion really ups its moisturizing power.
Tips for Cleaner Healthier SkinAs a person who has struggled with my skin for my entire life, I wanted to share a few things I have learned from my own experiences.
Almond Oil MoisturizerAlmond oil makes the best, cheapest and longest-lasting moisturizer I have ever used. You use only a tiny bit and work it in well.
Mix Sunflower Oil With Oil Of OlayFor years I have used Oil of Olay moisturizer for my face and loved the results. Now I am trying to be more frugal, but don't want to lose my smooth skin. Here is what I have learned from a dermatologist.
Getting The Last Out Of Pump BottlesHow do you get hand lotion, liquid soap, etc. out of plastic pump bottles when you get to the bottom and know there is some left in the bottle?
Minimizing Deep ScarsI have a very deep scar from leg surgery. My sister, a podiatrist recommended a product called "Scar Guard." I have been using it for 3 weeks and the results are amazing.
Aloe Vera for AcneFor all those girls and boys that have tried everything to get rid of acne! Well this might be the solution for your case of acne! Well, this a really simple tip!
Olive Oil as a MoisturizerI have psoriasis and have had it since I was 14 years old. I used to get so embarrassed about it. I don't bother with that anymore, I just wanted some of the pain and itching to go away. Well, I started to use olive oil on my skin.
Remedy for Skin TagsI have been reading all the remedies for skin tags and I have to say, I am also a big baby when it comes to pain in some areas. I had a skin tag appear in a private area a few years ago and yesterday I woke up and it was swollen. Any ideas?
Preventing Bags Under Your EyesPut Yellow Books under the top of your mattress to prevent bags under your eyes. I have used them for years. I spent a week away only to see what my eyes look like when my mattress is not slightly elevated!
Pantyhose Soap ScrubberThis is a way to reuse nylons, tights, or stockings that can no longer be worn; as well as finding a use for soap scraps.
Use Shampoo Instead of Soap In ShowerLast night I didn't have a bar of soap in the house. So what was I to do at 11 pm? I have several bottles of shampoos that I don't like to use on my hair. I buy the ones with conditioner, like Pantene with moisture renewal, it makes my hair oily.
Vitamin K Cream for Dark Under Eye Circles To "erase" under eye circles that can be caused by a lack of sleep, dehydration, allergies etc-try dabbing a cream rich in vitamin K on the dark area.
Exfoliate Before ShavingTo help keep razors clean and sharp when using them to shave under the arms, use a small circle size loofah (found in thrift shops) to remove any dead skin and deodorant in the armpit before shaving.
Applying Lotion To Your BackI found the perfect way to put lotion on my back all by myself. Use a wooden spoon with a really long handle. Put about four squirts of lotion on the backside of the spoon and smear it around a bit.
Use Toothpaste as Exfoliater for Face and SkinI use a small amount of baking soda toothpaste named after the maker of baking soda to wash my face with.
Home Remedies for AcneMy 33 year old daughter has constant problems with acne. I heard that fashion models use Pepto-Bismol as a face mask. I made a mix of extra strength Pepto-Bismol and Arm and Hammer Baking Soda and Peroxide toothpaste.
Sugar as an ExfoliantRecycle an empty plastic spice bottle that you've used up and fill with sugar. The ones with holes are especially handy to clean out then fill with sugar. Then it's safe to use in the shower, as sugar works as an excellent and natural exfoliant for your skin.
Blistex for Sore NoseI have found that the Blistex you use for your lips works just as well for sore noses caused by allergies, etc. No more sore noses!
Make Your Own Tinted MoisturizerCosmetics are very expensive, especially some of the new tinted moisturizers. If you want to make your own tinted moisturizer, take some of your liquid foundation and add some of your favorite moisturizer, sunscreen (if you want SPF), or a body lotion like Jergens.
Add Pieces of Soap to Exfoliating GloveWhen your bar soap gets too small, place it in a dollar store exfoliating glove. The glove can be hung in your shower, and can be used without worrying about "soaping" it up first. I have been doing it for years; I am cheap.
Use Expired Sunscreen as LotionUse expired sunscreen for hand lotion or shaving cream. Make sure you mark them as expired, so you won't forget and use them and get a painful sunburn.
Tea Tree Oil For Breakouts or AcneAll of a sudden, I developed a huge zit on the side of my nose. I tried dabbing some tea tree oil on the spot twice a day. In 3 days, it was completely gone!
Fixing Orange Skintone After Self-TannerHelp for looking orange after using a self tanner. Try taking a warm bath with a cup of fresh lemon juice added to the water. This is most effective if done as soon as possible. Soak 20 minutes and the lemon juice will help cut color and product buildup.
Warm Lotion in WinterLike a lot of people, I use a small electric heater in the bathroom during the winter. And for convenience, I keep my body lotion on the side of the tub. I have found that when I get out of the shower, the lotion is warmed, goes on so smoothly, and feels so good!
Aspirin and Lemon for AcneI wanted to share a tip I found out about for skin care and blackheads. I have a terrible problem with blackheads on my nose and chin, even though I exfoliate. It seems no matter what I use, I have trouble in this area.
Homemade Fruit-Acid FacialFor an inexpensive pick-me-up for your face - buy a papaya, cut it in half, eat the insides and then rub the inside of the fruit peel on your face. Leave for ten minutes then rinse off.
Use Shampoo As Body WashIf you have hard water (or not), shower with White Rain Shampoo. It's the cheapest and best lathering shampoo I know of. They have so many great fragrances to choose from.
Apply Products to Face with Q-tipWhen using tea-tree oil to treat skin problems, dip a clean Q-tip into the tea tree oil and then use that to treat several skin spots. This way you use much less than a cotton ball.
Product Review: Dawn Hand Renewal With Olay BeautyWhen Dawn Dish detergent came out with their Hand Renewal with Olay Beauty, I put the liquid soap in my regular hand soap dispensers. Within one to two weeks, my hands had significantly improved from the dryness.
Raw Potato For Healthy SkinRub a raw potato on your face to help with skin discoloration, wrinkles, and age spots. Enzymes in the raw potato nourishes your skin tissue, and the alkaline content gives you a nice glow.
Acne Prevention And TreatmentThere are 2 simple things you need to do to clear up your acne and prevent it in the future. Don't touch your face! This is the most important part. Even if you have oily skin, that alone will not cause acne. Acne is a small staph infection in the pore of your skin.
Use Hair Conditioner as Shaving CreamMy aunt taught me a long time ago that if you use hair conditioner for shave lotion/gel/cream it works just as good, even better. I have used this for years. A couple of years ago I got married, and my husband uses it now for his face. His face is sensitive.
Use Homemade Astringent and Mask for AcneStart by cleaning your face. I use glycolic cleaner, it's non-irritating and helps clean pores out. A mixture of cinnamon and lime or lemon juice is excellent after washing your face.
Using Cold Aloe Vera GelI keep a bottle of aloe vera in the fridge. It is very soothing.
Aloe Vera Sunburn RemedyI live in Florida where we see a lot of sunburn cases. The most effective and natural remedy is the Aloe Vera plant. They grow wild here in Florida. Remove one leaf of the aloe plant and keep it in your refrigerator crisper drawer.
Witch Hazel and Alcohol Skin TonerI've made my own for years and it works just fine! I use 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol and 3/4 cup of witch hazel. You can add a couple of drops of blue food coloring to make it look store bought.
Save on Facial Cleansing WipesI've discovered a way to save on the facial cleansing wipes which are so convenient to use. I keep a pair of scissors in the bathroom and simply pull one out and cut it in half and slip the other half back in the package.
Tea Tree Oil for AcneIf I feel one coming, I instantly get out the tea tree oil. It's not going to make it go away completely. It's a much faster "go away" process than when I don't use it, and stops many from forming.
Keep Facial Lines At BayUse a commercial paper-like medical tape that comes in its own dispenser. Then just tear off enough to cover certain areas; i.e. frown lines, crows feet and the parenthesis on each side of your mouth.
Liquid Bandage For Covering PimplesI get pimples quite often. I noticed a while back that my liquid makeup and foundations would cover everything except my pimples, and that would make them stand out even more.
Remedies for Dry SkinEveryone seems to be having problems with dry skin in different forms, place on the body, and stages. I have been surprised this year, it seems to be everyone. I have tips used by my grandma and experiments I use that work. I hope these will help you.
No Need for Shaving GelI recently discovered that when I'm in the shower and have my hair all lathered up, that I can just use the lather from my hair to soap up my legs for shaving. Works like a charm!
Amazing FacialOK, so I just rinsed this off my face and I have to say, it's amazing!
Removing Fingernail Polish From SkinWhen I paint my fingernails, I sometimes mess up and get nail polish on my skin that surrounds my nails. I actually found this pen at our local Walmart that has fingernail polish remover in it. You use it to remove the mess ups. :)
Ask Pharmacist Or Doctor For Acne PreventionWhen you have fairly severe acne, the first thing to do is to see a doctor. There are so many wonderful treatments that actually work that it is wise to get expert advice right off the mark.
Use Bag Balm For Dry Scaly SkinWinter is here. Being in the nursing field, I wash my hands probably more than a 100 times a day. Using the alcohol based sanitizers irritate my skin. Bag Balm is a wonderful substitute for lotion. Use it at night and see what a difference it makes.
Treating Chapped LipsIf your lips are peeling and chapped, they are annoying and unattractive. Apply a little vasoline to your lips and use a nail file to gently remove any dead skin. Your lips will feel refreshed and look healthy again.
Vinegar For Scars And Age SpotsI had a really bad dark, ugly scar after a C-section. Over the counter remedies didn't work. Then an old past beauty queen told me about vinegar.
Banana Peels for Removing WartsMy son had a wart and a friend told me to put a banana peel over it and cover with bandage. I did and it was gone in a week.
Get Rid of Redness From PimpleMy teenage son had a red pimple on his face for Picture day. He used Visine on it and it took the redness out of it so it was not so noticeable.
Back Scrubber For Washing FeetI keep a back brush that I purchased for a dollar at the dollar store in my shower, and use it to clean my heels and toes. A light scrubbing with it exfoliates and keeps calluses from forming.
Cut Olay Daily Facial Cloths in HalfI was going on a trip and trying to conserve space. I realized by cutting my favorite facial cloths in half, they will make them last 60 days instead of 30!
Homemade Blackhead Removing StripsHere is a simple way to make your own blackhead removing strips. I used to spend $10 per box (which lasted me 2 weeks) for many, many years.
Homemade Tanning RecipeMy grandmother use to buy a bottle of baby oil and mix iodine in it. She had the nicest tan and the the softest skin.
Use Tea to Soothe a SunburnBoil your water and let a tea bag steep in it, until it is cool. Then take a cotton ball and apply it to your sunburn. Do this twice. It's better at bedtime, so that the tea can work it's magic while you sleep. Don't wash it off until morning. It takes the sting right out of the burn.
Aloe Gel Spray to Cool OffI know sometimes when you have an anointment there is nothing more embarrassing then showing up looking sweaty. Here is a tip to to cool you off next time:
Use Hair Conditioner as Body LotionInstead of using lotion after your shower, you can use those conditioner samples you receive in the mail. Just apply at the end of the shower like lotion. It will lubricate your skin nicely and easily!
