With beauty trends including everything from snail slime to bird poop, it is difficult to tell which are hype and which really help. I sat down with Elina Fedotova, founder of Elina Organics and The Association of Holistic Skin Care Practitioners, who encourages moms to pay close attention to what they are slathering on their skin.
While we’re all stuck inside, I want to share some homemade remedies she uses in her own home.
Mushroom facial
Fedotova has been a huge fan of mushrooms used in skin treatments. Many mushrooms have skin-boosting benefits including anti-aging, hydrating, brightening, free radical fighting and extracting toxins.
Here’s what to do:
Gather whole organic mushrooms such as Oyster or Shiitake. After cleansing your face, cut the mushroom in half lengthwise and gently wipe your face with the cut side.
Alternatively, blend the mushrooms with organic herbal tea in a food processor and apply like a mask to your face.
Moisturizing oil
Many women have replaced their store-bought products with all-natural oils. Make sure that your ingredients are cold-pressed (to ensure that they retain their nutrients) and organic.
Here’s what to do:
1 ounce each Grape Seed and Walnut Oil
5 drops Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
15 drops of Sea Buckthorn Oil
Mix together and store away from light and heat. Press gently onto the face to moisturize.
Body exfoliator
In order for moisturizers to work, clear off the dead skin cells that block moisture absorption. Make your own exfoliant with simple ingredients found in your kitchen.
Here’s what to do:
1 part melted coconut oil
1 part avocado oil
1 part shea butter
1 part ground cinnamon
1 part granulated brown sugar
Mix together and use on skin in the shower, rubbing in a gentle, circular motion. Rinse off.* Tip: Grind the sugar first to achieve your desirable scrub size. Also, add coffee grounds for circulation and that wakeup aroma!
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This article originally appeared in Chicago Parent’s May 2020 magazine. Read the rest of the issue here.
