Everyone seems to be spending so much time in the kitchen. Instagram is full of home-baked goods and Zoom cook-offs (plus, I’m averaging about 14 trips to the fridge a day – you know, to get my step count up). While I don’t have the patience to nurture a sourdough starter (it’s literally needier than a newborn?), I’ve always got time for DIY face masks so I was pretty excited when Ashanti, Beauty Director of Ashanti Treatment Rooms, gave us the lowdown on the beauty heroes we’ve all got in our kitchens.
By Beth Ludolf
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1 Oats
Our cupboards are full of oats, leftover from the “I’ll-eat-overnight-oats-every-morning” days. Give them a new purpose.
“Oats have anti-inflammatory properties so they’re great for conditions like eczema,” Ashanti says, “they can be used as a gentle exfoliator for dry skin or made into a mask to soothe the skin and reduce irritation”. Mix them with water, add a spoonful of honey and apply to the face and neck. Leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
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2 Green tea
Drinking green tea means your body is a temple. That is just a fact. Now your face can be a temple too.
“Green tea helps prevent ageing. It contains Polyphenols that protect the skin from UV damage and help prevent the breakdown of skin’s elasticity”, Ashanti explains. She suggests adding green tea to your moisturiser before you do facial massage – to boost its anti-ageing benefits.
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3 Raw honey
Honey is nature’s healer – sore throats, breakouts, bad moods (when consumed on toast).
Raw honey is great for acne-prone skin. “It’s an antibacterial and a powerful anti-oxidant.”. Ashanti explains, “Raw honey contains glycolic acid so it’s a natural exfoliator” – much gentler on the skin than grainy scrubs. You can add different ingredients to create targeted face masks – cinnamon plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines, egg whites target blackheads and avocado nourishes.
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4 Rosewater
Ok, you might not have this one. But you could make some.
“Rosewater is the best toner you can have”, Ashanti claims – and we believe her. It can be used to maintain the skin’s pH balance, its antioxidant properties help to strengthen the skin cells and regenerate tissue and its really hydrating. Ashanti suggests using it as a toner straight after cleansing or soaking a cotton pad and placing it over your eyes (like cucumber slices).
During this uncertain time, we’ll be continuing to create the content you love – whether for distraction, inspiration or to give guidance on wellbeing. If there’s anything you’d like to see (or not see) please contact us on Instagram @treatwell_ie. We hope you keep safe and healthy.