DIY Skin Care Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for Every Age and Skin Type

Time to explore your kitchen for skin care treasures!

By Melissa Anderson
Updated: June 6, 2022
Originally Published: Feb. 19, 2021

Skin care products can be quite pricey, right? Just a stroll down the beauty aisle can leave anyone on a budget feeling shocked. Who hasn’t ordered a $10 moisturizer only to receive something no bigger than a lip balm container? (No? Just us? Okay, maybe we misjudge sizes sometimes.) Frustrating, isn’t it? As busy individuals, we often neglect our own needs, prioritizing expenses like diapers and sports fees instead. Yet, self-care is essential. That’s where DIY skin care comes in!

Taking a moment to pamper yourself can uplift your mood and enhance your self-esteem. You already know that feeling good about your appearance can change your day. Think of how refreshing it is to invest extra time in your hair or to address a pesky breakout. Caring for your skin shouldn’t feel like a luxury; it should be an integral part of your daily routine. Your skin deserves it, and so do you.

Even though we’re constantly in contact with our skin, it often takes a backseat in our priorities. We let it get sunburnt during summer outings and sometimes tend to pick at breakouts. (Were we not promised that acne would vanish after high school?) We wash our oily hair but neglect our faces. Imagine the benefits of dedicating more time to your skin. Just as you’re never too old for breakouts, you’re also never too young to begin an anti-aging regimen. Here are some of our favorite DIY skin care recipes and tips, along with the reasons they work!

DIY Skin Care: Key Ingredients

Have you ever wondered why we apply certain items to our skin? Here are some popular DIY ingredients and their benefits. Feel free to mix and match these for a personalized skin care concoction that meets your needs.

Yogurt/Sour Cream/Milk: These dairy products contain lactic acid, which hydrates and gently exfoliates. Applying it cold can be shockingly refreshing!
Honey: This natural humectant has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making it ideal for oily skin and breakouts while also softening dry skin.
Egg Whites: Packed with protein, egg whites can help firm up your skin. Just rinse thoroughly to avoid any unwanted residue.
Aloe Vera: Known for its healing properties, aloe contains antioxidants and vitamins that can soothe and even out skin. It’s great for treating burns and dryness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV cleanses while helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, thanks to its acetic and citric acids.
Sugars, Oats, or Coffee Grounds: These act as exfoliants, clearing away dirt and grime. Oats offer cleansing saponins, and caffeine from coffee can invigorate your skin.
Teas: Chamomile, mint, and lavender teas not only add soothing effects but can also be used chilled on puffy eyes.
Essential Oils: While some may have been put off by past experiences, certain essential oils like tea tree and lavender can provide notable benefits for skin health.
Coconut Oil: This versatile oil hydrates, eliminates dead skin cells, and can help protect against sunburn.
Rose Water: A natural toner that hydrates while removing dirt, leaving your skin feeling fresh.

DIY Anti-Aging Skin Care: Simple Recipes

Egg-White Mask: Beat one or two egg whites until frothy. Apply to a cleansed face, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Mix in honey or oils for added benefits.
Comprehensive DIY Anti-Aging Routine: For a more detailed approach, consider a complete routine with various DIY treatments.

Skin Care for Acne-Prone Skin

Simple Acne Toner: Combine four ounces of witch hazel with four to eight drops of lavender and tea tree oil. Store in an airtight container. Use with a cotton pad to cleanse your face, focusing on areas prone to breakouts.
Turmeric and Honey Face Mask: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. A simple mask of turmeric and honey can work wonders on your skin.

Solutions for Dry Skin

Quick Fix for Dryness: Apply honey directly to your face, relax for a bit, then rinse. Repeat several times a week for best results.
Full Routine for Dry Skin: If you want more than just honey, explore additional recipes that require a bit more care and attention.

More DIY Skin Care Ideas

DIY Lip Balm
Homemade Hand Lotion
DIY Foot Scrub

We’ve given you the tools to pamper your skin from head to toe. It’s up to you (and perhaps your partner) to carve out the time for some self-care.

What to Avoid on Your Face

When crafting DIY skincare products, it’s essential to know what to steer clear of. Here’s a list of ingredients that can harm your skin:

Hydrogen Peroxide: While some use it for blemishes, it can damage skin cells!
Witch Hazel: Overuse can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation.

DIY Korean Skincare Recipe

To create your own Korean skincare cleanser at home, gather:

1/4 cup liquid castile soap
1 cup filtered water
5 teaspoons jojoba oil
2 tablespoons honey
7 drops tea tree oil
12 drops neroli essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil
A foaming soap dispenser

For more tips and tricks on DIY skin care, check out our other blog post here.

Summing It Up

DIY skin care is a fantastic way to take control of your beauty routine without breaking the bank. With simple ingredients from your kitchen, you can create effective treatments tailored to your skin’s needs. Remember to take the time for yourself; you deserve it!