Sustainable skin care is achievable without costly products or lengthy routines. Creating quick, easy and affordable formulas at home reduces our reliance on single-use plastics, petroleum-derived agents, irritating alcohol and other harsh chemicals found in many store-bought items. By storing them in glass containers and buying ingredients at bulk refill stores, wasteful packaging can be virtually eliminated.

DIY scrubs, facial masks, bath crystals, moisturizers and toners are made with simple pantry ingredients such as oats, honey, sea salt and olive oil, which are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Applied topically, aloe vera gel from a houseplant effectively treats burns and soothes chronic conditions like rosacea. Two specialized ingredients with beneficial properties are fractionated coconut oil, which is processed to be clear, colorless, long-lasting and always liquid, regardless of temperature; and pure culinary rosewater made by simmering rose petals.

Even with natural ingredients, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends doing a patch test on an inside arm. Leave the product on for as long as it would be used on the face, monitoring for swelling, redness or itching.

 

Vanilla Sugar Scrub: Combine one-third cup brown sugar, one-quarter cup olive oil or fractionated coconut oil and one-half teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract. Store the mixture in a small jar and use one teaspoon at a time to exfoliate the skin, applying gentle, circular motions by hand, then rinsing with warm water.

 

Soothing Oatmeal Mask: In a blender, pulse one-half cup rolled oats into a fine powder. In a bowl, combine with one tablespoon honey, one tablespoon olive oil and two teaspoons warm water until it thickens into a creamy paste. Gently massage onto a dampened face and leave on five to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

 

Fragrant Bath Salts: Combine three cups Epsom salt, one-and-a-half cups sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, one-half cup baking soda and 20 drops of one or more essential oils such as pine needle, rose, lavender or eucalyptus. The yield is enough for five to 10 baths; keep in a glass jar for up to six months. Add one-half to one cup to the bath. Can also be used for a foot spa.

Rosewater Facial Toner or Spritzer: Pure culinary rosewater can be a gentle toner that hydrates, soothes, controls excess oil and tightens pores. Apply straight from the bottle with a soaked cotton ball. May also be refrigerated in a spray bottle for a refreshing facial spritz.

 

Lip Balms: For cracked lips, apply a thin layer of raw honey overnight for its hydrating and antibacterial benefits. Other soothing ingredients that can be used as needed throughout the day are aloe vera and coconut oil.