The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Honey
Posted by Jessie (Columbus, Ohio) on 03/22/2007
★★★★★
People always tell me that I look early 20's. I am actually 34 years old. :o) Besides never exposing myself in the sun too much, I also drink honey water with bee pollen every morning for the last 10 years. I just started adding organic Blackstrap Molasses and apple cider vinegar to the drink lately. The taste is funny, but still bearable for me. I will keep you updated on the result.
Eliminate Chemicals
Posted by Marie (Cleveland, OH) on 03/21/2007
★★★★★
I would like to share a web site I found VERY interesting. It is the - Environmental Working Group.
www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/?key=nosignI was trying to find a more natural facial moisturizer (our skin is porous) and ran across this site. It is amazing what chemicals cosmetic companies have in their products. I have shared this site with those who are not too sure about going a little bit more in harmony with nature. I thought some of you may like to share too. Also in this site you can read about pesticide levels in your average fruit, vegetables, seafood's, etc. Just a lot of eye opening information in this site. Earth Clinic is the best!
Shark Cartilage Oil
Posted by Rob (Manhattan, Ny) on 12/23/2010
I will 2nd Mesems standpoint, (though with less rage).. There is no proven science behind Shark cartilage other than a silly marketing scheme that sharks don't get cancer. Don't waste your money on this stuff.. And yes, we are wiping our oceans of life from our own greed & ignorance.
Bathing in Purified Water
Posted by Pablo (Shawnee, KS) on 01/13/2007
★★★★★
I will have to try this Fountain of Youth for sure. I just have one comment to everyone with dry skin, though, and that is you should be bathing in purified water if not already. I have been for ten years and from the get go you could scratch my skin all day and hardly get any dry lines from it, and I don't use lotion either. Just FYI, as it's really worked for me (and chlorinated water definitely has not). plus there are a tone of other health benefits from doing so
Hyaluronic Acid
Posted by Katie (Edina, MN) on 12/28/2006
★★★★★
If you want to look younger in one short week, taking Hyaluronic supplements will guarantee results. My husband & I take 2 tablets, 50 mg each of Hyaluronic Acid twice a day. It must be taken with 2 tablets Vitamin C once a day for maximum results It is preferable to take Vitamin C ester. It is a highly absorbable form of Vitamin C. It is non-acidic and much easier on the stomach. We are in our late 40's and the results have been fantastic. Our skin is so soft and it shines. Age spots seem to disappear after a few weeks. Also, wrinkles (especially near the eye area) are diminished and lessen with each day you take it. We have had many compliments. Many thought we have had face lifts! We have not had any surgical or non-surgical procedures done. We started taking H/A for joint support. It lubricates joints, so you have the added benefit of decreasing joint discomfort. H/A has been used on the skin topically for years. It is in many skin creams. It helps hydrate the skin. Look for a brand that says it supports skin fitness. We use Source Naturals brand. It is a little spendy, but shop for deals online. Now you can hydrate your skin from the inside out. Try it, I think you will like the results.
Brown Sugar, Rolled Oats, ACV and Baking Powder Scrub
Posted by Robin (Rocky Ridge, Ohio) on 01/23/2009
Oatmeal is often used as an exfoliant in scrubs for the face or the body. It is suggested to put rolled oats in a muslin drawstring bag and hang under the faucet of the tub then use the filled bag as a sponge to wash with. The oat "milk" has soothing properties for the skin. Another tip would be to run the uncooked old fashioned oats through a food processor or blender to grind them down to a granular size.
Sometimes I make a similar scrub and add black strap molasses or a whole egg to the mixture.
Also, baking soda is an alkaline substance that dissolves grease and oil; AC Vinegar is an acid which will exfoliate and the skin prefers an acid ph. Combining the two together neutralizes the acid and the alkaline properties of the individual ingredients.
Since I'm a little older and do not have oily skin, I would not use the baking soda and reap the benefits of the vinegar as a hydroxy acid type of facial. Those with oily skin might add the baking soda to dissolve excess oil and leave out the vinegar. Otherwise, there is enough abrasive qualities to the sugar and the oats to help remove dead skin cells. Blessings, Robin
White Tea Bag Astringent
Posted by Phyllis (Louisville, OH) on 09/10/2006
★★★★★
I bought white tea bags at the health food store. I make a cup of tea using one tea bag, instead of drinking the tea I apply it every morning after I cleanse as an astringent. I notice my wrinkles are less noticeable and have nearly disappeared. Some beauty lotions have white tea in them to make wrinkles disappear, I just make my own, less expensive and you get white tea purely
Aloe Vera, Vitamin E
Posted by Shirley (Perth, Western Australia) on 12/16/2009
I have lots of brown scars all over my body because of dermatitis.. I just wanna know if this mixture can help to lessen the darkness of the scars all over me. Its really embarrassing!!!! Please help.. I started to lose my self confidence because of this..
Aloe Vera, Vitamin E
Posted by Holly V (Greenville, Sc) on 04/05/2010
I had a question to Rob or anyone else who may know. At home I mixed the aloe vera and vitamin e and put it in a glass jar. Then i read the aloe jar, and it said to refrigerate after opening, so i put my mixture in the refrigerator as well. Is this okay? sometimes when i put the mixture on my face (after washing), my face turns bright red and stings. It's not unbearable and i do already notice a good change in my skin. Just wanted to know if maybe i should keep them separate until i apply, or can i store it at room temp after mixing for future use. or is the refrigerator fine? thanks anyone!
Aloe Vera, Vitamin E
Posted by Mario (Cambridge, Ma) on 05/05/2010
like to know if aloe vera gel and vit e helps with dark spots?
Aloe Vera, Vitamin E
Posted by Cutecat (Nj) on 06/29/2011
Hi can this mixture be applied on oily skin?? Any comments?
Aloe Vera, Vitamin E
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa) on 06/29/2011
Hi Cutecat - I believe the aloe vera would be fine on oily skin, but am not sure on the vitamin E - it may cause a breakout. Maybe do a test area first.
Carly, not a doctor. ;)
Aloe Vera, Vitamin E
Posted by Becca1 (King George, Virginia Usa) on 12/13/2011
Add lemon and lime juice to the aloe Vera and scrub your face with oatmeal, it will fade the spots, slowly but permanantly, also watch out for open places on your skin it might burn a little but it will heal it... Use rose water for toner :)
Aloe Vera, Vitamin E
Posted by Sangeeta (Kolkata, West Bengal / India) on 04/18/2012
Can we use forever living aloe vera juices to detoxify body and can we apply aloe vera jelly of dis company for dark patches on face?
Emu and Primrose Oil Moisturizers
Posted by Stella (USA)
★★★★★
I moved to Arizona 6 yrs ago and due to dry, low humidity, I saw after a year my face looked very dry, rough looking. I do not smoke or drink anything but water. But still it looked bad so I went to the health food store and bought Emu Oil and Evening Primrose Oil. I started to use Emu Oil, then tried Evening Primrose Oil. They both work excellently on my face. I use one or the other whatever is in stock at the store. My husband said he could see a big difference right away. My skin looks younger and has a beautiful glow. I'm 44 yrs old and people think I'm in my late 20's. That's something to smile about.
Emu and Primrose Oil Moisturizers
Posted by Matt (Ma) on 09/26/2020
Hi Stella, Thanks for the advice. I prefer primrose oil because emus are killed for their oil.
Coconut Oil and Vitamin C Facial
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, Usa) on 09/01/2020 563 posts
Hi Ana! I'm just using powdered L-ascorbic acid. Any health food store should have it. Possibly some grocer's and it's certainly easily obtainable online. Or it was, anyway. I don't think the US corruption factory has spread to vitamin C but I could be wrong. I bought an 8 lb tub of it but that was pre-virus so I don't know what's going on now.
Grapeseed Oil
Posted by Debbra Dee (Boston, Ma) on 04/06/2015
★★★★★
Recently I got a terrible rash from an allergic reaction to antibiotic. Everything I put on my face stung terribly. I tried Grapeseed Oil (with Vit E) and it calmed down within 12 hours. Usually I am battling rosacea but I've kept using the GSO 2x a day and I have no signs of it after a week. Redness, bumps and flakes are gone. Plus my skin is softer and smoother than ever. I think I may be able to stop using the topical Rx I've been on for the last 4-5 years too. I'm going to try it on my body skin and in my netti pot next.
Tattoos
Posted by Mama to Many (Tennessee) on 06/04/2014
Dear Ms from New York,
When I saw your post, my first thought was, "Activated Charcoal powder poultices." Charcoal draws out infection, toxins, foreign substances (like splinters.) It makes me think it could draw out tattoo ink. It would be safe and inexpensive to try. If you look under Activated Charcoal, you will see how to make a poultice. I would try them each night, over night.
I checked online at charcoalremedies.com, a favorite source of mine for information regarding medical uses of charcoal. Turns out that my idea is not original!!! In fact, two years ago, they were looking for volunteers to try to remove tattoos with charcoal powder. I do not know if they are still seeking volunteers, and they do not have any follow up on it that I can see. Here is the link.
http://www.charcoalremedies.com/charcoaltimes/0512/tattoo_volunteers
Let us know how it goes! I hope this works for you.
~Mama to Many~
Natural Cosmetics
Posted by Liz (Boston, Massachusetts) on 05/07/2013
Burt's Bees has some nice, subtle lip colors that are inexpensive - $5.00'ish.
Organic Oils and Baking Soda
Posted by Tammy (Swift Current, Sk, Canada) on 02/20/2013
★★★★★
I make facial scrub out of organic oils (I switch it up, sometimes EVOO, sometimes sweet almond, avocado, etc) and baking soda. I use this every couple of days and allow it to sit on my skin for just a few mins before rinsing (too much and it'll irritate so be careful). I also make toner out of ACV, witch hazel, brewed green tea and some essential oils. I use straight coconut oil as a moisturizer. It's funny because I tend to have oily skin but this combo has dealt with it amazingly!! I love the results on my skin, however, my husband has had to get used to the smell!
General Feedback
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 12/14/2012
Hi Gloria, I gave up using lotion many years ago now. Instead, I have used all sorts of oils as skin softeners for both my face and my body. They have included, olive oil, almond oil, castor oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, avocado oil and many more... So, you can see I've covered a lot of oils! Currently, I use coconut oil and have for some time because I like the light fragrance it has and also my body seems to just soak it right up. Lotion, honestly, never seemed to actually soften my skin. It always seemed as soon as the lotion wore off, my skin was dry underneath. With oils, they actually penetrate my skin and make it soft. My skin doesn't become dry and flaky anymore like it did when I used lotion.
As for weight gain from oil use- absolutely no issue at all. And as you can see, I've used quite an array of oils so I don't think there is a problem at all. So, go ahead and use it all you want! It's calorie free! You'll love it. Hope this helps. Lisa
Brown Sugar, Egg White, H2O2 Lift
Posted by Cairo (Philadelphia, Pa) on 09/09/2012
★★★★★
Have to sing my praises for Anjeanette's Brown Sugar/H2O/Egg White Lift regimen. The softness is almost immediate. After three days, my skin was clearer and brighter. After a weak, the glow seemed permanent. I can't help but touch my face and neck during the day just to feel how ridiculously soft it is. I'm 30, ex-smoker, always sleep deprived, and have never really taken care of my skin; I work with teenagers who say they're envious of my skin now. I'm really bad at sticking to skincare remedies, but I will never go back to just washing my face. Try this for a few days. You will be sold.
Olive Oil Facial Massage, Castor Oil Mosturizer
Posted by Joyce (Lansdowne, Pa) on 03/26/2012
I too have been using the oil cleansing method for about three weeks now. I use grapeseed oil/castor oil or sweet almond oil/castor oil combination and then moisturize with sweet almond oil or castor oil afterwards. I did not have breakouts before and I did not pay much attention until last Friday I had to take a second look in the mirror. My face was glowing. My husband always told me that my skin looked wonderful but the oil cleansing method certainly made me take a second look at my face. I only massage the oil on my face for about 2 to 5 minutes maybe three times a week.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Dee (Sydney, Australia) on 01/22/2013
Sonds just like an infestation of demodex mites. The hydrogen peroxide would kill them. I had picked these up from a lady I worked with and took ages to get rid of. A strong solution of borax wiped on worked in the end.
Over the Counter
Posted by Diane (Berkeley, Ca) on 12/23/2011
Pepto Bismol has salicylates (or salicylic acid) in it, which are also commonly used in many commercial facial peel products. It's also related to aspirin.
Saliva
Posted by Carol (Bridgetown, Barbados) on 01/22/2012
★★★★★
I agree with Carol every thing she say is true. Yes Saliva does heal cuts I learn that from my mum, I remember putting holes in my ears and she told me to put my saliva on it when I wake up in the morning before I wash out my mouth, and I did and it did heal fast and when ever I have a cut I always use my saliva. Now I am going to try it on my wrinkles. And I will keep you posted and tell you the results.. Urine it is also true, if I tell you that you can also drink it to heal your body from sickness you will say yuk, but it is true, he who experience it know it.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kathie (Houston, United States) on 05/25/2011
★★★★★
The following are some of the things that have worked very well for me in taking care of my skin from youth to now (age 45).
In my youth, my dermatologist prescribed 50,000 I. U. S of VITAMIN A per day for my acne. This worked well, but after a while I began to experience extreem hair loss (too much of a good thing). So I began to apply it topically, I had even better results.
Because my mom practically raised me at our local health food store, we followed the recommendations of the store owner, TEA TREE OIL, applied after cleansing. I loved this stuff and still use it on occasion.
Mom also steamed her face regularly with SENNA LEAVES, I also did this. However, I was young and not that smart... I thought the heat was what was helping my skin so I began to wash my face with extreemly hot water (do not do this! I broke a ton of blood vessels on my face and no, those never went away).
Later, I found facial cleansers with SALICYLIC ACID and this helped a great deal. Look for one that is natural.
Now that I am older (43) I do not have the acne problems, Just wanting to keep my youth. I rarely use cleansers (only when I wear makeup), I just exfoliate with BAKING SODA, then I use an ALGAE EXTRACT solution (this has algenic acid that helps to lightly exfoliate). It is important to exfoliate (we need to get the dead skin off so our skin can better ABSORB MOISTURE). Algae extract is also packed with minerals that also benefit our skin (when our skin is mineralized it can better HOLD MOISTURE). (I have used algae extract for the last 15 years and can truely see a difference in my skin and my girl friends' skin). I follow up with one of three oils: JOJOBA OIL (they say it is most like our skins natural skin "oils"), SHEA BUTTER (I use the unrefined stuff from Africa... this is great stuff for dry winters), or COCONUT OIL.
I am currently experimenting with applying powdered VITAMIN C mixed with a touch of water (Vit. C helps build collegen). And today I am starting to supplement with ASTAXANTHIN. After reading an article on how well it works for wrinkles. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/25/sunscreen-and-wrinkle-prevention-in-a-pill.aspx
I also just ordered a book on FACIAL EXERCISES (15 minutes a day... I can do this, I hope! ).
My mom is a HOT MOMA, I owe a lot to her, for her knowledge and her genes.
Silverbeet
Posted by Gavin (Monganui, New Zealand) on 03/07/2011
I usually buy it from the supermarket in a plastic bag.. After cutting the top off the bag I pull it (the bag) down leaving the tops exposed.. Then with a pair of sissors cut the amount for a serving. This keeps it fresh for days if you pull the bag up and pop it back in the fridge. Then I just sweat it a bit in the wok, usually with some garlic and ginger, and pheraps some tomatoe.. When its done I then fry some bread in olive oil and then put a fried egg on top, but all the rest is optional. Its been about three months, and my skin has never looked so good.. So I'm sure if you do the same you should get similar results.. Of course you could just eat it in a sandwich raw.. but its more pallatable sweated in the wok.
Glycerin and Rose Water
Posted by Andrea C (Cardiff, Wales Uk) on 12/01/2010
★★★★★
HI to you all x My grand mother , who had the most lovely skin, swore by glycerin and rose water. Here in the UK , once upon a time we could bottles of the above, ready made from any pharmacist's. But all the pharmacists I tried (and at 51 years old, belive me, I tried so many well known ones in the UK) you can now only buy glycerin from them, and then go to a health shop for pure rose water. Then do a 50-50 mix of both products in one glass bottle, and give it a shake, then use pure cotton wool and gently rub it on your face from your neck in gentle strokes outwards towards your cheek bones, then up towards your cheek bones until you reach your hair line(on your fore head) then gently stroke it around the eye area. Always remember that the skin around your eyes, is a lot more fragile than the rest of your face, so as gently as you can, smooth it in wards towards your nose. Then do the same with the back of your neck, smooth it up towards your hair line from the base of your neck, and also for the rest of your body if needed, start at the ankles and rub it gently up wards. Do this 3 times daily. Morning noon and night. If you feel you need to use it more frequently then do so. It won't harm you.
Also, another one of my grand mothers folk recipes for you eyes was to bathe them in witch hazel(pure of course) in an eye bath on rising and just before you go to bed. Hope to find out you all look 20 yrs younger with in the next couple of month's of use(HA! HA! ) but seriously, my Friends and I all use my grans advice and for our ages we all look younger. AND DRINK PLENTY OF PURE WATER!! YOU MUST KEEP YOUR BODY WELL HYDRATED ALSO!! If you can only use tap water, then boil and keep it refrigerated if possible it keeps bacteria from thriving in the water and the same if you use bottled water, once opened refrigerate. SEE YOU ALL AT YOUR 3RD 21ST BIRTHDAY PARTIES! (HA HA! ) Love Andrea c
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mary (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 09/10/2010
I get alot of compliments on my skin from both ladies and men, I am 49, recently the ladies I work with asked me to write down what I use because I have no wrinkles and tend to look like I am still in my 30's. Here is what I use,
EXTERNALLY: Instead of soaps, I wash with Aura Acacia lavender scented mineral salts, (consisting of: baking soda, sea salt, borax and lavender essential oil) I use it on my whole body, NOTE: On my face I am VERY gentle to avoid breaks in the skin, it exfoliates the skin, and afterwards your skin feels AMAZING! Then I use Jojoba oil to moisturize and organic toner to replace the pH on my skin. The whole process leaves my skin glowing and smooth, not oily or shiny.
INTERNALLY: I take Hyaluronic Acid, which helps keep skin hydrated and smooth, Omega-3 (2) 1000 to 1200 caps per day, and several minerals including calcium, magnesium etc. Drink plenty of water, the more alkaline you stay the better, avoiding the acid stuff like dairy, or red meats. I exercise daily as well. The result is I hardly get sick, and look years younger, as a bonus, men notice me more and many times they are younger than me!
Nutrient Masks
Posted by Laila (Tysons Corner, Virginia) on 07/25/2010
★★★★★
Nutrient Masks I use:
1/4 of a Banana + 1 tablespoon of honey = for facial smoothing and nutrient cleanse.
Leave on 30 minutes before rinsing.
1 tablespoon honey with 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt = for glowing skin.
Leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing. This remedy is a popular skin remedy in the Middle East.
1-2 egg whites = cleansing mask, sucks out all impurities on your skin.
Allow egg whites to dry, then allow an additional 5 minutes before rinsing.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Joseph (Chicago, Illinois) on 07/08/2010
★★★★★
Hello,
I have a quick question but one that's serious for me. I am using hydrogen peroxide as a toner and it has done wonders to my skin. But I keep hearing about how it is an oxidant and that it will cause my skin to age; is this true? Should I stop using it on my face? This is my fear thank you.
Oatmeal and Baking Soda Scrub
Posted by Jk (Lorimor, Ia, Usa) on 05/15/2010
Tee, I forgot! I don't let it sit on like a mask. I just rub it in good and then rinse off. Hope it works for you!
Raw Cocoa Butter
Posted by Carlos (Barcelona, Spain) on 04/16/2010
★★★★★
Hi
PLEASE if you read this run and try to find 100% pure unrefined cocoa butter. IM writing from experience.I have tried many of the remedies and beauty advices in this website like ACV and hdrogen peroxide on my face.Ive tried most oils you can like jojoba,sesame olive oil.ive used aloe vera,soy milk,..Ive used snail cream and other chemical regular cheap and expensive brands that I cant list here.
The truth is I die for cosmetics specially natural and Im always in the look for the next new thing. While browsing I found out an article talking about recent studies stating cocoa had 5 times more antioxidant than green tea pomegranade etc. I remember cocoa had always been in my grandma bathroom as a body mostourizer,but it was the procesed product with everything on it alcohol fragance etc.
So I went to the afro store and bougt the most famous brand whose name starts with"P". It claims to have cocoa and E vitamin.I started to use it on my face,I saw improvement but I flt the chemicals on it althou I could feel cocoa was definately good.It was clearing my face and very mosturizing. So i went on looking for the pure 100% cocoa butter with absolutely nothing but cocoa butter.I found a store that sells just basic stuff no brand,you ask for the weight you want and they give you a white bottle with raw cocoa butter.It was solid and smell sostrong and sweet. More than any chocolate Ive ever had.
Well I washed my face with warm water. I did put a bit of it in th microwave and it became oil.I did put it in my face and.....o man.
Im 28,Im a man but I wore make up before cause I worked in modeling.I gotta tell you after few hours I looked just exactly as if I had make up on.REALLY
My skin tone is even and light,I can only see my eyebrows my eyes and my mouth.The rest of my face is even.Ive never felt this mostourized,and Ive tried every oil you can imagine. It absorbs quickly. I smile and watever and theres no tighness.Theres absolutely n problem with eye contact I did put it all over. Needless to say it also leaves your lips in perfect condition.
I gotta say Ive tried many mny things,lookig for ayounger teenage appreance,and I ahvent seen anything work this fast,this good.
Also dont worry if you are prone to acne, I just dont feel any bump or irritation.My skin is the most sensitive you can find that I dont use any alcohol based products.Its gentle,smells like heaven,and I think you wont need daily make up with this. Nive glow and shine.You can always wipe it a bit onceabsorbed if you dont like the shiny look.I do.I just cant imagine what this can do to your skin ona daily regimen.And the smell oh so good.
lease reply and lt me know how it works for you.
ATTENTION: Dont buy just any product stating cocoa butter.It will have other oils aditives aromas and alcohol that may irritate your skin or agravate acne. Find the raw cocoa butter,it will take you some time but its worth it. You dont need any extra oil vitamin added cocoa alone will rejuvenate your face trust me