In a world full of fancy spa treatments, luxurious crèmes and expensive serums, it can be difficult to believe that less can actually be more. But what if less is more? What if one simple ingredient can provide better results than a formulation of 40+ ingredients? We believe it’s possible! Here are six 1-ingredient beauty treatments that rival expensive products and fancy spa treatments.
Beauty Treatment #1: Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment
Unlike most oils that simply coat your hair, coconut oil penetrates hair follicles to moisturize from within, repair damaged hair, and protect your hair from future damage from hair products and heat. In addition, coconut oil protects your hair from losing protein, which results in thicker, stronger hair. To top it all off, the fatty acids in coconut oil help prevent split ends and give your hair a healthy shine.
How to Use It: Massage 2-4 Tablespoons of coconut oil into your hair and scalp, leave on for 30+ minutes and shampoo your hair thoroughly to remove all the oil. You may need to shampoo your hair 2-3 times to get all the oil out.
Beauty Treatment #2: Apple Cider Vinegar Toner
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) is chocked full of potassium, pectin, malic acid and calcium. Additionally, the fermentation process (which is how ACV is made) fortifies the end product with even more beneficial acids and enzymes. Using ACV on your face has tremendous benefits. For starters, ACV restores your skins natural PH balance, which is the main function of a toner. In addition, ACV contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties, both of which help combat skin conditions such as acne and eczema. ACV also clears away excess oils and makeup, helps to exfoliate skin by breaking up bonds between skin cells and improves acne and acne scars.
How to Use It: Mix 1 part ACV with 2 parts water. Saturate a cotton pad with the mixture and gently apply to your face, neck and décolletage area after cleansing. Alternatively, you can store the mixture in a spray bottle and spritz onto your face.
Beauty Treatment #3: Bentonite Clarifying Facial
Made from volcanic ash, bentonite clay is packed with minerals and is known for its ability to bind to impurities and draw them out. When mixed with water, bentonite produces a negative charge, which is what makes it so effective at absorbing toxins. When used as a mask, bentonite draws out toxins from the skin, unclogs and shrinks pores, evens out skin tone, reduces the appearance of scars and regenerates skin tissue. All of this translates to soft, silky, and glowing skin!
How to use It: Mix 1 tsp of bentonite powder with 1 tsp of purified water to make a paste. Using a non-metal spoon (metal will leach into the clay), mix the bentonite and water together to form a paste. If needed, add more water or bentonite to create a consistency that will easily spread on your face. Using your hands, apply the mixture to your face and neck. After leaving the mask on for 20-30 minutes, rinse with warm water. Your skin may look pink immediately after you remove the mask. This is perfectly normal and happens as a result of the increased blood flow to your face as the clay pulls out toxins.
Beauty Treatment #4: Raw Honey Facial Massage + Mask
Did you know that honey is the main ingredient in a lot of expensive skincare products? This is because honey is a powerful moisturizer and contains natural antioxidants and anti-microbes that help protect skin from things like pollution and the sun’s damaging rays. Honey also absorbs impurities from the skin’s pores, which makes it an excellent cleansing agent. All of this translates to a squeaky clean and fresh complexion that feels silky, soft and supple!
How to Use It: Start with ½-1 tsp of honey on the fingertips of your dominant hand. Next, press your honey-coated fingers into your face, dabbing your complexion with quick, gentle pats. Cover your entire face, neck and décolletage area with honey using this method (you may need to add a bit more honey). Once these areas are covered, give yourself a 5-10 facial massage by continuing the same dabbing motion that you used to apply the honey. The stickiness of the honey will give your skin a slight a tug each time you pull you’re your fingers away from it. This motion boosts circulation and helps to stimulate your facial muscles and lymphatic system, all of which erases tiredness and restores a healthy glow. After your massage, leave the honey on for 30 minutes and afterwards rinse with a warm washcloth.
Beauty Treatment #5: Anti-aging Argan Oil Moisturizer
Oils trump creams when it comes to moisturizing skin. Creams are made of mostly wax and small amounts of oils. While wax helps seal in hydration, it also prevents the oils from getting absorbed into your skin. That may be a great thing if you have the oil-prone skin of a 20-year old, but if you are in your 30's or beyond then most likely your skin craves more hydration. Facial oils absorb directly into your skin, giving your complexion a deep dose of nourishment and moisture. You can use any natural oil in lieu of a moisturizer, however, some are better than others. Our favorite oil for anti-aging is Argan oil, which is packed full of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals- all of which help to protect your skin against signs of aging.
How to Use It: Rub a few drop of argan oil between your palms and press into your face, neck and décolletage area.
Beauty Treatment #6: Pineapple Enzyme Exfoliation Treatment
While getting an expensive exfoliation treatment at a fancy shmancy spa is fun, it’s not always necessary. Spending 20 minutes with a face full of blended pineapple can rival an expensive deep exfoliation treatment and more often than not give you results that are just as fabulous. Pineapple is high in ascorbic acid and enzymes, both of which work wonders at exfoliating away dead skin cells without drying your skin out. Additionally, pineapple is packed with antioxidants, which help nourish, regenerate and protect skin from environmental damage. The result? A soft, bright and fresh looking complexion!
How to Use It: Cube ¼ of a fresh pineapple and blend with just enough water to make it smooth. Using a paintbrush or silicone basting brush, apply the mixture right away to your face, avoiding your eye area. Leave on for 5-20 minutes, depending on the sensitivity of your skin. If the mask starts to tingle, it’s done. Be very careful not to leave this mixture on your face for too long. Pineapple is very acidic and if left on your face for too long can cause redness and irritation.
