Lady with a clay maskLast month, we discussed a couple of DIY beauty hacks that you should NEVER try (If you missed them, read the blog post here).  However, there are some DIY beauty hacks that have been tried and tested throughout the years that you should include in your skincare regimen.  Below are four wonderful DIY hacks that you should try today.

Clay

Clay and mud masks have been used since what seems like the beginning of time.  Most clay masks include bentonite clay, a clay composed of aged volcanic ash.  It has many detoxifying properties and helps cleanse the skin.  Make sure that you don’t allow the clay to come in contact with anything metal, as the clay creates a slight electrical charge when mixed with water, and the metal can make it less effective.  

Melaleuca Oil

Melaleuca oil, or tea tree oil, is oil from the leaves of the Melaleuca tree, a plant native to Australia.  Aborigines have used it for thousands of years to treat cuts and burns.  The oil is also incredible for your skin as a natural anticeptic.You should never ingest the oil, as it is toxic.  Dilute the oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, and use it to spot treat your acne.  You can also add a few drops to your favorite DIY mask or face wash to treat common skin problems.  

Honey

Honey has also been used for the skin for centuries.  It has antibacterial properties, and can create a protective barrier for wounds.  It is commonly used on diabetic sores.  Honey is also a natural preservative, so you can add it to other DIY products to lengthen their shelf life.  Honey can be used for acne, eye puffiness, to treat eczema, and can be added to face masks and exfoliating scrubs.  A very popular face mask includes honey and oats.  Add 3 tablespoons of ground oats to 1 tablespoon of water, and 2 tablespoon of honey.  Mix the ingredients, and apply on your face.  Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then wash it off with warm water.  

Yogurt

Yogurt is an excellent product to add to any DIY face mask, face wash, or exfoliator. It is full of protein, calcium, vitamin D, lactic acid, and probiotics; all good things for your skin.  Yogurt can help moisturize your skin, prevent acne, relieve sunburn pain, among other things.  You can either use just yogurt or mix it with other ingredients like honey and rose to create a soothing face mask.  Just make sure to use plain, unflavored, organic yogurt so you aren’t adding preservatives and undesired chemicals to your skin.