When your partner first proposes, most brides-to-be are glowing with joy. That is, until they begin the wedding planning process. That's when stress, beautiful skin enemy #1, often kicks in. Between managing in-laws and the guest list, endless meetings with vendors and reviewing the seating chart, many brides begin experiencing stress-related symptoms, such as acne breakouts, rosacea flare-ups and dark circles under their eyes.
Even if you're in the throes of wedding planning, I believe you can look your best no matter what is going on in your life. Here are a few of my favorite do-it-yourself at-home skin care recipes appropriate for every skin type; they'll help relieve the symptoms associated with stressed skin, and the aromatic and soothing properties will help the rest of you relax as well.
Baking Soda Cleanser (for all skin types):
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup milk
½ teaspoon honey
This is a great at-home cleanser you can create with simple ingredients from your kitchen. Mix all ingredients in a small glass bowl. Dampen your face and dip gauze into the cleanser. Gently wipe your face and rinse off with warm water.
'Just the Tea' Eye Treatment (for all skin types):
1/3 cup water
2 Chamomile tea bags
This is a soothing eye treatment for all skin types that with help with puffiness and dark circles. Boil water and brew tea. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove bags and let them slightly cool before placing one on each eye for five minutes. Dip bags back into team and place on eyes for another five minutes.
Pomegranate Mint Mist
1 cup water
4 mint leaves, crushed
2 pomegranate tea bags
This is a rejuvenating mist to wake up stressed and lifeless skin; use on a daily basis. Boil water. Add mint leaves and pomegranate tea bags. Steep for 15 minutes. Remove the leaves and bags. Pour the liquid into a jar, seal, and refrigerate. When the liquid is cold, pour some into a small spray bottle. Mist your face as necessary. Keep the rest refrigerated.
Oatmeal with Apples Mask
1/3 cup cooked oatmeal (not instant)
3 tablespoons applesauce
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1 tablespoon almond meal
The oatmeal and vitamin E heal, soothe and regenerate skin, while the almond meal and applesauce exfoliate and moisturize. Combine all ingredients in a glass bowl and mix well. Apply to your face, neck, or chest Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Simple DIY at-home recipes like these and others (including ones for specific skin types -- oily, combination, acne-prone, etc.) can be found in my book, "Heal Your Skin," and are designed to help readers ensure they always look their best, no matter what is going on in their lives.