Zero Waste Skincare Routines For Winter

1. Clarifying Oat Face Mask 

A simple face mask with apple cider vinegar to regulate your skin's pH and remove excess oil and buildup with ground oats. The oats contain saponins which is a naturally powerful cleanser.

Ingredients: 

3 teaspoons ground oats 

¼ teaspoon apple cider

¼ tablespoon lemon juice

½ tablespoon brown sugar

Recipe: Combine 3 teaspoons ground oats and ¼ teaspoon apple cider in a bowl until a smooth paste forms. Then add ¼ tablespoon lemon juice and ½ tablespoon brown sugar; stir until the mixture is even. Apply to freshly cleansed skin and let sit for five to 10 minutes, allowing ingredients to penetrate top layers of the skin. Then rub in circular motions to exfoliate and increase blood-flow. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry with a towel

- via goodhousekeeping.com 

2. Smoothing Honey Lip Scrub

Stir together these amazing lip-savers for the perfect pout — scrubs aren't reserved just for the face or body.

Ingredients: 

1 teaspoon coconut oil 

1 teaspoon raw honey 

2 tablespoons raw sugar

Lemon juice

Recipe: Combine 1 teaspoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon raw honey, 2 tablespoons raw sugar, and a dash of lemon juice in a small bowl. Apply mixture with a new toothbrush in a gentle circular motion. Rinse off and follow up with your favorite lip balm. 

- via goodhousekeeping.com 

3. Detoxifying Rice Ginger Body Scrub - 

Easily whip up a big batch of this Asian-inspired body smoother with a blend of textures strong enough to slough off any and all dead skin to reveal smooth, radiant legs and arms. Coconut milk is loaded with hydrating, healthy fats and the ginger decreases inflammation and detoxifies skin. 

Ingredients: 

½ cup ground rice 

½ cup coconut milk 

¼ cup brown sugar 

1½ tablespoon ground ginger

Recipe: Mix together ½ cup ground rice (grind in a blender), ½ cup coconut milk, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1½ tablespoon ground ginger to form a paste. Use hands to rub mixture in a circular motion all over. After a few minutes, the scrub will polish the entire body.

exfoliates; honey is a humectant that also boosts hydration while the protein in the egg white tightens and firms skin.

- via goodhousekeeping.com 

4. Whipped Coconut Moisturiser 

A coconut oil moisturizer hydrates and nourishes skin, while green tea helps to reverse sun damage. So the two working together is pretty amazing for your skin. Whipping it makes a nice frothy texture that makes it easier to apply.

Ingredients: 

Double boiler (or a heat-proof jar and small saucepan)

Cheesecloth

Electric mixer

1 cup coconut oil

2 tablespoons loose green tea 

Recipe: Spoon coconut oil into a double boiler and heat on medium until melted. Stir in the green tea, cover, and simmer on the lowest heat setting for 30 minutes. The water around the coconut oil should be simmering, not the coconut oil itself. This will help keep the beneficial nutrients in the tea from breaking down. Strain the tea from the oil with a cheesecloth and then place in the freezer for 10–20 minutes until the mixture is almost solid with a loose gel consistency when you stir it. Then whip 3–5 minutes until creamy.

- by Stephanie Gerber, medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley M.D., FAAD

5. Aloe And Honey Cleanser

Aloe vera has antioxidant properties, is extremely gentle and soothing to the skin and is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Raw honey provides moisture and kills bacteria on the skin. Adding any natural oil of your choice helps restore essential moisture. 

Ingredients: 

¼ cup Aloe vera gel

¼ cup raw honey

2 tablespoons Argan oil

Recipe: Mix all the ingredients in a glass jar. Store the cleanser in the fridge if you are using fresh aloe vera. After that, take a small amount and spread it over your face in a thin layer. Let it sit on your face for a minute and then gently wipe away with a warm washcloth.