Got Milk (and Honey)?

When I was a kid, my mom told me drinking milk promotes strong bones and healthy growth. Little did I know, milk applied topically also serves as an exfoliant for a fresh, youthful glow.  And honey, a natural humectant, attracts and retains moisture. So if you’re not allergic to either ingredient, try one or more of these DIY treatments for soft and silky smooth skin and hair.

Facial Mask

Ingredients (preferably organic):

·         1 teaspoon of powdered milk

·         1 tablespoon of ground almonds

·         1 tablespoon of organic honey

·         1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel

·         2 drops of neroli essential oil

Directions:

Combine powdered milk with ground almonds; add honey and aloe, mixing well. Finally, stir in the neroli oil. Apply mask to face and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes; rinse with warm water and pat dry. Makes 2 to 3 treatments, lasting up to two weeks in the refrigerator. 

Hair Mask

Ingredients:

·         1 tablespoon of honey

·         1 cup of whole milk

Directions:

Mix ingredients, apply to hair and leave on for 15 minutes.  Rinse and wash with a mild shampoo.

Body Scrub

Ingredients:

·         1/3 cup of salt

·         1 tablespoon of honey

·         1 teaspoon of olive oil

·         1 tablespoon of milk

Directions:

In the shower, briefly dampen skin.  Turn off shower and gently massage the scrub into skin using a circular upward motion; rinse when finished. Scrub can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Milk Bath

 Ingredients:

·         1 cup of powdered milk

·         1/4 cup of honey

·         1 tablespoon of almond oil

·         2 cups of hot water

Directions:

Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl until no lumps remain.  Add to your bathwater and enjoy milk’s hydrating properties.

Go ahead, get milk (and honey)!

Written by Chris Schmidt, who continues to strive for anti-aging and anti-acne solutions on a shoestring budget, while doing what she can both nutritionally and fitness-wise to maintain her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.  Find out what she’s rambling about this week at www.alwaysthewritetime.wordpress.com.