Andrew McCaul
The following foodstuffs can double as face washes (but be sure to avoid the eye area).
Yogurt and Honey: This combination has a cooling, soothing effect on the skin. “Plain full-fat yogurt is particularly good for sensitive, dry, or irritated skin,” says Laurie Polis, a dermatologist in New York City. Mix a tablespoon of yogurt with a drizzle of honey, which has antibacterial properties, then massage into the skin and rinse with cool water.
Buttermilk: When splashed on, it calms and soothes hot or irritated skin (it can even help a sunburn). Soak a soft washcloth in cool buttermilk and cleanse your face using circular motions. Rinse with cool water.
Oatmeal: Oatmeal can calm skin and help stop itchiness, redness, and flaking. Mix a small handful with water to make a paste, then gently rub into the skin; rinse.
Olive Oil: If you’re in need of a moisturizing cleanser, steal this from your salad. The pressed extract of olives has a hydrating effect on the skin and plumps skin’s outer layers, making skin look fuller, says Polis. Apply a thin layer to the face, then tissue it off. (Olive oil is best used at night. If you use it before applying makeup, you may find the cosmetics don’t stay put.)
Papaya, Pineapple, and Pumpkin: These three P’s are efficient exfoliating cleansers. They contain a slightly acidic enzyme that breaks up the bonds between dead skin cells, resulting in the easy removal of those cells and a more luminous appearance. Mash a tablespoon of each fruit and mix them together. Apply the mixture to the skin as a cleansing mask. Let it sit for five minutes, then rinse. Polis does not recommend this combination for people with easily irritated skin.
Green Tea: Increasing evidence suggests that green tea can have anti-aging benefits when applied topically, Polis says. Splash cool brewed green tea on the face and rinse.
