Natural Skin Care and Treatments - 1

• hand care after plaster or clay work
  This tip came from a professional artist. You can re-balance the pH of the alkali in the material if you wash your hands with soap, then rinse well with a one-to-one solution of white vinegar and water each time.   

• age spot antidote
  1/2 teaspoon (2g) sugar
  1/2 lemon
  
  Age spots are honestly nothing to worry about, but they can be unsightly for those afflicted. The good news is that they respond to the gentle bleaching abilities for which lemons are legendary. To use, sprinkle the sugar on the cut side of the lemon half and then gently rub over the affected area for a few minutes. Repeat weekly, as necessary, until the dark spots fade. 

• hand cleaner
  Remove cooking smells from hands by rinsing them with vinegar and then wash thoroughly with soap and water.  

• corn remover
  warm water
  1 lemon wedge
  
  Corns are essentially small, some times painful, patches of thickened skin that can crop up when you wear shoes that are too tight. To restore your feet, try this overnight strategy: Begin by soaking your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, then place a very small wedge of lemon over the corn. Secure the lemon with a bandage and leave it in place until morning. The mild acids from the lemon will gently soften the corn. This same strategy will work wonders for warts, too.

• bug bite remedy
  1 spoonful baking soda
  1 spoonful water
  
  To relieve the itch and pain that accompanies mosquito bites, turn to baking soda for a quick relief. Mix a spoonful of baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste. Dab the mixture on affected areas and let dry (rinse off only when necessary). Repeat as needed. 

• instant antibacterial aid for gardeners or ramblers
  If you hate to wear gloves when gardening (except, of course, when working with roses, blackberries, or thistles) you will, once in a while, get nicked or scratched. White vinegar can be used to treat such scratches if you are not near a water supply. This stings for a second or two, but saves a long trek to the tap.  

• mosquito repellent
  peel of 1 lemon
  Few things can disrupt the pleasantries of summer like a slew of itchy and unwelcome mosquito bites. If you prefer to try a natural way to keep the mosquitoes at bay, cut the peel off a lemon and then rub the essential oil from the outside (yellow side) on your skin. Tip: If you fold a piece of peel between your thumb and forefingers (yellow side out) and give a gentle squeeze, the oils will be released. You'll actually see a squirt and smell a strong lemon scent when that happens. 

• removing fruit stains
  To remove fruit stains from your hands, rub them with a little white vinegar and wipe with a cloth. 

• Gentle Honey Cleanser
  Mix 1⁄4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon liquid soap and 1⁄2 cup glycerin (found in drug stores). Apply gently on to face using a face sponge. Rinse with warm water and pat face dry. 

• diaper rash soother
  3 tablespoons (42g) baking soda
  Lukewarm water
  
  A baby's tender skin can be ultra-sensitive to uric acid (a product of urine), resulting in an uncomfortable rash that can make wearing a diaper quite unpleasant. To relieve the sting, try bathing your baby in between diaper changes. Prepare a lukewarm bath and mix in 3 tablespoons (42g) baking soda. Afterwards, let the affected area air-dry before diapering (apply a barrier of ointment to afford the skin an opportunity to heal). Repeat as often as possible until the rash clears up.
  
  

• terry diapers 2
  Adding 1 cup (225ml) vinegar during the rinse cycle equalizes the pH balance and has been reported to prevent diaper rash.

• yard worker's hand wash
  1 teaspoon (6g) salt
  1/2 lemon
  An afternoon of gardening or yard work may leave you with sticky plant residues on your hands that can be difficult to scrub off with the usual soap and water routine. Fortunately, you don't have resort to harsh cleaners. Just put the salt in the palm of one hand, squeeze the lemon half over it, and gently rub your hands together (don't try this if you have any cuts or ragged cuticles). The salt is a natural abrasive, and the lemon juice is effective at cutting through the tar-like properties of many plant compounds. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Follow up with your favorite hand moisturizer if they feel slightly tender. 

• homemade deodorant
  1/2 cup (110g) baking soda
  1/2 cup (65g) corn starch
  
  Most commercial antiperspirants contain chemicals, such as aluminum, that control perspiration by blocking pores so they can't release sweat. If you'd prefer a more natural way to control body odor, consider whipping up a batch of homemade deodorant powder to neutralize odors. Mix the baking soda and cornstarch and store in a shaker-style container. (The amount should last a month or so.) Sprinkle a small amount on a damp washcloth and pat onto underarms (do not rinse afterwards). Tip: Add finely ground dried lavender to add a pleasant, natural scent to the powder.