Caring for my skin on this trip has been interesting and unexpected. There was the sunburn incident... and then the fact that I'm traveling for quite some time and only brought 3 oz. travel sized toiletries that we have quickly depleted. Top that with the inflated prices of products offered on the islands and I've found myself needing to get inventive.
Nearly every shop in Greece has honey, yogurt and olive oil. Local farmers, fresh product, low prices.
Honey: Honey has anti-microbial properties and is a natural antioxidant. It can be used as a mask, moisturizer and is great for reducing redness and inflammation. It also absorbs impurities in the skin and can be used on minor acne.
Yogurt: Excellent as a mask for firming the skin. Best for use after traveling. It can be mixed with honey as a firming and moisturizing mask.
Olive oil: Can be used on the entire body, face and hair as a moisturizer. It can be added to a warm bath, applied to dry areas or added to cuticles. Olive oil has many antioxidants and is high in vitamin E which assists in healing the skin. Olive oil can also be used to heal dry, brittle nails and increase elasticity of the skin.
There are tons of skin care recipes available on the internet using these ingredients. I did some adjusting here and there and tried a few myself.
* Always cleanse face and neck with a gentle cleanser and warm water before applying face masks.
Honey Face Mask
Apply only to clean skin. After cleansing your face, run warm water over a face cloth and gently cover your face and neck, allowing your pores to open. Warm the honey by placing it into a small glass container and place the container into a bowl of hot water. When the honey is slightly warm and fluid, cover your face and neck generously. Be careful to avoid the area around your eyes. Leave on for 20 minutes or longer, if you wish. Gently rinse with warm water. Pat dry.
Honey Yogurt Face Mask
Combine 1 tbsp natural yogurt (full fat) and 1 tsp warmed honey (see above). Apply mixture to face. Let sit for 15 minutes. Gently rinse face with warm water. For dry skin, use an extra tsp of honey.
Honey and Olive oil Hair Conditioner
Combine 1/2 cup honey and 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup olive oil. Massage mixture into the scalp and cover hair with a shower cap for 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse as usual.
For more fantastic recipes like this please visit Pretty Smart Girl
