BEAUTY DIY: COFFEE BODY SCRUB

This is one DIY that's easy, energizing and eco-friendly. Not only does the coffee stimulate your skin (and tackle cellulite, they say), the coconut oil is an all-natural moisturizer that will make your skin glow. I particularly like to use it right before shaving my legs, to keep them lasting smoother longer!

Combine 5-6 tablespoons of finely ground coffee grinds with 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Adjust oil based on preference. You can even add in sugar (though beware of attracting bugs to your shower!) or salt to amp up the exfoliating power, or some cinnamon for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. If you make this with used coffee grinds, be sure to completely dry out the grinds first. Store any leftover scrub in an airtight container.

Et voila, no need to ever buy store-bought body scrub again.

p.s. - I think the coffee grinds can be a bit harsh for facial skin, so I usually stick to using this on my body and use something gentler for my face.

(Photo from Free People)

SKIN DEEP

Most people forget that the skin is the biggest organ of the human body. Whatever you brush, slather, dab or scrub on your skin gets absorbed into your system.

That's why it's particularly worrisome that a recent study by the Environmental Working Group in the U.S. says women apply an average of 168 chemicals to their faces and bodies every day. Since women tend to use more personal care products than men, they are disproportionately exposed to toxins that could impact their reproductive health and put them at greater risk of developing cancer.

In the United States, because personal care products are governed by the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, they are not required to undergo governmental review before they hit the shelves. Instead, companies are responsible for the safety of their products.

In order to help consumers be more aware of the chemical content in their personal care products, the EWG created Skin Deep. This massive database allows you to search over 68,000 products for their hazard rating, so you can be more informed about your personal care choices.

I found out that even my mild, moisturizing Dove body wash has a moderate hazard rating. Check it out for yourself, you may be surprised!

NATURAL DIY FOR GLOWING, CLEAR SKIN

A few weeks ago, as the weather in Bangkok was transitioning to the sticky, humid summer we're currently in, the skin on my face went haywire. I normally have pretty well-behaved skin, but the humidity plus the polluted air and work-driven stress was too much. I felt like a teenager again!

Instead of reaching for my tube of Clearasil like usual (which turned out to be two years expired), I started researching natural remedies for battling acne. The number one recommended product was Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. Who knew? Good for salad dressings and your face.

I purchased HealthyMate's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother of Vinegar, which is important because that's the key active ingredient. By diluting the ACV with water (3 parts water, 1 part ACV), I created a 100% natural "toner" that I dabbed onto problem areas of my face with a cotton pad. I'll admit, the smell is a bit weird at first. I vaguely started craving salad. But the smell fades after awhile.

After three days of this routine, my skin was not only visibly clearer, but also seemed to be more glow-y than usual. Consider me an ACV convert. I don't use this every day but now when my skin starts acting up, I head to the kitchen pantry first!

**If you're interested in trying diluted ACV on your skin, please test a small patch first. If your skin is sensitive, try diluting the mixture further and washing it off after 10 minutes of treatment. **