Scientific studies have been dedicated to the topic, do you know that taking care of your beauty helps to counteract sadness and depression and to support good health (Kawai et al, Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi, 2016)? It is not necessary to always have lotions with rare ingredients or expensive creams to feel and look better, but often small gestures and attentions, simple and self-created cosmetics with the available ingredients can be equally effective, sometimes even more! Moreover, the ancients, to take care of their beauty, took the ingredients directly from nature, from the garden and the kitchen. So let's be inspired by wisdoms lost in time to rediscover a more natural, simple and relaxing self-care and beauty rituals.
Mask against hair loss, from India
this hair mask of the ancient Indian tradition is based on sage. In a saucepan put 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, it is easily found in the supermarket, and 3 crumpled sage leaves. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, then remove the sage, let it cool down and apply on damp scalp and on the hair. Leave on for 15 minutes then rinse with your usual shampoo. This beauty remedy also has a scientific basis, in fact, sage appears on the list of plants considered able to fight hair loss, to nourish the hair and to prevent dandruff (Jain et al, International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016). Not only that, given its high affinity with hair proteins, coconut oil easily penetrates the hair shaft, limiting or preventing any damage to the hair caused by loss of proteins (Rele et al, J Cosmet Sci, 2003). And if you have a lot of coconut oil left over, you can also use it for oil pulling, the dental hygiene technique that helps to counteract the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth.
Mask for sensitive and acne-prone skin, ancient remedy
The special ingredient of this face mask is mint, which you can have in the garden, on the balcony or you can buy in bunches. In addition to flavoring your dishes by giving them digestive and antioxidant properties, mint can also be used as a cosmetic in case of irritated, itchy and acne-prone skin. This aromatic herb, in fact, soothes itching and irritation, is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial (Elsaie et al, Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2016). Just put half a cucumber in the mixer, when it's season, and 5 mint leaves, blend and apply on the face. As an alternative to cucumber, you can mix the minced mint with three tablespoons of yogurt.
Anti wrinkle face mask, the wisdom of the ancient Greeks
Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant, therefore able to counteract aging processes (Binic et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2013). Boil a sprig of rosemary in half a glass of water for 5 minutes. Then filter and let it cool down. Add as much rice flour as needed to give a creamy consistency and, if available, also a grated grapefruit peel. In fact, the combination of rosemary and grapefruit has proven to be particularly effective in fighting skin damage caused by UV rays and in giving elasticity to the skin (Nobile et al, Food Nutr Res, 2016). Apply to the face in the evening, to avoid a photosensitizing effect caused by grapefruit, for 10 minutes, then rinse.
