From Kitchen to Skin- DIY Skincare Routine

FROM KITCHEN TO SKIN: How I built a DIY Skincare Routine at Home

by Itaribo Goodness

Everyone wants healthy, glowing skin, but the cost of store-bought skincare products can be a barrier. Skincare isn’t just for the wealthy - it can be accessible to anyone if you know the right ingredients and how to use them. DIY skincare routines are simple, affordable, and effective. You don’t need to constantly buy expensive products to take care of your skin. Sometimes, it’s not about owning every product on the shelf - it’s about building a routine that works for you.

I grew up in a household where skincare was considered unnecessary and even a little strange. Buying products was discouraged, so I started exploring natural skincare solutions at home. Nature provides most of what we need, and many branded products rely on the same natural ingredient. With a little knowledge and care, you can achieve healthy skin at home - even if you want to save money or have strict parents.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basic, essential skincare steps: cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. While sunscreen cannot be made safely at home, the other steps, along with optional treatments like toner, lip care, face masks, and scrubs, can be homemade and preserved naturally.

Cleanser

Cleansing is the first and most crucial step in any skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil and impurities, allowing other skincare products to work effectively.

DIY Cleanser:

● Ingredients: plain oats, honey, turmeric

● How to: mix oats with water and add honey, optionally add a pinch of turmeric. Cover and store overnight in the fridge. Massage gently on your face for 60 seconds, then rinse.

Why it works:

Oats help cleanse and soothe the skin, while honey has natural moisturizing properties.

Note: Turmeric may stain the skin or cause irritation for some people. Use in very small amounts and rinse thoroughly.

Moisturizer

After cleansing, moisturizing is essential to keep skin hydrated and smooth.

DIY moisturizer:

● Ingredients: Aloe Vera

● How to: dip fresh aloe Vera in water for 5 minutes or overnight to remove the yellow sap (which can irritate skin). blend the gel until smooth, strain if needed, and store in a jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Why it works:

Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins, enzymes and moisture to keep the skin smooth and nourished, especially for dry or sensitive skin.

Sunscreen

Making effective sunscreen at home is not recommended. For proper protection, use a store-bought sunscreen with at least SPF 30. alternatively, avoid direct sunlight by wearing a cap or staying indoors. Sunscreen should always be the last step in your routine.

Toner

Toner helps refresh and balance the skin, and prepares it for moisturizers or serums.

DIY Toner:

● Ingredients: green tea, aloe vera

● How to: brew green tea in hot (not boiling) water for 5-10 minutes. Let it cool completely. Optionally add aloe Vera gel. Apply gently with a cotton pad or pour into a pray bottle and mist your face. Store in fridge for 5-7 days.

Why it works:

Green tea is known for its antioxidant properties and can help soothe the skin.

Lip care

Keeping lips moisturized prevents dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

DIY lip scrub balm:

● Ingredients: sugar, honey, coconut oil, lip gloss or vaseline

● How to: for the lip scrub, mix sugar and honey or use a toothbrush to exfoliate gently twice a week. Then apply coconut oil or lip gloss or Vaseline as balm to moisturize.

Face mask

Face mask provide nutrients and hydration, but aren’t meant for daily use. Apply twice a week.

DIY face mask:

● Ingredients: rice and honey

● How to: blend cooked white rice into a smooth paste and mix with honey. Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes, then rinse.

Face scrub

Face scrubs remove dead skin cells and go deeper into the skin than a mask. Use 2-3 times a week.

DIY face scrub:

● Ingredients: tomato

● How to: rub tomato gently on clean, damp skin for 1-2 minutes. Leave for 5 minutes, then rinse.

Suggested Skincare Routine

Daily basics:

1. Cleanser

2. Toner (optional)

3. Moisturizer

4. Sunscreen

Weekly treatments:

1. Cleanser

2. Face scrub (2-3 times/week)

3. Face mask (2-3 times/week)

4. Toner (optional)

5. Sunscreen

Extra tips for healthy skin

1. Use iced cucumbers or cold water to reduce puffiness

2. Shape eyebrows for a neat look

3. Face yoga to define facial features

4. Brush brows and lashes with a spoolie or toothbrush, then apply castor oil or coconut oil or aloe Vera gel

5. Always perform a patch test before trying new ingredients

6. Avoid using harsh or highly acidic substances directly on the skin

7. Use clean tools and containers to prevent contamination

8. Drink water and maintain a balanced diet for overall skin health

Consistency is key. Start with the basics. Additional treatments like toner, serums are optional, depending on your skin’s needs. While natural ingredients can be beneficial, it’s important to use them carefully and understand that not every ingredient works for every skin type.

Storage tip: homemade skincare lasts roughly a week. Using proper preservatives can prolong shelf life, but it’s best to restock ingredients regularly - or grow them yourself. Most, like aloe Vera or tomatoes, are herbaceous plants and don’t take up much space.

Written by Itaribo Goodness.