“Naughty” foods such as coffee, chocolate and sugar may damage your body when eaten; however, these items can do wonders to your beauty routine.
1. Coffee cellulite blaster
Excessive caffeine can contribute to dull, dehydrated skin.
However, when applied to the skin, coffee improves the appearance of cellulite while giving the skin an overall glow.
Mix some coffee grounds with olive oil or coconut oil. Rub this on the affected areas such as the bottom and thighs, or on the entire body.
Shower and moisturise for smoother glowing skin. Do this weekly to visibly improve the appearance of cellulite.
2. Sea Salt foot smoother
Too much salt can contribute to various health problems and dull skin, however, when used topically, the minerals in sea salt can balance and protect the skin.
Foot odour - Put an end to foot odour by dipping feet in a salt bath. Place one cup of salt in a basin of warm water and soak your feet for ten minutes. Sea salt contains magnesium and potassium which helps to reduce water retention. It is also antibacterial and therefore neutralizes bad odours.
Relaxing salt bath – salt absorbs toxins, cleanses your skins pores and helps the skin retain moisture. Therefore your skin will not wrinkle after a long soak in salted water.
3. Sugar skin smoother
Sugar when applied topically is an excellent exfoliant, sloughing off dead skin and boosting cell turnover for healthy, smooth skin. Mix a tablespoon of sugar with a little water or coconut oil and use exfoliate all over the body.
Lip scrub – mix a little sugar with some coconut or olive oil. Scrub gently to remove dry dead skin. Your lips will be smooth and soft, and lipstick ready.
Face scrub – mix sugar with some raw honey to reveal softer skin.
4. Tea skin soother
Revitalize tired or puffy eyes using tea bags. Soak two tea bags in warm water and place them over your closed eyes for twenty minutes. The tannins in tea help to reduce puffiness.
Reduce razor burn – by applying a wet tea bag on the affected area.
5. Chocolate indulgent body treatments
Cocoa is a good source of antioxidants which are anti-ageing.
Face mask – mix one spoon of cocoa powder with some coconut oil. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes, rinse and moisturise.
Chocolate body wraps moisturise the skin and boost circulation thereby improving appearance.
Chocolate pedicures which hydrate tired feet are available in many beauty salons within Nairobi.
To make your own chocolate foot mask, mix an equal amount of cocoa and coconut oil. Massage this onto feet and cover with cling wrap. Relax for 20 minutes and rinse off.
Enjoy your guilt-free treatments!