DIY Winter Citrus Beauty Recipes

We've already shared our passion for DIY lemon recipes, but this week we're taking a look at other members of the citrus family. Contrary to their sunny appearance, citrus fruits such as mandarins, limes, and grapefruit flourish from winter to early spring. Fortunately, everything in these fruits—from the juice to the pulp to the rind—is good for your skin and your mood! The oils and juices from citrus fruits have been extracted and utilized for hundreds of years in medicine, aromatherapy, and skin care. Because the naturally present citric acid is highly acidic on the pH level, it easily sloughs off and exfoliates dead skin cells. The detoxifying, antiseptic properties of common citrus fruits help heal stretch marks, get rid of acne, and fight fungus. Essences of mandarin, lime, and grapefruit are also used to uplift and energize spirits. So before you snack on one of these fleshy fruits, try one of these DIY citrus beauty recipes on your skin first.

MANDARIN ALMOND FACIAL SCRUB

1. 2 tsp almond meal

2. 1 tsp honey

3. 1/2 tsp mandarin juice

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix. In the shower, apply the mixture to your face and gently scrub for one or two minutes. Rinse away with warm water.

LIME ACNE TREATMENT

1. 1 cup whole milk

2. Juice of one lime

3. 1 tsp glycerin

Boil milk in a saucepan, then add the lime juice and glycerin. Turn off the heat and let your mixture cool for 30 minutes. When cool, dab your clean skin with the liquid using a small washcloth. Leave on overnight.

CELL-RENEWING GRAPEFRUIT MASK

1. 2 Tbsp grapefruit juice

2. 1 tsp carrot juice

3. 2 Tbsp plain organic yogurt

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix. Apply a thick layer of paste onto clean skin and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and a washcloth. Your skin should feel refreshed and glowing.

This article was originally published on January 3, 2012