Wellness Wednesday: Fitness, lifestyle, and general health tips and news. Because we want you to be the best you.

Dry, oily, acne-prone — chances are you face at least one of these common skin problems. Blemishes and irritations often worsen if ignored, and investing in store-bought facial products can leave you penniless. Why not use health foods to treat your skin?

Preparing skincare products at home is easy as long as you know what type of skin you have and which ingredients will deliver results. Your skin will look clear and radiant without the use of overpriced, chemically laced products.

For soft, smooth, clear skin; whip up one of these three facial cleansers at home:

Facial mask with 1 mashed avocado, ¼ cup organic, full-fat, plain yogurt and 2 tablespoons raw honey.

Avocadoes contain a host of nutrients that benefit the skin, including polyunsaturated fats, which protect against sun damage, skin sensitivity and inflammation; monounsaturated fats, which soften and moisten outer layer of skin; and antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C and carotenoids, which protect against ultraviolet rays and help maintain skin elasticity and moisture, respectively.

Both organic, full-fat, plain yogurt and raw honey have antibacterial properties to clean pores. By choosing organic over regular yogurt, you avoid applying unhealthful artificial hormones on your skin. 

 When shopping for yogurt to cleanse your skin, fat matters. The fat in yogurt helps restore moisture, so go full fat. Honey sold in grocery stores is often heavily processed. Look for “raw” honey for the most bacteria-fighting power.  

Facial cleanser or moisturizer with ¼ cup pumpkin puree and 1 tablespoon raw honey.

The vitamin A in pumpkin keeps skin soft and smooth, while vitamin C relieves effects of free radicals on skin. Pumpkin also has natural enzymes, which renews skin’s moisture (Perfect for cracked hands and feet). 

If acne’s your problem, you’ll be happy to know the vitamin E and T (torulitine) in pumpkin fights breakouts and inflammation, shrinks pores and removes oil.

Facial scrub with 1 cup raw sugar, 2 tablespoons raw honey and ¼ cup coconut oil or olive oil.

Raw sugar exfoliates skin by gently removing dead skin cells, making it great for facial scrubs.

Like honey, coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal and hydrating properties. Together these ingredients leave the skin clear, smooth and revitalized.

Photo courtesy of thetimes.co.uk.