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There are dozens of amazing skincare products in stores that can exfoliate and brighten your skin. But did you know that you can go shopping in your own kitchen and get everything you need with the same results?

Making your own brightening and exfoliating masks and scrubs with natural ingredients is better for your skin and the planet. Here are the top three to try:

1. Strawberry Honey Spread

What you will need:

• Three strawberries (frozen is fine)
• One tablespoon of honey

How to make it:

Blend three strawberries in a blender or food processer. Add one tablespoon of honey and stir it into the strawberry mixture. Apply the mixture to your face and spread it out on any problem areas. Let sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Why it works:

Strawberries have superpower ingredients. First, they contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which are similar to salicylic acid and brighten the skin. Second, strawberries release ellagic acid, an antioxidant that lightens dark spots. Third, strawberries are high in Vitamin C, which nourishes the skin and gives it a glow. Honey is highly acidic and an antibacterial humectant, so it will help heal acne while keeping your skin moist.

2. Turmeric and Lemon Brightening Mask

What you will need:

• One spoonful of turmeric
• One tablespoon of lemon juice

How to make it:

Combine the turmeric and lemon juice to make a paste with a thickness of your liking. Apply it to your face and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Why it works:

Turmeric contains curcumin, which (1) is an anti-inflammatory, (2) kills free radicals, and (3) helps the skin to produce collagen, keeping skin radiant and elastic. Lemon juice is an excellent skin brightener; it will lighten dark spots and improve the appearance of red scars.

3. Oatmeal Scrub

What you will need:

• 1/2 a cup of uncooked old-fashioned oats.
• Water

How to make it:

Pulse the dry oats in a blender or food processer. Add a small amount of water and stir it into a paste with a thickness of your liking. Massage it onto your face and neck (or anywhere else on your body!). Rinse with warm water.

To level up this recipe, replace the water with apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which will brighten your skin and kill bacteria.

Why it works:

Oats are natural anti-inflammatories and their saponins absorb oil and dirt on the skin. Combined with bacteria-killing, skin brightening apple cider vinegar, your skin will be squeaky clean and glowing.

Let me know which one was your favorite in the comments!

Sources: Deborah Jarju, 8 Face Scrubs You Can Make With Ingredients From Your Kitchen | Hello Glow, Homemade Brightening Face Masks DIY – Easy Skin Brightening (lighterskin.shop)