10 DIY Beauty Treatments That are Good Enough to Eat

One of the biggest spa trends right now is splurging on beauty treatments that are good enough to eat. Think: pineapple scrubs, milk-and-honey pedicures, and yogurt masks, to name a few.

But there’s no need to shell out big bucks for a pricey spa visit. You can still get the same benefits at home for a fraction of the price and just a few minutes in the kitchen.

Stylists, dermatologists, and other experts say there’s a wealth of inexpensive, but effective, beauty treatments right inside your fridge.

What’s your favorite foodie beauty fix? Here are 10 to try:

Apple Cider Vinegar

“It clarifies the scalp by unclogging hair follicles that hinder hair growth and create build up,” says celebrity hairstylist Ron King, owner of Ron King Salon in Austin, Texas.

To use, mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar and rinse hair with it.

Avocado

“This delicious food is actually a great beauty remedy for dry 
skin because it is rich in natural oils, proteins, and vitamins,” says
 Gina DeBacker, the associate editor for Mother Earth Living.

To make an avocado facial mask, blend an
 avocado with one or two teaspoons honey. Apply the mixture to your 
face. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with a warm washcloth.

Cornmeal

It’s an inexpensive, but effective, natural exfoliant, says Jackie Keller, the founding director of NutriFit.

“Moisten your face, put a small amount of 
cornmeal in your palm, and gently scrub your cheeks, forehead, nose, and 
chin,” she says. “Then follow your usual moisturizing protocol.”

Eggs

For super shiny hair, use egg yolks as hair conditioner.

“Yes, it’s smelly, but you’re going to
 simply massage egg yolks into your wet hair, let sit for at least an hour, 
and then wash out,” Keller says.

Honey

Use as a spot treatment to fight blemishes, says Dr. Jessica Krant, a dermatologist and founder of Art of Dermatology in New York.

“Honey has natural moisturizing, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, so it can help smooth and freshen skin as it’s killing bacteria and helping improve acne,” she says.

Any kind of honey will work, but Dr. Krant says pure manuka honey is the most effective.

Lemon

“The acids and the vitamin C help exfoliate,” says Dr. Vicki Rapaport, a Beverly Hills-based dermatologist.

Lemons can also help fight free radical damage to skin. “The more 
you dilute [lemon juice] with other ingredients, the less potent and pure it becomes,
 so just squeeze it on the skin, wash in circular motions and rinse off,” she says.

Milk

“The enzymes in milk can tone down brassiness most often seen in blonde hues,” says King.

His treatment: Heat a half-cup milk until it is warm to the touch. Pour on hair in the shower and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Olive oil

Running low on make up remover? “Simply blot some [olive oil] onto a cotton ball and 
wipe off your make up,” Keller says.

“Most cosmetics are oil-based, so a quick light wipe 
will do,” she adds.

Turmeric

Turmeric can treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, or it can be used as an exfoliant, says DeBacker.

Combine one part turmeric with
 two parts water and heat in a saucepan over low heat until 
it forms a paste. Then scrub the paste into your skin and rinse.

“Turmeric has the potential to stain, so be sure to wash your hands
 thoroughly after using it,” she warns.

Yogurt

“Plain yogurt straight out of the refrigerator can be used as a softening, smoothing facial mask,” says Dr. Krant.

“The lactic acid in the yogurt not only works as a mild refreshing chemical peel, but also has anti-inflammatory effects that can help soothe breakouts.”

Frugal Foodie is a journalist based in New York City who spends her days writing about personal finance and obsessing about what she’ll have for dinner. Chat with her on Twitter through @MintFoodie.