Solve common skin problems with these DIY remedies

Our skin is our body's largest organ so of course we want to take good care of it, right? Certified aromatherapist Sandy Gold has some DIY remedies using common scents and essential oils to treat everyday skin ailments.

Problem: Sensitive skin & redness

If you have skin that is easily irritated or you find your skin gets red easily, Sandy offers help in the form of a DIY calming face mask.

What you'll need:

• 1 tsp safflower oil (Safflower oil contains over 50% linoleic acid which helps maintain healthy skin cells and increase moisture retention.)
• 1 tsp warm honey (It contains antioxidant, is extremely moisturizing and soothing.)
• 3 drops Roman chamomile essential oil (It comes from the flowers of the chamomile plant, which helps soothe red and irritated skin.)

Directions:

Massage the mixture onto your face or the irritated area and leave on 3-5 minutes, rinse off, pat dry.

Problem: Cellulite

Ladies, if you have cellulite, you're not alone, approximately 80-90 percent of women have at least a little bit. And while there's no cure for cellulite, there are steps you can take to reduce the appearance of it. You can try yoga moves that target the butt or thigh areas, or strength-training exercises that boost muscle and circulation. But if hitting the gym isn't on the schedule, Sandy has a DIY body scrub you can try.

What you'll need:

• 3 tbsp sea salt (It's rich in minerals and stimulates circulation.)
• 3 tbsp olive oil (To help moisturize and nourish the skin.) 
• 8 drops grapefruit oil (It contains large amounts of the anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain, which can help break down cellulite when massed onto the skin on a daily basis.)

Directions:

Gently but firmly knead the moisture on the areas needed with your thumbs, making small circular motions. Do this for 5 minutes daily.

Problem: Acne

A lot of acne products on the market today contain harsh chemicals, can cause dryness or irritation. Essential oils have antibacterial properties, fight acne naturally and heal the skin without chemicals. Sandy recommends her DIY spot treatment for acne.

What you'll need:

• 2 tbsp witch hazel (This has strong antibacterial properties as well as astringent properties)
• 6 drops tea tree oil
• 6 drops frankincense oil

Both tea tree oil and frankincense contain strong bactericidal properties which help fight bacteria on the skin and reduce acne blemishes – and they both provide really effective wound healing.

Directions:

Mix the ingredients into a jar and shake well. Apply the mixture directly to the blemishes at night on freshly-cleaned skin, using a cotton swab.

Problem: Razor bumps & burn

After shaving, spray a peppermint hydrosol directly onto the shaved area. Hydrosol (aka a floral water) is a by-product of the essential oil through steam distillation. It contains the essence of peppermint but in a milder form and therefore doesn't need to be diluted before applying directly to the skin. It will help soothe dry, itchy, and irritated skin. After spraying on the skin, apply a cool, wet towel.

Sandy also recommends a DIY after shave serum.

What you'll need need:

1 drop lavender essential oil (It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.)

1 drop jojoba oil (This is a liquid plant wax that mimics collagen and is a great moisturizer for skin.)

Directions:

Warm it up in your hands, then press and pat it into the skin.