Organic, homeopathic, aromatic, supersonic products are always being released with crushed diamonds and exotic dodo extract. There are some amazing discoveries but sometimes what you need is in the kitchen cupboard. Here are some of my favourite home remedies:

Coconut Oil – to be used on hair as an intensive mask as the proteins help rebuild the hair follicle. For optimum results apply to dry hair, heat with a hair dryer and then wrap in a warm towel. Leave for at least 30 minutes then shampoo and condition hair as usual.

Almond oil – use on any areas of dry skin from elbows and knees to cuticles. For a face scrub mix a tablespoon of Almond Oil with a tablespoon of caster sugar and apply to dry skin and then rinse. For a body scrub mix even proportions with coarse sea salt and granulated sugar. The variations in texture give a more even exfoliation.

Olive oil – use as a face oil if you have very sensitive skin or a nut allergy. Massage in circular motions upwards and away from your heart to stimulate and boost circulation as well as provide moisture.

Pineapple – next time you have pineapple to eat, keep the sliced off end and use  as a loofah in the shower, fruit side down against your skin. The natural enzymes act as an exfoliant for your skin and help brighten.

Apple Cider Vinegar – mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and rinse your hair with this instead of shampooing. It has the same acidity level as your hair so will help rid it of product build up. After rinsing condition as usual and your hair will be super shiny.

Avocados – these are full of the good fats. Use on your hair by mashing an avocado with one egg yolk and a table spoon of olive oil, slather on and leave in for 20 minutes. Rinse out and shampoo and condition as usual.

Also good for your face. Create a protein rich mask with 1 avocado mashed, 1 carrot cooked and mashed, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1.5 tablespoons of honey and the white of one egg whisked and combine to form a thick mask. Spread across face and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off.

Camomile Tea – to refresh tired eyes steep two camomile tea bags in hot water for a few minutes, then remove and place in the fridge until cooled. Remove and place over eyes for 15 minutes. Camomile is a natural anti inflammatory so will help reduce redness and puffiness.

Mint – peppermint oil is a natural astringent so great a tackling  spots, in a small blender or with pestle & mortar, blend a handful of mint leaves with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to spot for a couple of minutes and then rinse, repeat twice a day. The lemon juice alters the Ph of the spot and prevents further bacterial growth.