Oranges are packed with nutrients that are just as good for your skin as they are for your insides. Here are three ideas you might not have thought of to use oranges for your natural DIY beauty regimen.
Whiten your teeth
You can consume the orange flesh and juice, and when it comes to the zest, you can use it for anything from delicious recipes to skincare.
The orange pith – that white stuff between the orange-colored zest and the flesh that you’d normally leave out of your cooking – has its uses too.
Why the pith?
Its bitter taste comes from a high concentrate of specific compount, including d-limonene, a natural solvent that will break down organic stains. It also contains other compounds that are natural whiteners:
- vitamin C,
- pectin,
- glucarate and
- soluble fiber.
What’s the best way?
Since prolonged exposure to acids can also cause damage to tooth enamel, it’s best to stick to a safe regimen.
- Cut a wedge of orange big enough to fit your smile;
- Remove the flesh;
- Apply the white only part to your teeth for no more than 2 to 3 minutes;
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water;
- Wait 5 to 10 minutes;
- Brush gently using your regular toothpaste.
Be good to your face
An orange coffee scrub will leave your skin feeling invigorated, with the boost of vitamin C from orange juice to help brighten the look of your complexion.
2 tablespoons coffee, ground
1/2 orange
- Be sure to grind the coffee to a fine texture, so that it will act as a gentle exfoliant.
- Squeeze the orange juice directly onto the coffee – enough so that it makes a nice thick paste.
- Let it soak for about 3 minutes.
- Apply to your face and neck with gentle circular motions.
- Leave on for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water, and moisturize as you normally would.
Orange & Mint Refreshener/Toner
Here’s an easy way to whip up a beautifully refreshing toner for your skin.
1 sprig fresh mint, chopped
1 orange, peel only
1 cup water
- Remove the leaves from the mint and chop roughly.
- Cut the peel into strips.
- Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan, and allow to boil for about a minute or two.
- While it’s boiling, place the chopped mint and orange peel into a clean glass jar.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, and pour the water over the peel and mint.
- Swish it around, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Put the lid on the jar, and refrigerate overnight.
- When it’s ready, strain the solids out of the liquid, and transfer to a clean spray bottle.
- Spritz on your skin as a refreshing Vitamin C enriched toner any time of day.
- Keep in a cool spot – even the fridge – up to two weeks.
