Natural Skin Care Hacks: Filipino Beauty Secrets That Work on Every Skin Tone

The Filipino home is a treasure trove of beauty hacks. Back when our grandmothers didn’t have apps to get supplies from, they would use guava leaves to bandage wounds, calamansi to exfoliate their elbows and knees, and salt to lift stains from teeth. When it comes to a home skin care routine, Pinoys know a few secrets that people still practice today. Here are some natural hacks commonly found in a Filipino skin care routine.

Dark elbows? Don’t know her. As soon as a Pinoy teenager’s elbow starts to darken, thicken, and dry up from friction, our elders would immediately suggest this “remedy.” Rubbing half a calamansi on the area supposedly helps exfoliate the skin, brightening it in the process. This might work on thick, rough areas, such as elbows, knees, and ankles. Never rub your face with calamansi or apply calamansi juice directly. This can damage your facial skin, which is thinner and more sensitive.

You can also reap the antioxidant benefits of citrus when you use Eskinol Naturals Micellar Water Clear with Natural Lemon Extracts. Enjoy lemon benefits on skin with this micellar cleanser, which mattifies and clarifies the skin without overdrying. It’s a gentle formula that you can use daily, no rinsing required.

The mighty guava leaf has many uses in the Filipino household. You can boil it to make tea to comfort an upset stomach, or you can apply it to your skin to help cure different issues. Since guava trees are prolific in the Philippines, especially in the provinces, most households have easy access to guava leaves. Whole leaves can be lightly crushed and placed on top of wounds to help heal them and prevent infection. Some even apply them on acne-prone skin, since the leaves have antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help clear skin up.

Aloe vera is one of the easiest plants to grow and keep alive at home. It’s also one of the most popular natural skin care hacks for minor skin irritations, such as cuts, rashes, sunburn, dry skin, and scabs. Just slice one stem from the plant and use the gel that oozes out. However, if you don’t have an aloe vera plant around the house, you can also get this potent gel in your skincare products.

To get the benefits of aloe vera, use POND’S Healthy Hydration Aloe Vera Hydrating Jelly Moisturizer. It has 100% natural origin aloe vera extract, as well as vitamin B3. Together, these two ingredients deliver soothing hydration to the skin, leaving it fresh, supple, and glowing. 

If you’re a fan of natural skin care hacks or DIY skin care, you’ve probably tried or at least heard about this one. Papaya is a gentler alternative to achieving brighter skin. It contains an enzyme called papain, which promotes healing and collagen production when applied topically. It’s a powerful exfoliator that gets rid of dead skin cells, making the face brighter and more even-toned.

For some face-brightening home remedies, you could do it the old-school way. Crush some papaya and apply it as a mask on your skin. Or you could incorporate a papaya-infused product into your skincare routine. Try Eskinol Facial Deep Cleanser Papaya Smooth Glow, which has real papaya ingredients. The product also contains vitamins A and E to nourish and brighten the skin.

While the benefits of applying ice on the face are debatable, using cold compress on a zit is a tried-and-true Pinoy hack. Don't apply the ice cube directly on your skin though, as it may damage your skin barrier. Instead, wrap it in a clean washcloth and dab on your pimple at 30-second intervals.

Use sugar to smooth and exfoliate chapped lips. You can mix it with coconut oil or olive oil to create a pleasant texture. Take a pea-sized amount and massage it over your lips gently. Rinse with water.

Love these natural skin care hacks? Give them a try if you have these items around the house. If not, you can always order these skincare products online to enjoy the same skin-nourishing benefits. Your skin will thank you either way!