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The Beauty of Food, Like Literal Beauty!

Health Hacks

By Christy Lenahan - Macaroni Kid Health Hacks Contributor March 11, 2021

I believe in getting the most bang for your buck, so if I’m not using scraps for compost…you might find me rubbing them on my face!  Did you know that potato skins can help with dark circles under the eyes and even lighten sunspots?  Me neither, not until I read an article that talked about it containing the brightening enzyme, catecholase and tried it for myself.  If you have a dark spot, use a circular motion to massage the inside of the potato skin on the problem area for a few minutes and wait for the magic.

Do you have combination skin?  Me too!A quick, do it yourself face mask: blend half an avocado and one teaspoon of lemon juice.  Apply the green goo to your face, leave it on for 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.  You will be glowing…the dry skin will be moisturized from fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E found in the avocado and the lemon juice, which has antiseptic properties, will remove excess oils from the skin (bonus – it also decreases redness and inflammation).  

And for my favorite trick…coffee grinds!  Yes, those leftover coffee grinds that are about to be put to eternal rest.  Don’t let them go to waste, the caffeine they hold is excellent for tightening saggy skin and cellulite.  Rub the grinds in a circular motion on problem areas and let sit for 20 minutes, then watch your skin snap back like a rubber band (okay maybe I’m exaggerating, but you will see significant improvement).  Of course, if you are drinking decaf, this won’t work, so you can just go ahead and use it for compost…the irony of that statement is not lost on me!

Waste Not! Want Not!


About Christy:

I am a board-certified family and emergency nurse practitioner who loves to dabble in all things health!I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach and share my knowledge with future nurse practitioners through my faculty position at UL Lafayette. My husband, who is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, and I, also own a medical spa, Serenity MedAestehtics, in Youngsville. This gives us an opportunity to see the happier side of health and wellness. I have three wonderful children, two teenage boys, and one adorable and very spoiled toddler – also known as “the princess.” I love being able to share serious and not-so-serious health hacks with family, friends, and now, all of you!


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