Marinate in These Everyday Spices for Natural, Beautiful Skin

Ever taken a moment to analyze the ingredients in your favorite skin-perfecting products? You might be surprised to find some names better known to reside in your spice rack than your medicine cabinet. For centuries, spices have been used for their beauty-making benefits. Here are a few you might not have tried:

Beauty

-- Spread it on your skin!

Black Pepper

Known to naturally warm, boost circulation, and deeply clean, black pepper is your perfect defense against blackheads! Mix 1 tablespoon of black pepper powder (you can grind it with a mortar and pestle) with 1 teaspoon of yogurt (to exfoliate). Apply the paste directly on the blackhead. Wash it off after 7 minutes. You should be blackhead-free (or at least loosened it up enough to squeeze it out).

Rosemary

The antioxidant-rich culinary spice has been shown by researchers to have wrinkle-removing promise. Mix ground dried rosemary with your regular night cream and apply it directly to the fine lines, or use rosemary essential oil as an on-the-spot (or along-the-wrinkle) treatment.

Ginger

It may look like nothing more than a ragged root, but the bright yellow fibrous innards are actually a potent skin tonic, stimulating skin circulation, invigorating, and revitalizing without any irritation. Thinly slice fresh ginger and rub it on clean skin, coating the entire face with a layer of ginger oil. Then lay on your back and let the ginger slices sit on your most needy spots (generally the "T" zone- forehead, cheeks, chin) for 20 minutes. Remove, rinse and look gorgeous!