For those with sensitive skin, home-made products are often much gentler than the over-the-counter variety. But remember it’s possible, though rare, to be allergic to certain natural foods, whether eaten or applied externally. If you do find that your skin reacts to any natural ingredient, stop using it. Five mil (1 teasp) of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water to be drunk at mealtimes helps reduce tooth plaque. Bicarbonate of soda serves as an emergency tooth cleanser; as a cure for lip blisters – powder the blister with it every few hours; and softens water for washing the face. Granulated sugar makes a marvellous, slightly abrasive cleanser for dirt-ingrained hands. Take 5 ml (1 teasp) of sugar and put it into the palm of your hand, mix it with a few drops of oil and massage your fingers with the solution. Mineral water is an ideal skin freshener. Decant some into a natural spray container and use to tone your complexion after cleansing, to set make-up, or simply to refresh you. Olive oil softens and nourishes the skin. Heat 3 x 15 ml (3 tbsp) carefully, making sure it does not get too hot. Pour into a bowl wide enough to take both hands; then you can use every precious drop, massaging for five minutes or so. Then tissue off any excess and, ideally, refrain from washing hands for an hour or two. The peel of organges and lemons rubbed over the skin of the body makes it soft and velvety. Grapefruit halves, from which the pulp has been removed, can be added to the bath-water for a skin-bleaching and refreshing bath. Five ml (1 teasp) of powdered skimmed milk mixed with a beaten egg white makes a toning and whitening face mask. Spread evenly on face and leave for 10 minutes. A handful of sea salt, added to the bath water, invigorates and refreshes. Alternatively, make a paste using 230 ml (1 cupful) of sea salt and warm water and apply all over a tingling body massage. Stand in the bath or shower while doing this and then take a bath or shower to wash off the salt mixture. Vinegar makes an excellent mouthwash: use equal parts vinegar and water. When applied as an after-shampoo rinse, it ensures soap-free glossy hair; this is particularly effective for a brunette. Add 230 ml (1 cupful) of vinegar to the bath to make it tonic and refreshing; or simply use a footbath.