My family and friends used to laugh at my DIY skincare mask – now I’m 54 and I’ve changed up the recipe to stay youthful

A 54-YEAR-OLD woman has revealed her youthful appearance is the result of using DIY skincare from a young age.

Anne Wafula Strike said her family and friends used to laugh at her for making face masks from natural ingredients.

Strike, who was born in Kenya but now lives in London, England, is a Paralympian and Disability Rights Advocate.

Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she shared the skincare habits that keep her looking young.

FOREVER YOUNG

Strike’s skin was “almost perfect” in her late 20s with a simple routine that involved washing her face with lukewarm water and mild soap.

“Family and friends used to laugh but once a week I would mix honey, avocado, and a spoonful of milk, and use it as a face mask,” she said.

“I would also keep any milk left over, warm it, mix it with water, and use that as a face wash.”

She has since expanded her skincare routine to include a wash, toner, and moisturizer twice daily.

SPF is mostly used on sunny days and occasionally she has a professional facial.

“I don’t like skincare products that are harsh on the skin, I prefer products that are gentle but actually work,” she said.

“Once you understand your skin type you can look after it. There’s no need for expensive skincare items.

“I have a very good vitamin C serum.

“I’m also very happy with moisturizers that you can buy off the shelves in high street chemists and supermarkets, but I have sensitive skin so I am careful with ingredients.”

BEAUTY UPGRADE

Strike said experimenting with products has shown her which ones will make her skin flare up.

Alongside using drugstore buys, she still makes her own beauty remedies.

“Once or twice a month I mix turmeric with olive oil, a little castor oil, and avocado and use it as a face mask,” she said.

“I also make a dandelion and coconut oil face mask.

“I warm compressed coconut oil, mix it with boiled dandelion and sieve it, then add a little Bio-Oil.

“It makes a big pot, it’s what I’m using at the moment.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Strike starts each day by drinking a glass of warm water with lemon and aims to drink at least two liters of water throughout the day.

She’s never been a fan of fizzy drinks and believes a healthy diet is a major contributor to a youthful appearance.

“I’ve never understood why people like chocolate etc, growing up in Africa I was fortunate to never develop a sweet tooth,” she said.

“Sugar is not necessary. I haven’t had it for years.

I think that exercise is a contributing factor to delaying aging.

“We naturally get sugar from other foods that we eat. I don’t drink fizzy drinks and don’t have sugar in tea or coffee.

“I’ve also started to reduce my dairy intake. I try not to eat too much salt, or saturated spices, preferring fresh herbs.”

A “big portion” of vegetables is always on her lunch and dinner plate with broccoli, spinach, kale, and okra among her favorites.

She also roasts seeds such as sunflower and redskin peanuts in the oven to eat.

“I take pride in eating fresh food, with lots of vegetables, and I think that exercise is a contributing factor to delaying aging,” she said.

“I try to get enough sleep, always aiming for eight hours a night.

“Sometimes when I’ve had a hard week I try to find the time to compensate.

"I’ve never had wild nights, I prefer to keep to a comfortable routine and to be at home.”

Strike doesn’t drink alcohol or smoke and is mindful of managing stress.

“I sometimes melt candles then add plants and spices to them, it gives a wonderful scent in the house,” she said.

“Feeling relaxed and soothed is also good for you’re your mind and body.”

Fighting for girls with disabilities

Anne Wafula Strike is currently spearheading CBM UK’s "Every Girl, Everywhere" campaign, which aims to make it possible for all girls with a disability to go to school.

“I contracted polio myself at age two and a half in Kenya and became paralyzed from the chest down,” she said.

“My family and I suffered from severe discrimination, and I have first-hand experience of the extremely difficult barriers that girls with disabilities face at school.

“There are 33 million children with disabilities in low and middle-income countries who are missing out on school today, and most of them are girls.

“Sometimes the barrier is simply needing a pair of glasses, which a family can’t afford.

“Sometimes the barriers are in the school building, such as schoolrooms which don’t have a ramp for a wheelchair, or school toilets which don’t have handrails.

“Sometimes schools just don’t have the right support in place, like sign language translation for a student who is deaf.

“I believe that every girl, no matter where they live, should be able to go to school.”