I have long time been a fan of facials. I love masks of any sort. Doing a facial is usually an excuse to spend at least 15 minutes of quiet time, but having some skin benefits is also a plus, right? Some masks can be expensive, and some expire if you don't use them up quick enough, so whenever I see a facial mask that one can make from ingredients sitting around their kitchen I always want to try it out.
Today I bring you the Brightening Strawberry Lemon Mask for Problem Skin.
Clearly I pick the one for problem skin, but the ingredients can be altered slightly to help dry skin or those that want a natural exfoliation. Obviously those with sensitive skin or allergies to any of the ingredients listed should not attempt to use this mask. A skin patch test on the inside of your arm is recommended before trying any new product that you apply to your face. This post should not be substituted for medical advice.
For the Brightening Strawberry Lemon Mask, here is what you will need:
1/4 cup mashed strawberries
1 1/2 tablespoons yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional if you have sensitive skin or are going out in the sunlight in less than 24 hours after application of this mask)
Let's take a closer look at the ingredients:
Strawberries:
Strawberries contain salicylic acid (which, if you look at any brightening, dark spot removing and anti-acne product on the market, you will see that salicylic acid is a primary ingredient in all of those products.) While I agree it is better to EAT the strawberries, it also is good to put them on your skin.
Lemon Juice:
I, for one, do not always use lemon juice in skin care products. Sure, lemons contain citric acid and when used in skin care over a LONG period of time you might see some of the benefits. And lemons also aid in exfoliating your complexion as well with the fruit acids it contains. While the citric acid in lemons does have natural lightening components, some sources say that lemon juice kills the bacteria that produce acne while simultaneously clearing up acne scars. Lemons have a chemical called psoralen, and the psoralen makes your skin exceptionally sensitive to light. So if you do add it to your skin care, and go out in the sun, you can actually blister if not properly protected with sunscreen.
Yogurt:
What does yogurt not do for your body? Aside from the obvious calcium benefit, Yogurt is packed with nutrients like Zinc, Lactic Acid, Calcium, and B-Vitamins, all of which are super for your skin. Zinc is an anti-inflammatory and has mild astringent properties, Calcium is necessary for skin regeneration and a great anti-oxidant. B-Vitamins, like B2 (Riboflavin), B12, and B5 are anti-oxidants and protect the skin from free radicals. Last but not least, Lactic Acid, which is highly used in skin care products, will help smooth rough skin, exfoliate and moisturize dry skin. I recommend using plain, regular fat yogurt with active cultures. I like Greek yogurt because it is thicker and won't run down your face, but you can always strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth if it is too runny.
Honey:
Honey has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and can draw out impurities from the skin. It is published widely in medical literature for its use on wounds and diabetic sores. Honey can target breakouts, reduce redness and calm inflammation. Honey is a natural moisturizer, honey is super hydrating. So using it in your daily skin care routine is not only possible but may give added benefits in the long run.
So you have your ingredients. Here is what you need to do:
Mash together, with the back of a fork, all of the ingredients. Do not puree in a blender or food processor as it will make the mixture too liquid. You want the mixture to be spreadable. Apply the mixture evenly all over your face but carefully avoid your eyes and lips. Let the mask sit on your skin for 8-10 minutes. If you experience any burning or itching you should rinse off right away. Once the time is up, wipe off the mask with a warm, slightly damp facecloth and then rinse with cool water. Pat dry your skin and apply a mild moisturizer free of AHA's or other acids.
Viola. Smooth glowy skin should be your result. What do you do with the leftover mask that never made it to your face? Well I suppose if you were careful about the application you could eat it, but I recommend throwing it away, just to be safe. You can use this mask one to two times a week. But if you use it more often I suggest you omit the Lemon Juice as it may be too harsh for frequent use.
It's all natural. It's moisturizing. It has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties. It is relatively inexpensive. It's an Avocado and Honey Mask for Dry Skin!! Ta Daa!
Did you know that avocados contain over 25 important nutrients including vitamins A, B, C, E, and K? They also contain minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, and potassium. In addition to those valuable nutrients avocados contain essential proteins and fibers. Of course the real benefit of avocados is found though eating them, but you can still reap some benefits by using avocado and avocado oils in your skin care.
Vitamin A is a great "skin" vitamin. It helps purge dead skin cells and also refines the skins texture. Avocados are filled with vitamin A! Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that helps maintain moisture in the epidermal layer of your skin making is feel and look soft. It also is able to regenerate damaged skin cells and reduce redness and irritation.
Since we have established that eating avocados as well as applying the fruit and oil to your skin can help revitalize it I thought I would share with you a mask that can help revitalize your skin, hydrate it, enhance it and leave it feeling smooth and soft. But make sure you are not allergic to avocados, or any of the listed ingredients before you start!
In this mask recipe, the avocado and coconut oil replenishes moisture. However, coconut oil also provides a anti fungal element making this mask great for those with certain skin conditions. Better yet the raw honey in this mask provides an excellent source of moisture AND anti inflammatory and anti bacterial capabilities. Honey has been touted for centuries as a great wound healer and can help heal chafed and raw areas of your skin. Here is the basic recipe. You can add in additional ingredients for additional skin concerns or benefits.
1/4 to 1/2 of a a very ripe avocado
1 tablespoon of Raw Honey
1/4 teaspoon of Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until it is smooth and creamy. Add in the tablespoon of raw honey and mix very well. Then add in the 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil (this is a solid oil at room temperature) and mix again. Using clean hands apply the mixture to your clean face, avoiding your eyes, and leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes. I like to lay down with a clean and damp Muslin Face Cloth
over my face to keep the mixture from drying out on my skin. Once the time is up, take the muslin cloth or a clean damp cloth and wipe the mask off your face. Rinse with warm (NOT HOT) water over the kitchen sink. Moisturize as normal with a gentle moisturizer free of or other acids.
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