When the temperature drops, I tend tend to drink less water, (because I’m cold!) and my skin suffers. So I’ve gone back to my weekly facial routine, and it’s really helped a lot. My favorite part of the pampering ritual is the mask. It always leaves my face feeling so refreshed, even Sexy noticed a difference! Below are three of my favorites:
- 1 heaping tbsp of Bentonite Clay
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp of olive, coconut OR Jojoba Oil
Mix until well blended into a smooth creamy paste, apply to whole face and neck. Leave on for 30 mins. Use a warm wet washcloth to remove.
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp teaspoon of nutmeg
Mix into a brown thick paste. Apply the mask to your face and neck. Leave on for 30 mins. Wash it off with warm water, scrubbing softly in circular motion for exfoliation. (Note: I wouldn’t exfoliate before doing this mask, the nutmeg will exfoliate on it’s own and you don’t want to over do it!)
- 1 tbsp raw honey warmed up in water
- 1 tbsp mayonaise
Put the honey in a glass or ceramic dish into a pot with just enough water to cover the bottom of the dish. (The bowl shouldn’t float!) Let the water heat up until the honey turns almost clear and is smooth. Carefully remove the bowl with tongs or an oven mitt and let cool for 1 minute before mixing with the mayonnaise. The mixture will be opaque and creamy like icing. Apply to face and neck and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Wipe off with a warm washcloth.
Benefits:
Honey is an excellent antioxidant and moisturizer, and is very gently so it’s excellent for sensitive skin!
Mayonaise has both protein (egg) and oils (olive oil) which thirsty skin just drinks up and helps revitalize skin cells.
Cinnamon is excellent for blood flow, and brings blood to the surface of the skin, plumping it. It should never be applied raw, because it’s strong, it should always be mixed with a carrier such as live oil or honey.
Nutmeg is a natural anti-inflammatory and has been used for years in the treatment of acne. Also should not be applied alone, but with a carrier such as honey or oil.
Bentonite Clay (also known as Montmorillonite) is an edible clay from naturally occurring volcanic ash sediments, and contains over 70 trace minerals. It has a myriad of skin benefits, and I wrote a post last year about how I use Bentonite clay in my hair. On the skin, Bentonite clay draws impurities to the surface so that they can be removed from the body. (Note: Some people may see more pimples after their first Bentonite clay mask. As long as your skin is not stinging or burning, the clay is working properly! Your skin is reacting to the toxins being pulled out of it, don’t worry, it will calm down after a couple of uses).
The best things about all of these recipes is that you can easily find most of the ingrediens in your kitchen for free!
DISCLAIMER: I am not a qualified dermataologist. Please check with your doctor before trying any of the above recipes to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
