The joy of Spring and Summer is all about the sun on your face, the wind in your hair, and enjoying the longer days. But your summer routine can sometimes be harmful to your skin if you aren’t properly protecting and caring for it. Thankfully, with the longer days comes more time for self-care. And what better way to show your skin some love then by pampering it with some all natural, organic face masks in the comfort of your own home? Below we have come up with a few of our favorite recipes to keep your skin happy, healthy, and beautiful all summer long.
Exfoliating Mask: Coconut Oil + Baking Soda
Coconut oil is an amazing and versatile natural skin care product. It has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that aid in keeping skin clean and balanced, while moisturizing deep past the surface and helping to retain natural elasticity in the skin. When choosing your coconut oil look for coconut oils described as ‘virgin,’ ‘cold pressed,’ or ‘raw.’ These organic, unrefined coconut oils contain all of the naturally occurring phytonutrients and polyphenols, which support and protect the skin’s tissue. These properties combined with the gentle exfoliation of the baking soda helps to loosen dead skin particles and dirt from the pores while the soothing coconut oil restores, moisturizes, and protects.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
1 tablespoon baking soda
Directions:
- Mix coconut oil and baking soda together until they form a paste
- Apply directly the face with clean fingers; focusing on the forehead, nose area, chin, and any other areas prone to blackheads
- Rub the mask into the skin in gentle circular motions for 5-10 minutes
- Wash the mask off with cold water and pat skin dry with a clean towel
Glowing Skin Mask: Banana + Turmeric
Turmeric has been used as a beauty product for thousands of years. It has been known to whiten teeth, create shinier hair, and more but the benefits to the skin are undeniable. It is rich in an antioxidant called curcumin, which gives it it’s bright yellow color as well as protecting against the breakdown of collagen in the skin. Turmeric has also been found to aid in evening out the skin tone and diminishing the appearance of scars and dark spots. Combining this powerful root with the benefits of banana creates the perfect combination for your skin. Vitamins C and E present in banana work together with the turmeric to create glowing youthful skin. The amino acids and potassium present in bananas will also moisturize and smooth the skin tone and texture, while strengthening connective tissue.
Ingredients:
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1/3 of a banana, mashed
1 teaspoon organic honey
A few drops of lemon juice
Directions:
- Blend all of the ingredients until smooth
- Apply mixture to face and neck with clean hands
- Let soak into skin for about 25-30 minutes
- Wash the mixture off with lukewarm water and pat skin dry with clean towel
Acne Clearing Mask: Apple Cider Vinegar + Apple Sauce
Apple Cider Vinegar is created through the fermentation of pressed apple juice until the natural sugars in the apple juice turn to vinegar. Be sure to purchase true raw, organic, unrefined apple cider vinegar as this contains the ‘Mother’ of the vinegar. This cloudy substance that floats in the apple cider vinegar is actually the strands of protein, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that hold the most benefits for your skin. Before use, be sure to shake the bottle up so the ‘mother’ proteins will reach your skin. Combining the apple cider vinegar with apples increases the amount of gentle acids that will work to clear away dead skin cells and harmful, acne-causing bacteria.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons applesauce (organic or homemade, with no added sugars)
Directions:
- Stir the apple cider vinegar and apple sauce until well blended
- Apply the mask to face and neck
- Let sit for 15-20 minutes
- Remove the mask with a soft cloth and cool water
Moisturizing Face Mask: Honey + Avocado
This mask, while it seems simple, packs a powerful and moisturizing punch. Avocado and honey, because of their amazing skin soothing and nourishing properties, work hard to restore and maintain moisture in your skin. Avocados are packed with healthy fats and phytonutrients, and they offer remarkable benefits to the skin when applied topically. Avocado can also help to decrease inflammation that comes from eczema, acne and psoriasis. Combine these benefits with the natural pore-opening properties in raw honey, and your skin will thank you.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon mashed avocado
1 teaspoon organic raw honey
Directions:
- Combine avocado and honey in a bowl and whisk together until smooth
- Spread mixture over face and neck with clean hands
- Let soak into skin for 30-35 minutes
- Wash the mixture off with warm water and pat skin dry with clean towel
While face masks are a nice refresher a few times a week, it is important to practice healthy habits every day when it comes to taking care of your skin. Using CherylLeeMD Sensitive Skin Care products on a daily basis are a wonderful to achieve youthful, radiant, and glowing skin.