When the right foods are consumed, the body receives massive amounts of nutrients that get delivered to every cell in the body. What many people don’t realize is that many of these same foods offer health benefits when applied to the skin.
Recently, I discovered the art of making facial masks out of food I already have in the home. The masks can be used to purify and tighten the skin. They are an affordable option to a lot of masks that are on the market today.
Here are two recipes that I love. Keep in mind, when using any food on your skin, especially for purifying purposes, it should be organic, as the point is to pull out toxins, not to add them.
Oatmeal Mask
WHY: Oatmeal has so many healing qualities for the skin. Oats have anti-inflammatory properties, making them perfect for all skin types. In fact, oats are often used to treat skin ailments like eczema, sunburn, rosacea and even chicken pox. The texture of oatmeal makes it a great exfoliant while its humectant properties help to keep the skin moist.
HOW: First cook up 1/4 cup of plain oatmeal. When it has cooled, add 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 egg white and 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt. Mix well and then apply to the face, leaving it on for at least 20 minutes before gently using a damp washcloth to take it off. You should not wash your face after taking the mask off. In addition to the benefits of the oats, honey helps to cleanse the skin with its anti-bacterial qualities, yogurt contains probiotics that help to fight bacteria and nourish the skin and egg whites helps to tighten the skin.
Avocado Mask
WHY: Avocados are loaded with vitamin E. Vitamin E blocks free radicals by neutralizing them. Free radicals are the very culprits that cause aging, so using antioxidants like those found in the avocado help to prevent cell and tissue damage. Avocados are also naturally moisturizing.
HOW: Mash 1 avocado. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix well. Apply to the face and let the mask sit for at least 20 minutes before gently wiping it off with a damp washcloth. Along with the benefits of the avocado, the olive oil adds extra moisture along with anti-aging antioxidants, the honey helps to cleanse the skin with its anti-bacterial qualities and the lemon juice is said to help to lighten dark spots.
