Our skin is continually on the move. Over a 2-4 week period the lower layers will rise to the surface and become a thick keratinous layer before being shed. Often this shedding process doesn’t happen as effectively as we would like and the surface layer of the skin can become blocked and congested.
We can give the skin a helping hand by exfoliating, which will help remove the dead layer of skin cells, leaving new healthy cells beneath which look and feel healthier. It’s far better to apply a mask and moisturiser to this healthy new layer of skin, so it’s a great idea to make exfoliation part of your weekly skin care routine.
Booking facials at a spa or skin clinic can be an expensive luxury, with many places using skin care products loaded with chemicals, preservatives, artificial fragrances and enhancers. Including a weekly facial in your skin care routine is a fantastic idea and something we can do at home quite easily, using beautiful natural ingredients from the kitchen.
Step 1 – Exfoliate
Tip: Try to exfoliate at least once per week, depending on your skins needs. Use the gentle exfoliant recipe if you have sensitive skin or are exfoliating a few times a week.
Gentle exfoliant recipe
- 1 tablespoon of almond meal
- 1 tablespoon of white clay
Directions: mix the ingredients together and scoop into the palm of your hand and rub a little until the almond meal becomes oily. Massage into the skin and remove with luke warm water and pat the skin dry before applying the mask.
Abrasive exfoliant recipe
Tip: don’t use an abrasive exfoliant on sensitive, sunburnt or damaged skin.
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Directions: mix the ingredients together and scoop into the palm of your hand and massage into the skin. Remove with luke warm water and pat the skin dry before applying the mask.
Step 2 – Face Mask
Avocado Face Mask
To a blender add the following and blend until a paste is formed
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/4 cucumber
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
Avocado is rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin C and the lemon adds extra vitamin C which work together to help boost collagen production. The avocado also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants which help boost skin health. The cucumber is really refreshing to the skin. Never throw old avocados away just use them in a face mask 🙂
Directions: Leave on for 5-10 minutes and wash off with warm water. Both are gentle enough to be used on all skin types.
Step 3 – Moisturise
Finish up by applying a layer of coconut oil to your skin. Unrefined Coconut oil contains a high level of protective antioxidants, which help protect the skin from free radicals. It also contains antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antibacterial and soothing qualities.
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