Homemade (& Edible!) Facial Scrubs

Ever stop and wonder what exactly is lurking in that store-brand face wash? For being the largest organ of the human body, our skin is certainly exposed to harsh chemicals and questionable ingredients week to week, causing unknown damage and irritation that can be so easily avoided. Instead of grabbing for that expensive bottle of cream, let’s take a step back and pamper our skin with homemade recipes containing well-known, safe, and organic ingredients!

The Hidden Healing Powers of Food

Inside and out, the things we’ve put in (and on) our bodies have not stood the test of time because of mere coincidence. The study of benefits in nutrient-dense foods and oils have been used and refined through out centuries of human trial and error, reaching its peak just in time for the dawn of the Internet! Any question or fact about the healing properties of certain ingredients can be answered with a few clicks of your laptop. For instance, if you learn more about Touch Up Laser, you shall find that there are several foods that can help you add a glow to your skin after the laser. Also, did you know:

• Oats contain anti-inflammatory properties as well as saponin: relieving dryness and inflammation, moisturizing and soothing irritated skin, “defending” pore health with natural protein, and gently cleansing congested pores
• Raw Honey contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties: the antibacterial agents open and unclog skin pores to help combat acne, and the antioxidants moisturize and slow the affects of aging and scarring.
• Organic lemons contain many antibacterial properties that effectively reduce acne and blackheads, as well as citric acid, which safely removes the top layer of dead skin cells. They also evens out discolorations on the skin, diminishes age spots, and heals pores.

Dozens of organic, ancient ingredients have the hidden ability to soothe, tighten, and rejuvenate  your physical body as well as your mental well-being- especially when paired with the properties of organic essential oils -so it’s time to toss that bottle of chemicals and go back to basics!

Refreshing Facial Cleansers

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons raw honey
  6 ounces plain yogurt
  1 drop organic essential oil of your choice (optional)
  1/4 cup organic oatmeal or crushed almonds (optional)

Blend the ingredients together and gently apply to your face. Once it has dried for a minute or so, rinse off with warm water.

Ingredients:

1 bowl
1 bath towel
1 cup fresh rose petals
1 gallon near-boiling water

Place the fresh rose petals in the bowl and pour the hot water over them, letting it sit. Cover your head with the towel and lean over the bowl, absorbing the vapors and steaming your skin for about 15 minutes. (Be sure to keep your face at least 12 inches away from the water.) Pat your face dry and apply a light moisturizer of your choice.

¼ cup liquid castile soap 
¼ cup brewed organic chamomile tea (for its anti-inflammatory properties)
¾ teaspoon grape seed, sweet almond, hazelnut, avocado, or olive oil 
8 drops essential oils 
several drops of Vitamin E oil (optional)

Brew a cup of strong chamomile tea and set aside ¼ cup to cool. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl and add tea when completely cooled. Mix ingredients well; this should make about 4 ounces of face wash. Apply facial cleanser to hands or washcloth and gently wash face, rinsing well afterward.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups water

Mix the ingredients together as a finishing rinse, to cleanse and tighten your skin after exfoliating. To create a homemade facial mask, mix 1/4 cup cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. Gently apply the solution to your face and let it dry before rinsing.

Incredible Edible Facial Masks

Banana Honey Mask

half banana + 2 tbsp raw honey + 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Begin by mashing the half banana in a bowl into a smooth paste, then mix in the honey and cinnamon. Gently apply the mask with your fingers, and leave it on for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, gently rinse and wash your face with a simple facial cleanser.

Oatmeal Honey Mask

2 tbsp ground oats 
½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp raw honey
4 drops organic tea tree essential oil (optional)

In a small bowl mix together ground oats, lemon juice, honey, and tea tree oil. Apply to face to create a mask. Leave on the skin for 10-15 minutes. Remove the mask with cold water and a washcloth.

Avocado Mask

1/2 avocado + juice from 1/2 lemon

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Wash face with warm water, then spread mask on. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, or until you want to take it off. When ready, gently rinse your face in warm water and pat dry with a towel.

Papaya Mask

1/4 ripe papaya + 1 tbsp raw honey + 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Blend or mash up the soft ripe papaya into a lump-free puree. Add honey and lemon juice and mix well. Apply the face mask onto your clean face and let dry for 15 minutes. Gently use warm water to loosen the face mask.
Do a final post-rinse with cold water, patting your face dry with a clean towel to finish.

Cucumber, Papaya & Banana Mask

1/4 ripe papaya + 1/4 cucumber +  1/2 banana

Peel and blend all ingredients in a blender until you get a smooth puree. Slather the mixture onto your face, avoiding the areas around eyes and mouth. Let it sink in for about 15 minutes. When the time is up, first use warm water to loosen the face mask. Finish rinsing off the mask with cold water, then pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Craving more natural and delicious facial cleansing recipes? Check out Wellness Mama’s masks here, Northwest Edible Life’s naturally exfoliating recipe here, and Cappers Farmer’s helpful guidelines and recipes here!