Pumpkin Skincare Treats

Pumpkin Skincare Treats

Pumpkins are good for much more than just decorating your stoop this holiday season! In fact, pumpkins are rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, a great exfoliator; loaded with antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamins A and C; packed with anti-inflammatory benefits and even boast of natural UV protectors – making it the ideal skin care ingredient! So, after carving you pumpkin for decoration, take the inside of the pumpkin and make some DIY face and body treats, with spa like results.

After removing the seeds – which we recommend roasting for a beauty from the inside out treat! Scoop out some of the flesh of the pumpkin and bake or steam it until mashable (or just crack open a can of pumpkin puree, if that’s more your style!). Then, hit the bathroom-made-spa with these recipes designed to exfoliate and moisturize for fresh, smooth and sexy skin ready for dry winter days!

Pumpkin Pie Face Scrub

Mix a few tablespoons of cooked and mashed (or canned) pumpkin with 2 tablespoons of plain, unsweetened yogurt (rich in lactic acid, a great natural exfoliator) and 1 tablespoon of ground almonds and/or oats. Apply the scrub to your face and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the pumpkin and yogurt to start to soften dead skin cells before using your fingers to gently scrub your face in small curricular motions. The dead, dull skin cells will wash away and your face will look fresh and flawless!

Pumpkin Body Mask

Mix 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned),

1/2 cup virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil

(which not only moisturizes, but also helps to exfoliate deal cells and even has anti-bacterial properties) and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (which is antioxidant rich, anti-bacterial and smells delicious!). Apply generously to clean skin (in the shower is neatest!) and massage it into the skin. After 10 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat dry – we think this is a perfect body treat to do while you let a deep conditioning hair mask steep!

Pumpkin Honey Facial Mask

Mix a few tablespoons of pureed pumpkin with 1 whipped egg white (which will help tighten pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines), 1 tablespoon plain yogurt (which will help exfoliate) and 1 tablespoon honey (which is anti-bacterial, great for clearing acne). Apply to entire face, avoiding the eye area, and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing. The yogurt and pumpkin will encourage cell-turnover and exfoliate, while the honey has anti-bacterial properties to ensure a fresh face for fall!

Cucumbers Aren't Just For Your Eyes... Refreshing Cucumber Mask

Refreshing Cucumber Mask

What makes cucumber good for skin?

The humble cucumber may seem like a simple water-rich vegetable with little nutrients but actually, studies show that fresh cucumber extracts contain many potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients! This makes cucumbers a great kitchen ingredient for a smooth and supple face! This refreshing cooling vegetable contains 95 per cent water and provides important benefits for skin including skin lightening, brightening, hydrating and toning. You can use a cucumber as a toner for oily skin and as a moisturizer for dry skin. 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cucumber

• 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal

• 1 tablespoon honey

Directions 

Puree 1/2 a cucumber in a blender or food processor. Add it into a small mixing bowl. Stir in the rest of the ingrdients well. Using clean fingertips, gently massage the mixture onto your face in a circular motion. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. When the time is up, rinse off the face mask with cold water. Pat dry with a clean towel.

Emily's Favorite New Product -- Mandelic Acid

Emily's Favorite New Product

Recently I started using this serum from Vivant. I apply it with fingers every morning after washing my face. Due to it's acidity it acts as a pH rebalance and a daily exfoliant all in one. I have noticed a more even complexion, less acne, and softer skin. So here's the DL... 

What is Mandelic Acid?

Mandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid.  Derived from bitter almonds, it has a number of benefits for the skin.

The molecular structure of mandelic acid is larger than better known alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid.  This means it takes longer to penetrate the skin's surface and is much less irritating. 
Benefits
--Rapidly exfoliates dead skin cells and surface debris from the skin.
--Mandelic acid has antimicrobial/antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for all types of acne, including cystic acne.

--Loosens blackheads for easy extraction.

--Cleans and refines pores.
--Refines the tone and texture of the skin, brightens.

--Mandelic acid is excellent for clients with darker skin tones.  It does not cause the unwanted, lighter skin tone changes that you might experience with other AHA's.

--Mandelic acid inhibits the growth of melanin, the cause of brown patches, freckles, uneven skin tone and other sun-related skin care issues.

--Mandelic acid, with continued use, can help repair sun damaged skin.

--Mandelic acid reduces lines and wrinkles without the irritation of other AHA's.
--Mandelic is typically an excellent exfoliator for clients suffering from Rosacea.

 

Passion Fruit Scrub & Mask

A fresh start for your spring cleaning... 

Passion Fruit Facial Scrub

I recommend this scrub to  get soft, supple and radiant skin. Passion fruit is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, so it is very useful for our total body health and our skin. When you use it as scrub, its tiny seeds acts as exfoliant. You can eat this tasty fruit raw or cooked.

Ingredients:

• Ripe Passion Fruit pulp

• One teaspoon honey

• One teaspoon of oatmeal powder 

• A pinch of turmeric powder 

• Two or three drops of fresh lemon juice.

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients together in a bowl

• Throughly wash face.

• Now apply scrub to your face with your fingertips, protecting your eyes and gently massage skin in circular motion for 3 minutes

• Leave mixture on your skin for 10 minutes then cleanse off with lukewarm water and follow with your usual skincare routine

Grasshopper Mint Facial Mask

Grasshopper Mint Facial Mask

Ingredients: 

• Small bunch of fresh mint leaves

• 2 tbsp oat flour

• 4 tbsp plain yogurt

How to:

-In a medium bowl, mix four tablespoons of yogurt with two tablespoons of oat flour. 

-Cut some mint leaves to a very fine texture and mix it into the bowl. 

-Apply the mask to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. 

-Wash off the facial mask with warm water.

Benefits of a Mint-Leaf Mask

1. Mint can help fight against dry skin, leaving it hydrated and vibrant. Use the mint-leaf facial mask recipe above or opt for a cream infused with mint or mint oil. Mint can help maintain the moisture in your skin, leaving it feeling soft.

2. Acne affects people of all ages, but mint can help replace the moisture that is stripped away from frequent face washing and acne treatments. Use the mint-leaf face mask recipe or apply a dab of any mint-based toothpaste to pimples.

3. Blackheads can be easily treated with a mint-leaf solution. Use the mint-leaf recipe or mix three mint leaves with a cup of boiling water to create a toner for the skin. To minimize the look of pores, mint leaves can be applied to the skin.

4. Foot moisturizers are essential to keep your feet and toes smooth and free of tough skin. The mint-leaf mask can also be used on the feet to get rid of cracked or rough skin that may appear on the bottom of your feet or heels. Repeated applications may be necessary.

5. Mint can do wonders to relieve insect bites. Just dab a bit of the mint mask onto insect bites or stings to get a cool sensation and to get rid of that itchiness. The mint also helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

DIY Awesome Aloe Vera Mask

Awesome Aloe Vera Mask 

Aloe vera is an amazing plant that may be used for various health and cosmetic goals. Its clear gel-like flesh is included in hair masks and conditioners, treatments for skin and even in natural juices. 

1. Add 1/2 tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel into a small container
2. Add 1 tablespoon of seaweed (kelp powder) into the container.
3. Add 1/2 tablespoon of honey (raw honey works best) into the container.
4. Mix all the ingredients together, and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
5. Wash your face with soap and water, and dry it with a towel.
6. Now apply the Aloe Vera mask mixture over your face (be sure to avoid your eyes).
7. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water only (no soap)

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