REVITALIZING MASKS FOR GORGEOUS SKIN AND HAIR

As I said on an earlier post, everyone needs to have a self love time out, and occasionally indulge in doing simple things that feel amazing, something special that gives us happiness and peace. In addition to that, one of the best things about being a woman (men can join of course), is the need to feel beautiful, delicate and our drive to keep ourselves fresh and healthy...so why not do it naturally?

Of course that going to a professional for a deep skin cleaning, a treatment at the salon or an exquisite massage at the spa is amazing and very necessary, but realistically not all of us have the time or the money to do so as much as we would like. So why deprive ourselves of these delicious and relaxing practices that also transform your skin and hair, in addition to calm your nervous system?

Here I leave you some amazing face and hair masks, plus some beauty tips you can apply at home any day of the week, with simple ingredients you can get at the local supermarket.

Face Masks

Oats and Honey

This mask is such a classic, that probably even your grandma has used it (clever lady!), as it's excellent not only for people who have dry, irritated and swollen skin, with acne, eczema or chickenpox, but for all skin types, as it leaves the face glowing and hydrated.

Oats contain polysaccharides, which become gelatinous in the presence of water, leaving a protective layer on the skin, preventing dryness and promoting hydration and balance. The proteins in oats help maintain the skins natural barrier so that environmental toxins and chemicals cannot penetrate it's layers. Finally, oats have agents called saponins, natural cleansers that remove dirt and oil from the pores, reducing their size. It smells good and leaves your skin super soft, what else is needed?

Honey is a natural antibacterial, so it is very beneficial in treating acne. In addition to that, it's full of antioxidants that help to delay the aging process, protecting the skin from the sun's rays and cooling down it's tiredness. It's moisturizing and soothing, opening the pores and making them easy to clean. 

2 tablespoons rolled oats (not the express cook or with flavors but the classic) or oatmeal flour (this is what I use). 
2 tablespoons of natural, organic and possibly raw honey.

Mix the ingredients until a paste is formed, and apply by hand to your clean, damp face (do not apply close to the eyes). Lie down and relax for a while, the mask smells delicious, so much that occasionally you might try to eat it :) Wait 20-25 minutes and then wash your face with warm water and a clean towel.

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay swells when mixed with water, like a porous sponge. It has a strong negative charge that when in contact with the positive charge contained in a large amount of toxins, heavy metals or chemicals, cause these to be absorbed while the clay secretes the minerals that the body needs. It also oxygenates the cells and therefore is used as a method for internal and external detox.

Mix equal parts of bentonite clay (I use Redmond) and water (or raw apple cider vinegar). It's important not to use any metal utensil when preparing it, as it lowers the effectiveness of the clay. Blend until a paste is formed. Apply a thick layer on your face (should feel wet). If you have sensitive skin leave for 10 minutes and for normal skin up to 20 minutes is fine. The important thing about this mask is that you can't let it dry completely. Phase one is when your skin absorbs the minerals from the moist clay, phase two is when it begins to dry and capillaries are activated, stimulating blood flow while the mask shrinks. But then if excessively dry, the clay will take moisture away from your skin, leaving it dry, so ideally wash it off when is dry but still soft (has not hardened or cracked). Remove it with warm water and a face towel (excellent for exfoliating). If your skin is red don't worry, it's normal and it will dissapear in a couple of minutes.

I love this mask and I usually keep a mason jar in the fridge with the clay already prepared, so I can just apply it to my skin and go.

Aloe Vera

We all know the aloe vera plant and probably heard about it's benefits against the flu, but it has so many great properties that I would have to dedicate a post to it, to write them all. Regarding the skin, aloe vera has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that reduce irritation and acne. It's moisturizing and due to it's high content of vitamin C and E, helps the skin to become firmer. Many sources also indicate that it's excellent for scars and stretch marks. Also cools and reduces inflammation of skin that has been exposed to sunlight for long periods of time.

Cut a piece of aloe vera and remove the green skin, exposing the clear gel inside. Rub the crystal all over your face until there is a thick layer (avoiding eyes and mouth). Lie down for 30 minutes or as long as you feel like it. Remove with warm water. The smell is not great, but definitely worth it.

Avocado and Banana

Bananas are super moisturizing for your skin because of it's high content of vitamin A, which replenishes the water that has been lost and repairs dry skin. It also has vitamin C which helps maintain your natural glow.

Avocado is a great source of carotenoid antioxidants, that protect your skin from free radicals and environmental pollution, which are one of the main causes of aging. It also has vitamin C, needed for the creation of elastin and collagen which keeps it's firmness. It's natural fats deeply hydrate the skin, providing it with a soft and smooth texture.

½ ripe avocado
1 tablespoon natural, organic raw honey
½ banana (banana)

With a fork, mash the avocado and banana until it forms a paste, add honey and mix. Apply to the face. Lie down (as you could make a mess) and remove it after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.

Tips

- Cut two cucumber slices and when you lie down with any of these masks, close your eyes and place the slices on them. That will cool and get rid of any puffiness.

- If you want to exfoliate, add a little sugar to any mask and massage in a circular motion to remove dead cells.

- Before putting on any mask, grab a small towel, soak it in hot water and when it is at a temperature that doesn't burn you but that it has steam, place it on your face to open the pores. This facilitates the mask going deeper into the skin. If you have a lot of acne this is unfortunately not recommended.

Hair Masks
 
I normally do these at least once a week to counteract all the damage from the  dryers and flat irons.

My favorites are :

- Coconut Oil : I recommend you do this during the weekend, because sometimes the hair stays a little oily despite washing. Coconut oil stimulates hair growth by penetrating deep into the follicles, promotes a healthy scalp, hydrates deeply, provides shine and softness, prevents split ends and hair breakage.

Use pure, unrefined and virgin coconut oil. Bring to room temperature so it softens and apply it to damp hair from roots to ends, and brush it to distribute it evenly. Then braid it (or use a shower cap) and go to sleep. The next day wash it and go!

- Banana and Avocado : Similar to the face mask but you'll use 1 avocado, a whole banana and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Blend all and apply from roots to ends. Wait 30 minutes and wash.

- Jojoba Oil : This oil has similar properties to the natural sebum of the scalp, which is what gives the hair it's soft surface. Provides natural balance and it can be used with any type of hair. It is anti bacterial and anti inflammatory which helps to keep the scalp clean and healthy while reducing fall and breakage. Provides shine and makes it look much healthier. It seals hair's natural moisture, reducing damage and it's dry appearance. I use it mostly on my split ends because it's quite dense. Basically I pour it in my hands, warming it up a little, and apply it to my damp hair, braid it and leave it overnight (recommended for weekends).

Transform any ordinary day into a luscious spa with these nourishing masks and provide nutrition to your hair and skin. Add soothing music, scented candles and you can even finish the experience with a warm bath (a nice foot rub from your significant other would be greatly appreciated it too!). Soon I'll post more recipes and tips. If you have any ideas or masks you personally use, please add them to the comments.

With Love, 
Romina
PS: the photo in this post wasn't taken by me.