wisdom

by Jeanna Suber-Ray, Licensed Esthetician & Ayurvedic Therapist

What’s in your pantry: Great Boosters to Customize Your Dry Face Masks

You had good intentions when stocking your pantry, and now that we're home with some time to rejuvenate, restore and refresh ourselves, there are treats in your fridge and cabinets to give your facial mask routine a boost. You may be familiar with Ayurveda or even already eating for your dosha, but if you haven’t already built out a skin routine for your dosha check out the brief introduction here.

Dry or powdered masks have become a popular choice for those who prefer skincare without preservatives and with organic or food grade ingredients. If you haven’t yet discovered the joy of powdered masks, here’s a link to a mask you can make at home. These masks are great, and when activated with water can nourish or balance the skin concerns you had in mind when you purchased them. But did you know you can switch it up and show your skin the love it needs right now with a couple of things from the kitchen? A few of KOSA's favorite boosters:

1. Carrot Juice - carrot juice is loaded with vitamin C and can promote collagen production and smooth out wrinkles. Beta-carotene and carotenoids contained in carrots can protect the skin from photoaging, which makes this activator good for anti-aging or Vata skin type boost.

2. Aloe Vera Juice —aloe vera in liquid form can activate your powder mask with a toning and astringent twist. It offers an antioxidant boost, helps to heal acne, and balance pH levels. Aloe is also treasured for its soothing and calming properties. Those with Pitta skin types will benefit from this cooling boost.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar/Lemon Juice —apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, a non-abrasive exfoliant that can improve hyperpigmentation, restore pH and soothe itchy, dry skin. Lemon juice is rich in citric acid. It evens skin tone, brightens and lightens skin, reduces blotchiness, and is a non-abrasive exfoliant. You may want to dilute the ACV or lemon juice with water in a 1:2 solution (1part ACV to 2 parts water). Great for Kapha skin types.

4. Green Tea — green tea can help prevent and repair cell damage, promote healthy cell turnover, tighten pores, moisturize, and soothe inflammation and puffiness.

5. Honey/ Maple Syrup — If you really want to pump up the healing powers of a dry mask, mix with manuka or raw honey, or maple syrup. Raw honey is a natural humectant (keeps moisture in the skin). It's also antibacterial and anti-fungal, so it may help to fight off acne-causing bacteria. Local, organic honey is a top choice as well. Maple syrup also has moisturizing and antibacterial properties, great for soothing skin, and encouraging your natural glow.

6. Milk/Yogurt — milk contains lactic acid, a mild, non-abrasive exfoliant, great for cleansing and softening dry, irritated, and sensitive skin. Yogurt also contains lactic acid. Almond, goat, coconut, and soy milks can be used as substitutes, though with less of the fat and lactic acid as cow's milk.

7. Avocados/Bananas - Both are rich in vitamins A and E, which are vital for skin elasticity and overall health. Bananas are packed with minerals and vitamin C, which are antioxidants and fight free radicals. Add these fruits for a hydrating anti-aging boost.

On days when your skin feels normal and balanced, activate your powder mask with water. However, on those days you need exfoliation, calming or an anti-aging boost, kick it up a notch with the added benefits of these ingredients from the kitchen.

One last tip for your facial masking routine is to find a quiet place to lie down – this puts your body in a restorative, parasympathetic state. It brings healthy blood flow to the face. Take deep cleansing breaths to begin your rest and set a calming intention for the duration of your time while the mask does its thing.

Use the cheat sheet below to get you started on some simple mask recipes. Discover your skin dosha with this quiz if you want to customize based on your specific skin type. Or mix and match and enjoy!

Brightening and Moisturizing Mask

1 tsp powdered face mask

1 tsp milk/yogurt

1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup

Mix in a small dish and apply to clean skin. Find a beautiful place to lie down and relax for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Follow with your dosha specific toner, serum, and moisturizer.

Astringent and Balancing (Oily, combination, Pitta skin concerns/after a workout)

1 tsp powdered face mask

1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp raw maple syrup

Mix in a small dish and apply to clean skin for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by cold water. Follow with your dosha specific toner, serum, and moisturizer.

Nourishing and Restoring (Dry skin concerns/Vata)

½ to 1 tsp powdered face mask

¼ avocado

¼ banana

Mix the ingredients to a semi-smooth paste. If your skin is feeling extra dry, add 1 tsp of olive or almond oil. Apply to clean face and rest for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Follow with your dosha specific, serum, and moisturizer.

For more:

Call to book an Inner Glow Facial or Virtual Skincare Consult with Jeanna. 608.999.7558.

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