Managing stress includes being intentional about doing anything that will help you relax. One of my favorites is a DIY avocado face mask. You can watch me doing this on my You Tube video below. Using what’s called a “superfood” on your face provides so many skin-health benefits. These include hydration, moisturizing, and adding nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, and E. Antioxidants, such as zeaxanthin and lutein, curb the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can damage good cells. Other ingredients, such as honey, are anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It’s the same with yogurt; it has many health benefits, it too is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, and it contains zinc, which works as a mild astringent. Face masks will help with exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and unplug clogged pores. On top of the health benefits, just the idea of taking the time to pamper yourself sends a signal to your brain that you are taking time out. This in turn will help you relax and will reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Plus, we all want to do anything that will make us more “glowing.”
The basic avocado mask that I contains:
½ medium very ripe avocado*
1 Tablespoon sugar-free yogurt
1 Tablespoon honey
*The simplest trick to open an avocado is to cut it all the way around lengthwise. Then twist the avocado to open. Take a knife and tap it on the pit and pull the pit out. Scoop out the avocado with a spoon.
Combine avocado, yogurt, and honey in a mini food processor; process until smooth. Alternatively, place in a small bowl; mash all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. I prefer the mini food processor.
Begin with a clean dry face. Use your fingers or brush to apply the mask on your face. If you have extra, apply to neck, arms, legs, or feet. Wait 10-15 minutes and then wipe off with a warm washcloth.
If you want to add ingredients such as ground oats or even brown sugar, the mask also acts as an exfoliant for dead skin cells. Do not use anything to exfoliate if you have sensitive skin or rosacea. You may need to check with your dermatologist before applying. Do not use if you have any food allergies.
Other avocado face mask combinations include:
¼ medium avocado, 1 teaspoon apple-cider vinegar
½ medium avocado, 1 T ground oats
½ medium avocado, ½ a medium apricot
¼ medium avocado, 1 T honey
¼ medium avocado, 2 T sugar-free yogurt
½ medium avocado, 2 inches peeled cucumber
½ medium avocado, ¼ teaspoon turmeric
½ medium avocado, ½ medium very ripe banana
½ medium avocado, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 T ground oats
¼ medium avocado, 1 teaspoon olive oil
¼ medium avocado, 1 teaspoon avocado oil
¼ medium avocado, ½ teaspoon coconut oil
OPTIONAL: Essential oils have health benefits that will benefit your skin as they are both soothing and protective. Add a few drops of either lavender, basil, ylang-ylang, or tea tree oil.
Relax and Enjoy! Desi
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