“Glow is the essence of beauty.”
– Estee Lauder
In ancient Eastern medical practices such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the face reflects what’s going on internally.
Radiant, glowing skin is a sign of healthy energy flow.
Dryness, redness, puffiness, and blotchiness indicate prana flow can be improved and enhanced.
We can apply the self-care ritual of cleanliness to our beauty and skincare routines to keep our biggest organ (our skin) healthy, glowing, and nourished.
One weekly ritual you can adopt is this luxurious and effective DIY anti-aging mask.
Every ingredient has been selected by our editorial team for its cleansing, purifying, detoxifying, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties.
You may be familiar with the saying ‘as within, so without.’
Think of it like this…
Our inner light has the ability to shine through our skin and face (without) if we hydrate daily, eat cleanly and nourishingly, and make self-care a regular ritual. (within)
You deserve to feel and look vibrant.
DIY Anti-aging Charcoal Face Mask with Youth-Enhancing Essential Oils
While ‘less is more’ is definitely a motto to live by, it doesn’t necessarily apply to your face or an anti-aging/youth-conserving regimen.
If you want to look your best, improve skin tone and elasticity, and increase glow then remember this:
More is more.
More of the right ingredients = more of the results you want.
Ingredients
Rhassoul Clay:
This spa-quality clay comes from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and is the result of volcanic and geothermal processes.
It’s been used for beauty and wellness purposes for 1,400 years, particularly in Morocco and Turkish bathhouses.
It’s highly alkaline and contains an abundance of minerals like silica, magnesium, iron, potassium, and sodium.
It’s these earth-rich minerals that give the clay its therapeutic properties:
- Hydrating
- Balances skin pH levels
- Exfoliating
- Detoxifying
- Balances skin tone
- Reduces acne
- Reduces dryness
Activated Coconut Charcoal:
This type of charcoal comes from heating carbon-rich coconut shells in high temperatures which produces an ultra-fine black powder.
Charcoal powder is extremely absorbent and has a well-known ability to draw and trap toxins, bacteria, and even heavy metals.
Because of this, it’s particularly useful to purify and detox the skin and minimize enlarged pores.
It can also help to treat acne, manage blackheads, reduce oiliness, and heal inflamed skin.
Organic Raw Honey:
When you pair clay with organic, raw honey you get a hydrating effect.
The sugars in honey act as natural emollients, moisturizers, and humectants that increase the water content on your skin even after it’s been washed off.
Quality honey is rich in antioxidants that fight skin inflammation, which accelerates aging.
Honey also boosts collagen production, which helps your skin stay supple, plump, and elastic.
It’s also antibacterial and antiseptic, which can help to remove bacteria from pores and prevent acne and infection.
The active enzymes in raw honey act as a natural exfoliator that helps remove dead skin cells.
Turmeric Powder:
This vibrantly colored root is chock-full of anti-inflammatory agents and anti-aging antioxidants.
It can help fight inflammation while increasing glow and youthfulness.
Turmeric can also help to accelerate wound healing, relieve skin conditions like eczema, regulate oiliness, and clear out pores.
Studies show that turmeric can also significantly reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation. (1)
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):
ACV is rich in acetic and alpha-hydroxy acids that help clear the skin of bacteria, prevent pimples and acne, while also increasing cell turnover which translates to fewer wrinkles and age spots.
ACV also soothes the skin and exfoliates it.
What’s left is healthy, glowing new skin cells ready to be put on display.
Aloe Vera Juice:
Aloe juice is extremely hydrating and contains many antioxidants, enzymes, and Vitamins A &C that nourish skin cells for added glow.
Aloe vera is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal.
It can accelerate skin regeneration, too.
Ylang Ylang oil:
Studies show that Ylang ylang is rich in antioxidants that help the skin regenerate and can even repair damaged skin. (2)
This can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
It can also promote wound healing and reduce scar appearance.
Lavender oil:
A 2013 study found that lavender oil’s potent antioxidant properties helped protect oxidative stress in the brain and this same mechanism helps reduce oxidative stress on the skin. (3)
The higher the oxidative stress on the skin, the fast it ages so this protective effect may help lessen wrinkles over time too.
Frankincense oil:
Studies show that Frankincense can help reduce dark spots on the skin, reduce scar visibility, improve complexion, and can help skin cells regenerate. (4)
This helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Recipe:
- 1 teaspoon Rhassoul clay
- 2 capsules of activated coconut charcoal
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoon aloe vera juice
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 drop ylang ylang essential oil
- 1 drop of lavender essential oil
- 1 drop of frankincense essential oil
- In a metal, glass, or non-BPA plastic bowl mix clay, charcoal, and turmeric powder first.
- Next mix the honey, vinegar, aloe vera juice, and essential oils.
- Mix thoroughly until a paste-like texture forms.
- Dampen your skin before applying.
- Apply evenly to the entire face and neck areas.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes or until it hardens.
- Remove with warm water, soap, and a soft towel or cloth.
For best results apply weekly.
Note: This mask is meant for one-time use only. It’s best you make a fresh batch each time.
References:
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843359/
(2) https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/896314/
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23351960
(4) http://www.znaturforsch.com/ac/v58c/s58c0230.pdf
