Easy to make at home, these facial treatments are an easy (and natural) way to give yourself a healthy glow
The high humidity in Playa may not be so great for our hair, but it does wonders for our skin. While those ‘back home’ complain of dry and dehydrated skin, here in Playa, the saturated air helps the skin retain moisture, which in turn prevents wrinkles and aging. Nevertheless, we still need to maintain adequate turnover of skin cells to enhance a healthy glow and a youthful look. Here are a few at-home exfoliators you can whip up in your kitchen; remember that organic ingredients are always better if you can find them.
Honey and Oatmeal Scrub
- Combine two parts finely ground oatmeal to one part honey and blend together. This forms the basic scrub providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties from the oats along with antibacterial and healing properties of the honey.
- Apply the scrub to the face and décolleté and massage around slightly to ensure all the skin is covered (always avoid the delicate eye area with scrubs).
- Leave the scrub for 5-10 minutes and then perform a final scrub over the skin and rinse away.
- This mask is great on its own however you can also add pure essential oils such as tea tree for acne prone skin or lavender for added healing and antibacterial benefits.
Pineapple and Papaya Peel (not for sensitive skin)
- Crush or blend a small amount of pineapple and papaya, both of these tropical fruits are packed full of natural enzymes that will help to remove dead skins cells leaving you with a brighter complexion.
- Add a teaspoon of honey to combine the mixture and for added healing and antibacterial benefits.
- Apply to the face and décolleté and leave for 5-10 minutes, a little tingling is normal and ok; if it stings, remove the peel immediately.
- Use this peel once a week and always apply a moisturizer afterwards
Strawberry Scrub
- Mash 2-3 strawberries to a fine pulp. Strawberries are an excellent source of AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) including salicylic acid, great for smoothing fine lines by regenerating the skin and promoting cell growth in addition to combating acne.
- Add a tablespoon of honey and mix well, apply to the face and décolleté using gentle, circular massage movements for a couple of minutes and leave on for a total of up to 15 minutes.
Warning: avoid using sugar or salt scrubs on the face, the rough edges of the granules can cause micro tears in the skin!
If you are unsure of your sensitivity to a mask, test a small amount on your inner elbow and check for a reaction.
Sara Jones is a Spa,
Wellness & Lifestyle Expert and Founder of Spa &
Wellness Mexico Magazine
www.spawellnessmexico.com
