Thanks to their natural antibacterial and anti-viral properties, essential oils help keep you and your skin healthy, youthful and radiant – so they’re perfect natural beauty boosters for this time of year. Most of us want to look our best over Christmas and New Year but have less sleep and indulge in a little more rich food and alcohol than normal! Research has acknowledged that essential oil molecules can be diffused via the skin – they pass through the epidermis, seep into the capilliaries in the dermis and are then carried around the body. They also penetrate the lymph fluid that surrounds every cell in the body. They can therefore help promote healing, reduce the chance of infection and stimulate the regeneration of new skin cells. To restore your glow, try these simple masks – super effective and affordable (plus the ingredients are widely available online if you don’t have them all at home).
Rejuvenating face mask
2 tablespoons white clay powder
½ cup cold chamomile tea
1 teaspoon (5ml) argan oil
1 capsule wheatgerm oil
3 drops chamomile essential oil (organic, if possible)
Mix well with a spatula.
Use the mask on your face twice a week. Leave on until set, remove with warm water and finish with a cold flannel.
Orange pick-me-up face mask
Great for dry skin
50ml pure orange juice
2 tablespoons white clay powder
1 capsule wheatgerm oil
1 teaspoon (5ml) argan oil
4 drops sweet orange essential oil (organic, if possible)
100ml jar
Mix well with a spatula and transfer to a glass jar.
Apply to your face and neck once or twice a week. Leave on for five to seven minutes until set, then remove with warm water.
This will keep for about a month in the fridge.
Our skin and faces, in particular, have a lot to put up with so give them a treat this weekend and you’ll reap the rewards!