{natural remedy} Exfoliating, Pimple-Zapping, Soothing, Bacteria-Killing Miracle Skin Mask

In the past, I used honey for my face if I got a pimple here or there. It was truly an exceptional solution and never failed me. Obviously since going vegan, I am not eating or using honey. And on top of that, my skin is worse than it has been in MANY years. (I’m pregnant, and thankfully other than my skin I am in TIP TOP health and still full of energy!)

As a health educator, I simply can’t allow blotchy skin. I like to look my best, naturally, so that no one can possibly have any doubts about what I am sharing with them regarding health. But I have been unable to find anything on the market to help (externally). Of course I am eating plenty of skin-happy foods, but with my changing hormones, an external remedy has become increasingly important.

Finally, I did a TON of research on the matter and found an AWESOME solution. I made my own natural face mask, which has already helped immensely!! In fact, my skin has probably NEVER felt so smooth, so clean, and so healthy as it does now!

I’m SO EXCITED to share this with you! ♥

INGREDIENTS

• 5 small-medium strawberries
• 1/4 cup papaya seeds & meat
• 1″ chunk of medium cucumber
• 1 lime, juiced
• 3/4 cup cornstarch

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

• DO NOT remove the leaves from the strawberries.
• Scoop the papaya seeds out of the center of a papaya. A small papaya will yield just about double the amount of seeds. You will find you’ll accidentally grab some of the papaya meat with the seeds. This is totally fine!
• Cut off a 1-inch chunk of a medium cucumber, and chop into smaller chunks for easier blending.
• Juice the lime.
• Add everything except the cornstarch to your blender. Blend until smooth, then add the cornstarch powder and continue to blend until well mixed.

EXTRA RECIPE INFO

• Approximately 5-10 “servings”
• Keeps for up to 7 days when refrigerated
• The papaya seeds will not blend perfectly and will be almost like ground peppercorns. That is totally OK!

USAGE INSTRUCTIONS

• As always, it is wise to check for allergies by using a patch of skin such as the back of your hand before covering your face.
• (Optional step) First, use a soft washcloth moistened with very warm water. Wipe your face with the cloth to open your pores.
• Gently using your middle and ring finger, rub the mask on your whole face. (The papaya seeds will gently exfoliate as you rub this into your skin.)
• Let the mask sit on your skin for 10-60 minutes. It will start to cake up and dry out, which is perfectly fine.
• When you are ready, use your dry hands to rub off the mask. This will be another form of exfoliation!
• Finally rinse your face with clean water and then use a clean washcloth to remove any last bits and dry your face.

WHY THIS WORKS

• Strawberries (like most berries!) contain naturally occuring salicylic acid and many phytonutrients. In fact, manufacturers for commercial acne products extract the salicylic acid from strawberries!
• Papaya seeds have incredibly effective antibacterial properties (they can even kill Salmonella or E. Coli!). In FACT, papaya seeds help to kill intestinal parasites when ingested, as well. (My mother-in-law comes from a long line of Native American Indians here in Brazil, and she educated me about this recently!)
• Cucumbers are well-known for their skin-soothing and healing properties.
• Limes (and lemons as well) are natural astringents and help to lighten spots and skin discoloration.
• Corn starch powder can be replaced with ANY thickening agent, such as arrowroot powder. Its primary purpose is to thicken the mask.

I hope you will enjoy this mask as I have! Please let me know in the comments section below if you have any feedback or questions!

xxo Eva