Spice Up Your Skincare!
Within the last few years, there has been a lot of buzz about Tumeric and it's healing qualities. The modern world is looking back in time when apothecary's and tinctures were the go-to remedy for just about anything. The skin care community is no stranger to this either, using many plant based ingredients and botanicals in their formulations. Today's trend is looking more into the spice cabinet than the fridge or pantry though, I've even seen a YouTube video of a woman doing her makeup with food! Cinnamon makes a great bronzer btw....
So What's the Scoop or Should We Say “Dash”?
With all the buzz around these "super spices", how are we to know which ones to use and what to use them for? According to a recent article in Skin Inc. Magazine:
“The benefits of herbs and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, rosemary and oregano transcend well beyond the body. When used appropriately in the treatment room or applied topically as part of a home care regimen, they can revitalize skin cells, treat hyperpigmentation, detoxify and stimulate circulation and regeneration... The key to effectively using these ingredients ... is understanding the primary differences between each, the results each has the potential to provide, and how best to unlock that potential to bring about change to [clients’] skin. ”
Let's delve into these spices a little deeper, understanding their properties is the first step in Spicy Skin!
Spices
Turmeric- One of the most popular spices right now for all it's healing benefits, this little colorful spice also delivers UV protection, a rich antioxidant warding off sun-damage and more, reduces inflammation and can brighten skin. For recipes on how to use on the skin check out this awesome blog: click here!
Cinnamon- Not just great for pies and spicing up hot cocoa! This pigmented spice makes a great natural bronzer, tightens and lifts skin, supports tissue health and healing and great addition to cleansers.
Clove- One of my favorite aromas, this spice has loads of amazing health properties. From being antiseptic, antimicrobial, high in Vitamin C and A which combat sun-damage and free radical damage to adding it into Grape seed Oil to make a hydrating antioxidant rich mask for the skin.
Paprika- A very bright and spicy spice also a rich phytonutrient and antioxidant. It is very high in Vitamins A, E and B-6 making it a valuable part of your daily diet as well. Mix a dash of paprika with some raw honey to make a hydrating facial mask.
Herbs can also be used in skincare! Here are just a few to check out:
Herbs
Oregano- Great for Italian dishes and also for psoriasis and eczema! This herb is antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal and great when added to an exfoliant. In a really great article on Wild Oregano Oil, Kathy Browning writes:
"Oil of Oregano effectively treats: acne, allergies, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, candida, constipation, croup, dandruff, diarrhea, digestive disturbances, insect bites, bronchitis, canker sores, colds, flu, earaches, fatigue, gum disease, headaches, menstrual irregularities, muscle pain, parasites, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, psoriasis, toenail problems, seborrhea, ringworm, rosacea, sinusitis, varicose veins and warts."
It is very important to get high quality Oregano Oil and if you are using the essential oil form of Oregano please make sure to buffer it with a carrier oil like Jojoba or Coconut as it is a "hot oil" and can burn your skin if you use it directly on top of skin.
Rosemary- This little thistle is a great addition to cleansers as it is naturally antiseptic and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It can also soak up excess oil and great when used in conjunction with Witch Hazel making an oily skin toner, reduces lines and wrinkles when used in a mask formulation and invigorates skin just as much as it invigorates our mouth when we get a big bite of Rosemary on a dish! Great to use in it's essential oil form as it will begin it's work in one of your most powerful senses, the olfactory sense.
Before trying any of these awesome ideas, do your own research and check your sources before buying any oils/herbs. You always want to make sure they are high quality! Also keep it local! I love The All Spicery on 11th and L street in Downtown Sacramento, they have a wide selection of herbs and spices and are very knowledgable. Keep yourself healthy and stress free, the rest is just icing on the cake that is your life.
There are a lot of recipes out there that you can test out, I would say patch test the inside of your forearm if you are unsure whether to use on your face. If you have a reaction there, then definitely don’t use it on your face! Here are a few recipes I have saved on my Pinterest board Skin Care check it out for more ideas.
Turmeric Mask
2 tsps. rice flour
1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
1 tbsp yogurt
1 tsp honey
A very common spice used in skin care, turmeric has so many beneficial properties! Note though that it can sometimes “color” skin a little orangish. Mix all ingredients and apply to skin for 10 minutes, rinse and follow with toner and facial serums.
Brightening & Soothing Honey Mask
1 tsp jojoba or fractionated coconut oil
1 tsp honey
1/4 tsp lemon juice
If you do not have either of the above oils, you can use grape seed or avocado oil. Mix all ingredients together and apply mixture to cleansed skin, allow to set on skin for 10 minutes and rinse off. Follow with serum and moisturizer.
Dark Eye Circle Mask
Chop and crush a sprig of fresh mint leaves, apply pulp to dark are under eye making sure to not get close to lash line. Leave for 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water and a washcloth.
Rosemary Hair Rinse
Brew a very strong pot of Rosemary Leaf Tea, we recommend a local Sacramento favorite The All Spicery if you do not have some. Allow to cool and use as a rinse to hair after shampoo. Can keep in fridge, will last about 2-3 days.
Please note that most masks you will do once a week, not every day. Be kind and cautious with you skin, but make sure to spice it up every now and then!
Till next time, be good to your skin and even better to yourself,
xx eri