Gentle Exfoliating Face Mask
I have had such bad luck with store-bought face masks over the years. I have sensitive and acne-prone skin and I often find that commercially available masks and exfoliants are just too harsh and inflammation-causing for my face. There have been multiple instances when I have tried out a new organic, plant-based mask from a clean beauty brand and have come away looking like I had radiation burns, even when following instructions to the letter or rinsing off the product earlier than recommended.
I eventually decided enough was enough and started making my own masks. A bit of clay, some honey and hydrosol has long been my go-to base for a mask. For this recipe, though, I wanted to introduce some fruit juices that contain fruit acids that can act as gentle, natural exfoliants. The resulting mask does not burn my skin, smells lovely, and leaves my face feeling soft and fresh the next morning.
Ingredients:
¼ teaspoon organic apple juice
¼ teaspoon organic white grape juice
1 ½ teaspoon organic lavender hydrosol
¼ teaspoon organic glycerin or honey
2-3 teaspoons rose clay powder (can substitute with skin-safe clay powder of your choice)
Instructions
Mix your wet ingredients together.
Stir the clay powder into the wet ingredients until you reach the consistency of a spreadable paste.
Apply the mask to clean skin, avoiding the eye area and mucous membranes, and allow it to remain on the skin for 5-15 minutes. I recommend keeping a warm, damp cloth over the mask (keep your mouth and nose uncovered so you can breathe) to keep it hydrated whilst masking.
Rinse off the mask with cool or warm water and pat dry. Continue with your usual skin care regimen.
Note: If at any point, you feel like the mask is causing an irritating or burning sensation, immediately rinse it off with water and discontinue use.
If you have a skin type similar to mine and have found an organic clean beauty brand that you like, feel free to share it with me in the comments section below.
About the Author
Hi there, I’m Erin - the main instructor here at Floranella. I am a clinical herbalist, aromatherapist, artisan distiller and organic gardener based in the Pacific Northwest. Here at Floranella, I teach people how to work with plants safely and effectively from the garden to the still to the apothecary. Thanks for being here! I’m glad you stopped by.
