Excerpted from
Botanical Skin Care Recipe Book, by Marlene Adelmann
Green Tea Facial Mask
Green tea contains polyphenolic flavonoids called catechins, which are strongly antioxidant. It’s also an astringent and anti-inflammatory. Matcha green tea (a powder) makes a beautiful green mask that astringes and tones skin. Combined with aloe gel and honey for soothing moisture, this is a great recipe for the colder months when our skin needs rejuvenation.
2 Tbsp matcha or another green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf powder
4 tsp aloe vera leaf gel
1-2 tsp raw honey
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Adjust proportions, as needed, to achieve the desired consistency—add more honey and/or tea powder if it’s too fluid, or more aloe if it’s too thick. Apply gently to the face, avoiding the eyes. Leave in place for 20 to 40 minutes. Rinse the face with warm water and lightly pat it dry with a towel. Follow with moisturizer.
Turmeric Facial Mask
This is an anti-inflammatory, astringent and nutritive face mask with antimicrobial action that is well-suited for acne-prone skin. Combining turmeric with a fat, like yogurt, mitigates its staining effects. Test this recipe on a small area of skin before using.
1 Tbsp plain yogurt
1 tsp turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome powder
1 tsp raw honey
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. After washing the face, apply this mask and let it set for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
Black Pepper Facial Mask
Piperine, a well-studied constituent of black pepper, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and can benefit acne-prone or mature skin. Mix ground peppercorns with body or facial scrub ingredients for a terrific exfoliant. Black pepper also does wonders for dull skin, encouraging blood to flow to the surface for a healthy radiance. Test this recipe on a small area of the skin before using and consider wearing gloves, as this recipe may discolor fingernails.
1 tsp plain yogurt
¼ tsp black pepper (Piper nigrum), ground
Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. After washing the face, apply this mask and let it set for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel.