Yogurt and Flaxseed Oil Face Mask

Pre-mixing

I had some yogurt hanging out in the fridge that was screaming to be made into something.  Always one who likes to keep recipes simple, I created this yogurt and flaxseed oil face mask.  Yogurt heals rough skin, evens skin tone, hydrates, moisturizes, diminishes scars and revitalizes skin.  It has antibacterial properties, so it cleans and softens skin while killing bacteria, including those that cause or encourage acne blemishes.  Flaxseed oil has omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are antioxidants which help prevent aging.  The flaxseed oil is sold in the vitamin section of the pharmacy in capsule form.  Just pierce the capsule and squeeze the contents into your yogurt.

Use this mask to brighten dull, dry skin or to help clear up excess oil from your oily skin.

A shot of goodness for your face!

To use, apply to face and let sit 3-5 minutes.  Rinse off and moisturize skin as usual.  

Banana Nut Exfoliating Mask

This face mask was created in October as part of a sample giveaway promotion.  It is made from bananas, oats, almonds, lemon juice, and glycerin.  To use:  apply to damp skin and leave on for up to 20 minutes.  If needed, a small amount of water can be added to the mask for a more paste like consistency.  For extra exfoliation, immediately before rinsing, wet your fingertips and rub on skin.  Rinse thoroughly, pat skin dry, and moisturize as usual.  Avoid using this product on very sensitive skin or if you have allergies to any of the ingredients.

Autumn Face Mask- Great for those with acne, oily skin, or those with concerns about aging skin

I whipped up this face mask because I had some left over apples and pears that I needed to use up.  In addition to these fruits, I added ground oats, lemon juice, olive oil, and soybean oil.  I had reasons for choosing each of these ingredients, besides the season and the need to use up the fruit:

Apples contain antioxidants that speed cell regeneration.  Used topically, this fruit helps brighten skin, smooth fine lines and soothe skin irritations.  The vitamins in apples combat acne and acne causing bacteria while the glycolic acid helps exfoliate the skin and clear pores.  

Pears naturally exfoliate the skin and help the skin to retain moisture while firming the skin, evening skin tone, and minimizing the appearance of fine lines.  The enzymes found in pears help speed up cell production.

Oats help to treat acne by removing bacteria and excess skin oils.  Oats are used to moisturize the skin and to heal and soothe dry, itchy, and otherwise irritated skin.  Used in skin care products, oats help even skin tone and naturally cleanses the skin, removing dirt.  

Lemon juice diminishes scars and age spots while evening out skin tone.  This juice helps to heal acne and gently exfoliates the skin.  

Olive oil provides long lasting moisture for the skin.  It is said to protect against and help heal sun damaged skin.  Use of olive oil keeps the skin soft and supple.  

Soybean oil reduces blotchiness and discoloration while moisturizing the skin.  It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines while stimulating collagen.  Soybean oil is naturally rich in Vitamin E, which helps the skin maintain elasticity, prevent premature aging, and promote healing.  

To use, apply the mask to the face and allow to remain on the skin 15-20 minutes.  Rinse off well and moisturize the skin as usual.