Speedy Spa
Antioxidant Action
In addition to their internal health benefits, antioxidants are also beneficial when applied externally, particularly in preventing signs of aging. Three foods Dr. Cates suggests that are high in antioxidants and make for a great facial mask include honey, chia seeds and blueberries. Combine 3 tbsp of organic honey, 2 tbsp of ground chia seeds (that have been soaked for five minutes) and half a cup of mashed blueberries. Blend together and apply to a clean, dry face.
Enzyme Peel
If you don't have time to concoct a homemade treatment, keeping an enzyme peel on hand is an efficient solution. Enzyme peels slough away dead cells, unclog pores and improve skin texture, says Kory Keith, the spa director at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles. One of the spa's bestsellers is Eminence Organics' Yam and Pumpkin Peel. For best results, try at night when your skin is in repair mode and can absorb the benefits—a rule of thumb that applies to at-home facials in general, she says.
Unclog and Unwind
Two token benefits of a facial include unclogging pores and releasing toxins. Run a washcloth under hot water, wring it out and drape over your face for a few minutes, says Keith. Or, boil a pot of water, remove from the stove, lean over the pot (with your face about eight inches from the water) and drape a towel over your head to capture the steam. For enhanced relaxation, add an essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus to the water or washcloth.
Oil Free
A clay mask is especially useful for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin since it helps diminish oils while giving your complexion a quick boost, says Keith. She recommends the Essential Cleansing Mask from ESPA, which contains mineral-rich kaolin clay to eliminate excess oils. Or, if you'd like to focus on reducing signs of aging, try ESPA's Lift & Firm Mask. After applying the mask, place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes, take deep breaths and feel your stress melt away, instructs Keith.
Yogurt Covered
Plain yogurt is another food that's as good on your skin as it is to eat, thanks to its hydrating properties, as well as the probiotics and lactic acid (a natural exfoliator). Prep your skin with a pumice scrub cleanse, using upward motions, especially around the jawline, instructs Nancy Reagan, founder of Bella Reina Spa in Delray Beach, Florida. Finish by rinsing the face and moisturizing. Apply raw honey all over the face and then apply yogurt. Let it sit for two minutes, remove and moisturize.
Papaya Pineapple Power
When that craving for a tropical smoothie hits, put some pineapple and papaya aside so that you can enjoy a facial in the coming weeks. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain and pineapple contains bromelain, both of which act as natural exfoliators or "dead skin eaters," as Reagan describes, leaving the skin silky smooth (for best results, allow the papaya and pineapple mixture to ferment with some added sugar for two to three weeks in order to activate the enzymes). After cleansing your skin with an oil-stripping cleanser, such as Organic Beta Cleanser, apply the fruit mixture or another enzyme mask that contains papain or bromelain for three minutes to your skin, says Reagan.
