Monday, January 3, 2011
DIY Soothing Basil Mask
This sounds a little crazy but if you look carefully, there are plenty of face masks that contain basil extract available on the market. The Body Shop's basil purifying mask is one of the abundant.
So, why basil?
Basil is also known as a herb for acne prone skin. The antibacterial component of basil works wonders on acne, pimples and blemishes.
There are two ways in which you can fully utilise this wonderful natural resource to improve your skin.
A) If you have access to home grown basil like me, pluck a few fresh leaves, wash them, then bruise them in a mortar. Pour in some warm water and continue to pound until you achieve a green paste. Apply the paste (solely or mix with a tablespoon of natural yoghurt) all over your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off. Your skin should feel utterly tight and sooth during and after the process.
Mix with natural yoghurt for extra rehydration, if you like.
B) There is another way of using basil on your skin. If you do not have fresh basil on hand, dry basil will work just as good. Put 2 to 3 teaspoons of dry basil in half a cup of boiling water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before straining the leaves. Apply liberally the water on your face with a cotton pad. You can repeat the process once or twice daily, if prefer. The water should keep for up to a week if refrigerated.
Sometime you will end up with many leftover leaves. Don't waste it, you can turn it into a lovely pesto dip for your pita bread or pasta.
Ingredients: Basil leaves, unsalted peanuts, pinch of sea salt and olive oil.
Methods: Pound all ingredients with mortar and pestle. Dish out into a small bowl and serve fresh.
We all have pimples and acne problems at puberty age. Some of us may even have them in our 30s or 40s. Knowing that these problems arise from a collection of oil, bacteria and dead skin cells in the lining of the pores, we can do so much to help stopping or at least easing them:
1. Wash your face thoroughly and regularly.
2. Temporary avoid cosmetics or oily face block or oily face moisturiser. Choose a fragrance-free toner and water or gel-based face moisturiser.
3. Carry oil absorbing sheets and constantly wipe off the excess oil around the T-zone.
4. Eat well - more green vegetables and drink ample water.
5. Exercises
6. If severe, consult your doctor for topical acne creams or oral tetracyclines (young females on contraceptive pills should pay particular attention on possible drug interactions)
7. Be confident, discard the stress and embarrassment about your skin.
8. Last but not least, tie up your hair, pin away your fringe, and avoid hair to come in contact with your face.
I used to be a regular face at a dermatology centre. I do not recall myself of having a clear skin in my childhood. It was always red, inflamed and covered with mega-sized acne. My skin then gradually improved with a massive dietary change (a bowl of raw salads everyday) and even better now that I receive further help and advice from my fiance (he is a true expect in this field).
The above guidelines are sworn by to be effective.
Remember - eat well, rest well and look after yourself well.
Best wishes,
Pea
1 comments:
Thank you for posting this! I'm going to try making it right now. :)
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