Turn Your Garden Produce into All-Natural, Nourishing Facial Masks

There may be peaches in your favorite night cream, but it is also filled with chemicals and by-products to keep its shelf life. Try a more natural way to pamper yourself with treatments made from homegrown garden ingredients and surplus store bought produce.

Always use fruits and vegetables that have not been grown or sprayed with toxic chemicals. Because everyone's skin is different, and some much more sensitive than others, you should always test a small area of skin before application to be sure that there are no adverse reactions.

Hydrating pear mask. Pears are an excellent source of sorbitol, a substance that helps keep skin hydrated. I absolutely love this mask, especially during the winter months, and changing seasons, when my skin really seems to dry out. All you need to do is puree or mash a peeled pear with one teaspoon of olive oil (which is rich in anti-oxidants) and then apply this to your face. Leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes before washing off. Discard leftovers.

Rejuvenating chamomile toner. Another idea I enjoy is the use of chamomiles. They contain antiseptic oils that stimulate skin cell repair and have a soothing anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. Just place a handful of cleaned chamomile flowers into two cups of boiling water. Let it simmer for five to ten minutes and then set it aside to cool. Pour the liquid into an ice tray and freeze. Wrap one of the cubs in a light towel or thin cloth and rub on cleansed skin. Let air dry. Potatoes are also said to be soothing and anti-inflammatory; especially for lightening dark circles and reducing puffiness around the eyes from irritation and lack of sleep.

Vitamin enriched carrot facial. Carrots abound in vitamin A, a must for maintaining healthy, balanced and vitalized skin. To make a facial, peel and grate your carrot. Then, you can add it by the spoonful to some mayonnaise; which is protein-rich, naturally soothing, and moisturizing. Apply this to your face and let it sit for about ten to twenty minutes. Rinse and pat dry. You can keep this mixture covered and in your fridge for up to a week, but I would suggest keeping it any longer than that.

Ex-foliating fruit mask. In a recent conversation with a close friend of mine, Jay Jackson, who specializes in all natural gardening and farming, I learned that peaches, plums, and nectarines all contain alpha-hydroxy acids, which help purge excess dirt and oils from pores. A great way to apply this would be by mashing it with a tablespoon, or two, of honey (which has antibacterial properties, drawing blemishes to the skins surface) and applying that to your skin.

Herbal steaming treatment. Steam softens the skin, stimulates circulation, and activates the sweat glands. Adding some herbs can substantially boost all of these wonderful affects. Typically, lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm for dry or normal skin, and rosemary or sage for oily skin. Just place a handful of your selected herbs into a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Remove the boiling mixture from the stove and either let it cool, or transfer it into another large container. Drape a large towel over your head and shoulders to trap the steam rising from the bowl and steam your face. After about ten minutes remove the towel and let your skin air dry. Discard leftover liquid.

Sources:
1. Personal communication from Jay Jackson, Natural Gardening Specialist, Feb. 17th, 2009.