Give Me a Beer, Beer, Beer...

We are all familiar with the gold medal of golden beverages: BEER. Many of us rather enjoy a crisp one here and there, some more, some less. I, for one, love the stuff! Not that I ever really want to give up even the slightest bit of my bevy, but there is a very tempting reason I do once … or twice … or every now and again. As it turns out, as we learned many moons ago in ancient Egypt, beer has great skincare benefits. Beer is said to have been used by wealthy women back then to cleanse and keep skin looking young and moisturized. They also used it to treat and prevent different skin conditions from arising. If it’s good enough for them, I say it’s good enough for me to try. We all might not have this in our pantries, but I bet there are a good amount of you that do or can easily find this in a family member or friend’s fridge.

So here we go with some knowledge on our friendly suds: Beer goes through a fermentation process where it uses water, starch, malted barley, brewer’s yeast, and hops. Brewer’s yeast is a big player in this skincare treatment. It contains loads of antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins such as B12, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and biotin. Hops contains protein, which we know the hair and skin both love as well. Beer also regulates the skin’s natural pH level and helps with the overproduction of oils to help fight acne. It also holds other bacteria killing properties, which is why it is often used to cleanse the skin as a means to ending acne breakouts. With its combination of nutrients and vitamins, beer rids the skin of dead cells, cleans the skin’s surface, and flushes deep into pores. This will, in turn, clean and brighten the skin as well. Most importantly, beer’s nourishing properties increase elasticity which reduces wrinkles and allows skin to look more youthful. Heck, why not give it a whirl? Go crack a cold one and let’s get started!

It is important to note that the hoppier beers like IPA’s and Pale Ales contain higher contents of the important-active ingredients. So try to use them, if possible. Here are some simple and effective masks for most skin types:

All Skin-Type Mask Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon Beer
1 Egg White
1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
Add Almond Oil or Coconut for Dryer Skin (you can skip for acneic skin)

Acne Mask Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon Beer
1 Tablespoon Plain Yogurt
1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice

Procedure: Grab your measuring tools, a bowl, and a fork or whisk. Combine all ingredients in the bowl after measuring. Whisk well (about 10-15 seconds), until the egg gets frothy and bubbly. Make sure you apply to a clean face; a steam beforehand can be extra beneficial for a deep cleaning. This concoction makes for a very soupy mask, so be sure to apply with care. To get an even application, spread all over face in layers. Leave for about 20 minutes. The egg will probably make the face feel tight, don’t worry it’s just doing its job. Rinse well with warm water, and splash with cold to close the pores. Follow with your skin care regimen and hydrating moisturizer.

You can save the leftovers for an additional application, so make sure to put in the refrigerator. It should last for a week, if properly stored. If treating acneic skin, you can apply twice a week, but avoid applying two days in a row. This may over-dry the skin.

Acne Wash Ingredients:

1 Beer
Water

Procedure: Simply replace your face wash with beer, wash all over in a circular motion. Rinse and follow with your skincare regimen. Repeat daily for best results.

Feel free to leave comments below, or ask questions.

Bananas for Bananas!

I was never a real banana gal till later in life. I hated their smell and despised banana-flavored candies. Nowadays, you can usually find one in my kitchen. I can’t get enough of them! I love to pop them in my smoothies and shakes or throw a little peanut butter on one for an afternoon snack. And, of course, you might have guessed it, our yellow friends can be used as a quick, easy, and super-effective face mask!

Bananas are not only a tasty healthy treat but they’re also loaded with a powerful-health punch. They’re great for all skin types too! They contain potassium which, as we know, is great for your body internally and is moisturizing and nutritious for the face. Zinc and lectin can also be found in bananas which fight acne causing germs. They also contain vitamins A, B, C and E which heal dark spots and dry skin while hydrating and smoothing. These vitamins also boost collagen production and fight free radicals, premature aging, and UV damage.

Lastly, bananas carry amino acids which nourish and strengthen the skin’s connective tissue and elasticity. Woah, why are we not all using bananas? There are too many reasons we should all be incorporating these heavy hitters to your skin care repertoire. Whether it be acne, dry skin, or sun damage, they have you covered, no matter your skin type. So, go on, grab your banana and let’s get started!

For All Skin Types: Because bananas already contain many homeopathic benefits, applying one alone serves as a great mask.

Procedure: Mash up one half of a medium-sized ripe banana into a smooth paste, then gently apply it to your face and neck. Let it set for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water. You will feel instant hydration and smooth skin.

Ingredients/Tools:

1 Medium Sized Banana
Bowl
Fork or Spoon

Acne Banana Mask: Bananas and their peels alone can treat acne and pimples when applied on the spot. It reduces angry or inflamed acneic skin and destroys bacteria. However, combining your banana with turmeric, honey and yogurt helps fight acne at the next level. This mask even repairs scaring due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidizing, hydrating, and healing properties.

Procedure: Mash one ripe banana in a bowl, then add honey, turmeric and plain yogurt. You can leave out the yogurt for a vegan option and still receive wonderfully-powerful benefits. Apply all over face or on affected areas for 10-20 minutes. Rinse with cold water, dry and follow with a gentle moisturizer. Use once a week for most effective results.

Ingredients/Tools:

1 Banana
1/2 Tsp of Turmeric
2 Tbsp Honey
¼ Cup Plain Yogurt (optional)
Bowl
Mixer

Anti-aging/Dark Spot Mask: Bananas are known to tighten and smooth the skin and have wrinkle fighting nutrients which help fade dark/age spots. Bananas also help prevent fine lines and wrinkles from developing. Coupled with other powerful pantry kitchen ingredients, you can gently nourish and exfoliate dryness while protecting mature skin.

Procedure:

Mix all ingredients, blending well, apply a thick coat, and let sit for 15-20 minutes.

Ingredients/Tools:

1 Tsp Honey
1 Tsp Lemon Juice
1 banana
Bowl
Mixer

Cinnamon, Spice and Everything Nice...

Cinnamon is one of those cozy spices that I love to eat, drink, and smell burning in my candles during the fall and winter months. I sometimes add it to my coffee, tea, latte, or on top of a scrumptious something or another for a little extra kick. And, of course, cinnamon can be used for, you guessed it, your face. As we’ll learn, it has many homeopathic properties and skincare is one of them. Mix it with the right combo of pantry ingredients and you’ve got yourself a highly effective skinfood recipe.

Cinnamon is not only moisturizing and anti-aging but it’s also a great way to get rid of ugly-acne issues. Its anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial properties help to heal the skin and clear away scars and dark spots. Additionally, and super-importantly for many of us, cinnamon also has anti-aging qualities. It helps boost the production of collagen and prevent its breakdown to curb signs of premature aging. It also moisturizes the skin by stimulating blood flow and circulation. Below are some do-it-yourself recipes that will certainly spark the senses and benefit your face all at the same time.

You can always add a dash of cinnamon to other homemade masks for an additional boost, but below are some basic and easy recipes that are super effective.

** NOTE- Cinnamon can irritate certain more sensitive skin types, also too much can irritate the skin. Be sure to patch test the following recipes behind the ear or on the neck before using.

Dark Spot Treatment: Measure and mix cinnamon and coconut oil in a bowl before applying to dark spots. This powerful on-the-spot pack is loaded with moisturizing and protecting coconut oil, and the lightening power of cinnamon. Leave on spots for about 15 minutes. With regular use (I suggest 1-2 times a week) you will notice the spots fading away. Make sure to wear SPF and cover skin when in the sun to avoid spots coming back. Lastly, make sure your skin isn’t too sensitive to the cinnamon. If so, add more coconut oil or a teaspoon of olive oil.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon coconut oil (add more or a dash of olive oil if cinnamon concentrate is too potent)

Anti-aging & Moisturizing Mask: Grab your honey, coconut oil, and cinnamon measurements. Honey is not only anti-bacterial but super rich in hydration. When combined with the moisturizing and cleansing value of coconut oil, this mixture becomes a heavenly hydrating blend which also fights bacteria. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and apply all over face. Leave for 10-15 minutes, rinse with warm water. Follow with a gentle skin care regiment.

Ingredients (for both treatments):

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 ½ tablespoon honey (add if using for anti-aging/moisture)

Anti-acne Mask: The simple combo of cinnamon and honey stops acne-causing bacteria, soothes the skin, reduces redness, and restores moisture. Coconut oil is dense in fatty acids which contain anti-microbial properties that effectively kill bacteria and fungi, banish pimples, and calms with its anti-inflammatory benefits. Honey is antibacterial and hydrating providing a natural humectant for the skin, locking in moisture without making it greasy. You can chose either one to this mask. Mix ingredients in a bowl, blend into a paste, and apply to the face for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Follow with a daily/nightly gentle skincare regimen.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp coconut oil OR honey
1 tsp cinnamon

Dry Skin Scrub: Cinnamon, as we now know, has a lot of valuable properties and is great for eczema and dry skin. Olive oil contains Vitamins A & E which restore the skin's elasticity and antioxidizes. Almond oil contains high amounts of Vitamins B & E, proteins, minerals, and good fats. Honey can also be used for its antibacterial and moisturizing properties. Even raw sugar can be added to act as an exfoliant. *If you are using for body only replace sugar with sea salt. This scrub is not only a face and body treatment but it also smells oh-so-lovely. You are welcome to add essential oils to this too. Combine the ingredients in a jar and mix well. Apply to the face and/or all over body, focusing on the dryer areas (if using on body, bring in the shower or bath). Gently rub into the skin in a circular motion and rinse clean. Pat dry and you should feel softer skin right away! Store the remaining scrub in the refrigerator for later use. Use once a week or every other week. When the scrub appears to be breaking down toss and whip up a new batch!

Ingredients for Face:

2 tablespoons of raw sugar

1 tablespoon coconut oil OR almond oil
2 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon ground/raw cinnamon

Ingredients for Body:

½ cup sea salt (body)
¼ cup coconut oil OR almond oil
1/8 cup olive oil
2 - 3 tablespoons honey (add if needed for thickness)
1 tablespoon ground/raw cinnamon