Cape Times

3 fruity face masks you can try at home

- THOBILE MAZIBUKO thobile.mazibuko@inl.co.za

THE New Year is a time for people to start afresh, work on their goals and rejuvenate themselves.

Self-care is one of the most important forms of love. It's imperative to take time off your busy schedule and focus on revitalisi­ng yourself. Some people think you have to spend lots of money on self-care, which is untrue. Not everyone can afford to go to the spa; even if you can, sometimes you want to be pampered from the comfort of your home.

Granny Mouse Spa suggests some home-summer cooling treatments you can try using ingredient­s you may have around your home.

“The best face masks are those made of fruits because fruits are rich in nutrients like vitamins and minerals necessary for your body's overall health. That's why fruit face masks for glowing skin are so popular. They provide your skin with all the natural nutrients and help you avoid chemical-based facials. Using fruit masks offers therapeuti­c advantages to your skin, including relaxing and destressin­g your skin,” says Sean Granger of Granny Mouse Spa.

These are some of the most significan­t benefits that make these cost-effective and natural fruit facials preferable.

Banana face mask

Bananas contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, silica, potassium, and other nutrients that are vital for the elasticity and integrity of the skin.

A banana mask helps clear hyperpigme­ntation and protects the skin from sun damage. It is a perfect ingredient for dry and sensitive skin.

You will need:

½ banana

½ teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

Mash the banana and add the honey and lemon juice to it. Mix well and apply the pack on clean skin. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and wash it off.

Note: Avoid using lemon juice if you have dry and sensitive skin.

Tomato face mask

Tomatoes contain lycopene, powerful

antioxidan­ts, and vitamins B, C, and E. These nutrients help maintain your skin by absorbing more oxygen, which not only delays ageing, but protects the skin against harmful UV rays. Tomatoes help in reducing a tan and brightenin­g the skin as well. However, there is insufficie­nt scientific evidence to prove their effect on the skin when applied topically.

You will need:

1 tomato

1 tablespoon oatmeal

1 teaspoon yoghurt

Directions

Blend the tomatoes into a smooth and pulpy consistenc­y.

Add the oatmeal and yoghurt to the tomatoes.

Apply this mask to your face and neck. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off.

Caution: Yoghurt contains lactic acid. If you have sensitive skin, avoid using it.

Avocado face mask

Avocado is good for hydrating and moisturisi­ng the skin, making it one of the healthiest masks.

You will need:

¼ cup ripe avocado

2 tablespoon­s raw honey

½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Directions

Mix avocado, honey and vinegar in a container and whisk until smooth. Apply a thin layer to clean, damp skin. Allow it to dry before rinsing off. After washing off the mask, don't forget to moisturise your skin.

Tips to keep in mind before using fruit facials

Make sure the masks are always applied on clean and exfoliated skin. Exfoliatio­n will not only remove dead skin but also enhance blood circulatio­n, which will improve the results of the pack.

Blend the fruit well so that you can extract as much pulp as possible.

Make sure your mind is relaxed when you do the facial treatment. You must sit still when you apply the pack. Not only will it allow the pack to rest and prevent it from sliding off your face, but it will also help you calm down and unwind.

Some fruit pulps are watery and may not remain on your skin. To thicken the paste, you can add oats to the fruit pulp.

When you apply a pack, you should cover both the face and the neck as they are both exposed to the environmen­t equally.

Avoid being exposed out in the sun a day or two after applying these fruit face packs.

Give your skin ample time to rejuvenate after the face packs. Apply sunscreen and use sun protection gear such as scarves, hats, etc.

 ?? ?? FACE masks are good for rejuvenati­ng the skin. | Supplied
FACE masks are good for rejuvenati­ng the skin. | Supplied

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