Whether you have dry, normal or oily skin it needs moisture.
Moisture improves the condition of the skin making it's texture softer. Well moisturised skin also shines!
When I want to intensely moisturise my skin, I make this fresh skin mask. It has no preservatives or added chemicals in it. The great thing about this mask is that the mixture is clear, light and not too oily. It absorbs into the skin fast, leaving a beautiful sheen.
I actually leave this mixture on for most of the day and wipe it off at night. It has a very fresh, light smell which I love.
I've given this recipe in ratios, so you can make as much or little as you need depending on the area of your body you wish to apply it to. The secret to this recipe is fresh aloe vera. It contains a lot of moisture and vitamins. I grow aloe vera all over my home and use its leaves in many different ways. No matter what climate you live in, it's so easy to grow! One plant can easily be turned into 10!
If you do not have an aloe vera plant, you can buy single aloe leaves from the market. Sometimes they can be found health food stores, or the fresh produce sections of the supermarket. If you do buy single aloe vera leaves, stand them in a jar of water to preserve their freshness and extend their life.
The inside of the aloe vera leaf is soft and gel like. For this recipe it's important to blend the mixture well well so that the gel pieces and the cucumber break up. Breaking up the gel pieces makes the mixture easier to apply and means the mixture will be absorbed quickly by the skin without leaving behind a residue.
If you don't have a blender it's not a big deal, you could remove the skin from the cucumber and mash the inside of the leaf to break up the gel pieces. You can then whip the mix and the oil using a fork or a whisk.
Most of the time I use coconut oil in this mix as it has a medium weight and is absorbed fast. If you have very dry skin or wish to focus on areas like the elbows, knees and feet, I would add castor oil instead. It might take a bit longer to 'soak in' but your skin will thank you for it.
Whenever possible I try and use unrefined coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil is usually white in colour and semi solid at room temperature, as opposed to a yellow coloured oil.
I use this body mask whenever I want to pamper myself and really make my skin glow....which is often!! On the rare occasions when I'm sitting still and in the mood for all out pampering...I take left over cucumber slices from my freezer... let them sit for 1-2 minutes on the counter (so as not to burn the skin) and then apply the slices to my eyes...very invigorating!! I hope you enjoy trying it!
If you decide to give this recipe a go, please share your thoughts, pictures and recipe tweaks. Good luck!
Ingredients:
Method
Step 1.
Cut open the aloe vera leaf and extract the gel like pulp inside.
Step 2.
Slice the cucumber. If you do not have a blender, trim the skin from the cucumber.
Step 3
Add the pulp, coconut oil (or your chosen oil), to a blender and mix for at least one minute. The mixture will turn into a white foam. If you do not have a blender, use a fork to mash the pulp, cucumber and oil and whisk to blend all of the ingredients together.
Step 4.
Transfer to a clean jar.
Step 5.
When you are ready to use it apply generously to the body. The mixture will dry clear, without leaving any residue. Discard any unused mixture.
Step 6.
Leave for at least 60 minutes, or longer.
Step 7.
Rinse the skin or simply wipe with water.
To remove this mask I always spray my skin with a blend of rose water and oil. If you would like the recipe for this as well, let me know!
Disclaimer
I'm very passionate about the management of autoimmune conditions in a healthy way.
I speak with medical professionals, read journals, try and test new recipes to share with you and diligently undertake research online. That being said, as you know, each autoimmune disease, as well as any set of symptoms you may be experiencing are unique.
All information provided is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure the appropriateness of any information in relation to your own situation.
And finally, please comment and share so we as a community better cope with our conditions by through growth and learning.
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