Everyone has melanin in their skin... white, yellow, brown, black...it gives all of us our skin colouring. Skin richest in melanin has the most colour.
Nobody has the same skin colour all over their body. We all have patches that are lighter or darker making the colour of each of us unique!
Noticeably dark patches of skin are caused by excess melanin production, which happens naturally as we age. Sun exposure, hormonal influences, skin injuries or inflammation can also trigger the development of dark spots.
I'm super passionate about taking care of skin the natural way. It's amazing how the skin can glow when it is treated gently. Cleansed softly, moisturised daily and protected with a strong SPF.
The ingredients in this mask are super gentle and do not bleach the skin, or strip it of its natural oils and moisture.
I'm strongly against the use of acids and lightening creams. I think they are particularly unsuitable for darker skins, as they can trigger hyper pigmentation. Unless you are super religious with the application of a very strong SPF after treatment, they can do more harm than good.
The secret to this recipe is fresh turmeric and papaya. Papaya contains an enzyme, just beneath its skin that gently exfoliates and brightens. Turmeric contains curcumin which calms inflamed skin and also brightens. I add honey to my face mask because it also has anti inflammatory properties. Not just that, it smells amazing and leaves my skin super soft and glowing!
If you do not have access to fresh turmeric, dried turmeric will work just fine!
For this recipe it's important to blend the mixture well so that turmeric pieces break up.
If you don't have a blender it's not a big deal, you could use powdered turmeric and mash it, alongside the papaya and honey with a fork or a whisk. You may want to wear gloves as turmeric can stain the nails and the palms of your hands.
Now turmeric does temporarily turn the skin yellow. Save this mask for when you have some downtime. I am yellow anyway so for me its not a problem, looks like I have a tan! If you are lighter than me, maybe start by reducing the turmeric by half, or add a little milk to the mixture, to reduce the likelihood of staining.
I use this mask once every 10-15 days. I hope you enjoy trying it!
I've given this recipe in ratios, so you can make as much or little as you need depending on the parts of the skin you would like to apply this mask.
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 papaya and separate the flesh from the seed and skin.
Step 2.
Add the papaya pulp, honey, turmeric (and milk if using) to a blender and mix for at least one minute. The mixture will turn into a paste. If you do not have a blender, use powdered turmeric and a fork to mash all of the ingredients together.
Step 3.
Transfer to a clean jar.
Step 4.
When you are ready to use the mixture apply it generously to the face or body, wearing gloves (if you do not have gloves, a little sodium bicarbonate, also called baking soda mixed with water will clean up the hands). Discard any unused mixture.
Step 5.
Leave for 10-15 minutes.
Step 6.
Rinse your face gently with water.
I always apply a natural face oil afterwards. If you would like the recipe for this also, 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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