I know I've mentioned this before, but I have very sensitive skin, and am therefore quite conscious of the products I use. Over the last couple years, I started to get small outbreaks of a condition known as perioral dermatitis, which caused me to pay even closer attention to certain ingredients, in particular. After multiple dermatologist visits and tons of personal research, I discovered there are many different causes and triggering ingredients, which vary from person to person. One of the best changes I made in my own skincare routine, however, was switching to Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap. Australian clay and Dead Sea mud work their magic to balance and tone the skin, while almond, avocado, and castor bean oils condition and nourish it. I can honestly say this has been a game-changing cleanser for me, as it has greatly reduced any dermatitis outbreaks and does not irritate my skin in the least. Although these days a bar soap may seem a bit out of the norm, this little guy lathers up wonderfully thanks to coconut oil, and lasts for a very long time. Not to mention it's super convenient to toss in your travel bag! Don’t forget to snag a Soap Saver to keep your bar clean, and give it a nice spot to dry once you’re finished using it. The exceptional, natural ingredients found in Osmia Organics products have completely sold me, and make this a skincare brand worth investing in.
glow facial mask
While I have a daily skincare regimen that I like to follow, I also have some "once-a-week" or "once-a-month" rituals that are just as important. Face masks can be a great way to hydrate & rejuvenate your skin, and these days you can find them in several versions- think sheet, gel, or clay. One of my favorite ways to mask is by creating my own in the comfort of my own kitchen! That way, I know exactly what's going into it, as well as the benefits each ingredient offers my skin. Think about it this way- you cook your own food to control what you put into your body, and to nourish it from the inside out. Creating your own face mask allows you to take the same approach, and nourish your body from the outside, in! While it may look like baby food, I'd happily eat this mask any day (it's that delicious)! My glow facial mask will help take your skin from dry & dull to healthy & glowing! It boasts many impressive qualities to help your skin look & feel its best- Greek yogurt acts as an anti-inflammatory & can calm the skin; avocado works as a soothing moisturizer; oats are used to exfoliate & remove dead skin; apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties & helps reduce redness; lemon juice acts as an astringent to brighten & tighten skin; honey fights off bacteria & hydrates, leaving your skin soft & supple; turmeric reduces inflammation & pigmentation, and is high in antioxidants. So as you can see, this is a nutritional powerhouse for your skin. Glowing & radiant skin awaits, so get to masking!
Glow Mask:
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, plain & unsweetened
- 1/4 cup avocado, mashed
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, making sure everything is incorporated evenly. Set bowl in refrigerator or freezer for 15-20 minutes to chill, which allows ingredients to come together & adds a bonus cooling effect bonus for your skin. Massage evenly onto skin, and leave it to set for 15-20 minutes. Scrub off thoroughly with warm water. Pat skin dry. Spritz face with rosewater & moisturize. Makes enough for two masks. Can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
*Because turmeric can stain your skin if left on for a long time, you may want to wear gloves when applying this mask. Also be sure to fully remove it when rinsing (a wash cloth helps)!
**If you prefer a smooth mask, you may choose to blend before chilling. Pulse until no chunks remain, and the oats are pulverized.