Matcha  & Coconut Oil Face Mask Recipe

In North America we spend billions of dollars on skincare lines that contain harmful ingredients many which have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption and reproductive issues.

 

Here is a list of ingredients I would definitely avoid;

  • Parabens
  • Phthalates
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS/SES)
  • Added dyes or colours
  • Fragrance (a companys unique chemical mess)
  • Formaldehyde
  • Triclosan
  • Toluene
  • Aluminum

For more information check out these 5 common ingredients to avoid featured on healthambition.com

 

My solution is to use the general rule of “if you can’t eat it then likely you shouldn’t apply it to your skin“. Applying food to your face is not only a safe alternative but in many cases much cheaper.  Everyday we are discovering new information about our bodies biggest organ, our skin. We know now that our skin is not  just a barrier but rather capable of absorption and orchestrating various complex chemical reactions that effects are transmitted deep into our bodies. In order to keep my skin nourished and protected I use the following natural wonder foods that promote healing and anti-aging.

 

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy acids, including capric, and lauric acid. These acids are antimimcorbial and help fight off acne causing bacteria. In addition coconout oil has the ability to deeply penetrate into the pores to remove dirt and pollution. To top it all off, coconut oil hydrates and lubricate the skin to promote healing and improve elasticity.

Matcha Green Tea Powder

Matcha is high in antioxidants which may assist in reducing acne associated redness and improving the elasticity of the skin. Many people report an evening of skin tone as well.

Honey

Believe it or not honey is a great moisturizer. It hydrates while reducing redness. It is also antibacterial and antiseptic. Honey is used as a dressing for burns due to the activity of hydrogen peroxide that is produced by an enzyme in honey.

Lemon juice

Lemon not only smells great it is a natural astringent which acts a natural toner for your skin. By strengthening the walls of capillaries it reduces redness and tightens pores. Lemon also lifts your mood while providing your skin with a boost of vitamin C.

 

How to Make a Matcha Green Tea and Coconut Oil Face Mask

This four-ingredient mask is quick and easy to make and can be made in advance and stored for future use. I find that mixing the Matcha into the honey first creates the desired smooth consistency.

This results in a thick but smooth,  moisturizing face mask that I have seen personal benefits from using about once a week. The directions below are for a single use, but if required you can make larger patches sticking with the 1:1:1 ingredient ratio.

Ingredients: 

  • Coconut oil
  • Matcha Green Tea Powder
  • Raw Honey
  • Lemon Juice

Instructions:

Mix Coconut oil, Matcha Green Tea Powder and Honey in a 1:1:1 ratio and add a splash of lemon juice. For a single use I use about 1 tsp of each ingredient. The combination will create a nourishing and moisturizing, thick paste for your skin. Spread on your face and neck and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Remove with warm water. Use once a week.

 

Other Foods to Put On Your Face

There is no one, right way to make a food face mask. Half the fun is experimenting with ingredients and finding what mix best suits your skin. If you have dry skin try mixing the matcha powder in an oil such as olive oil or castor oil. If you skin is red try including an astringent in your recipe such as lemon or vinegar. Here is a list of foods to play around with.

  • Avocado
  • Yogourt 
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Oatmeal
  • Bentonite Clay
  • Banana
  • Olive Oil
  • Castor Oil 
  • Turmeric
  • Egg Whites

 

Have you ever created a DIY Food Face Mask? What are your favourite ingredients to use?