We know, we know, beauty DIYs can seem like Pinteresty click-bait, right? Don’t be so quick to brush them off! The power of a good home mini-facial can’t be underestimated –when done right. Our friends at Free People turned us on to the maker of plant-based skincare line, Cocoruto, who designed this quick at-home facial – a steam, cleanse and mask routine we’re trying ASAP. Winter skin run amok? Caroline is all over it. Here are a few of her insights on the winter season and the ingredients in this facial…
I am not a fan of winter here in New England. One of the most effective ways to deal with the cold weather is to keep hydrated and eat lots of vegetables. In the summer it’s so much easier to access fresh local veggies. We had a CSA this past season with an amazing local organic farm. Eating in season creates such a strong connection to food, and knowing the farmers is a huge bonus. I find that it just means more meal planning in the winter months. We cook lots of soups, and try to make bone broth frequently, which has many benefits for skin.
Externally, it’s important to avoid stripping your skin’s natural oils, which can lead to skin issues. For me, stripping means excessive dryness, which used to lead me to break out. For other skin types, it may cause more oil production, also potentially leading to breakouts. Using a gentle cleanser or a cleansing oil will help to balance oil production and your skin will be much happier for it.
Changing seasons means change in routines and will likely have an effect on skin. Herbal facial steams are perfect to use as part of a quick mini-facial to help clear out your pores and encourage circulation. Since I have sensitive skin, I don’t steam for very long and I don’t completely cover my head with the towel. The steam can be intense, so I take breaks frequently.
The oats, honey and cinnamon mask is also a great way to help cleanse pores and soften skin. These are ingredients that most of us already have in our kitchen, and together they are like magic. Like all of the ingredients I use in the line, they are also very gentle. Raw honey is amazing as a cleanser or a mask all by itself. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, acts as a humectant, and contains lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You really can’t go wrong with using raw honey as part of your regular skincare routine!
Floral Facial Steam
Ingredients:
1/4 cup dried lavender
1/4 cup dried chamomile
1/4 cup dried calendula
Hot water
Large bowl
100% cotton cloth, large enough to cover your face
Directions:
Scoop dried herbs and flowers into the mixing bowl. For this steam, Caroline used calendula, lavender and chamomile flowers — all available online or at many natural foods stores.
Heat a few cups of water in a kettle over the stove top until boiling. Carefully pour boiling water over the herbs and flowers until the bowl is nearly full.
Let sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flowers to release their beneficial properties, but not long enough for the water to cool. Place your clean face over the bowl and cover your entire head with the towel. To avoid scalding your skin, it’s best to start further away and slowly get closer to where you’re skin is hot but comfortable — about 10-12″ over the bowl is close enough, especially for sensitive skin.
For sensitive skin, a 5-minute steam is enough. Caroline loosely drapes the towel over her head, as it’s too much heat for her skin if the steam has no escape. Be sure to also take frequent breaks for air.
Allow the steam to wash over your face for several minutes. During this time your pores will slowly open, soaking up hydration, softening the stratum corneum (outer layer of dead skin cells that often clog pores), increasing circulation and flushing out toxins.
After about 5 to 7 minutes, use a washcloth to gently exfoliate skin or move on to the cleansing method below.
Raw Honey Cleanse
Ingredients:
1 – 2 tsp local raw honey
100% cotton face cloth
Directions:
After you’ve gently exfoliated your face post-steam, apply 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw honey to your face and massage gently into skin using your fingertips, being sure to avoid the eye area. Dampen the cotton face cloth with warm water, wring out, and lay the cloth over your face to heat the honey and lock in moisture. Leave on your face for at least a minute, up to 15 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry. Apply moisturizer or oil as you usually would.
Honey, Oat and Cinnamon Mask
Ingredients:
2 tsp oat flour (or grind up rolled oats in a clean coffee grinder)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp honey
Directions:
Mix the oats and cinnamon in a small dish and add honey to form a paste. This will result in a fairly thick consistency so, if you want it thinner, add more honey or a little water to thin out. Leave on for 5-10 min. When you rinse it off, the oats will act as a gentle exfoliant, making your skin feel super soft and hydrated.
Check out more all-natural beauty DIYs from BLDG 25.
