For National Avocado Day, Think Beyond the Guac …

Today’s National Avocado Day! (Who knew…?) In honor of this friendly, oh-so-healthy fruit’s day of recognition, we thought a step beyond guacamole was in order. Did you know it can soothe the grumpiest of skin? Try out this cooling face masque from Mary Helen Leonard, author of The Natural Beauty Solution.

This soothing masque starts off with a simple emulsion of oil and hydrosol, then adds in a few of Mary’s favorite skin conditioning ingredients: nourishing yogurt, soothing oats, and–you guessed it–some creamy avocado. This combo will soothe the skin while the anti-inflammatory essential oils work to reduce redness and irritation. Give it a try…

To learn more healthy ideas, visit Mary Helen at Mary Makes Good and The Natural Beauty Workshop.

Soothing Oat & Avocado Masque

After twenty minutes with this masque on, even the grumpiest skin will be more content. This masque is gentle enough to be used on a daily basis, but it's rich texture and indulgent ingredients make it better suited for occasional use.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tablespoon facial cream (use your favorite or see recipe below)

  • 2 tablespoons whole oats or oat flour

  • 1 tablespoon fresh avocado, mashed or pureed

  • 2 tablespoons organic plain yogurt

  • 10 drops yarrow or chamomile essential oil

DIRECTIONS

Combine the ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until combined. Add extra yogurt if the mixture is too thick to blend easily.

HOW TO USE

Apply the mixture liberally to your face and neck. Allow the masque to sit on your skin for about twenty minutes, then gently wipe it away with a warm damp cloth. This masque will not harden as it dries. This recipe should be used fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Facial Cream Recipe

Fresh creams and lotions don’t contain the heavy-duty preservatives that make store-bought lotions shelf stable. Handmade lotions and creams should be used within one week, or stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4 teaspoon borax

  • 2 tablespoons distilled water or hydrosol

  • 1 teaspoon beeswax or candelilla pellets

  • 1/4 teaspoon lecithin

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons rose hip seed oil

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons virgin coconut oil

  • 10 drops essential oil (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Mix the borax into the water or hydrosol and stir until the borax has completely dissolved. Gently warm the borax mixture. This can be done at a low heat on the stove top or in 15 second bursts in the microwave. Melt the beeswax and mix it with the lecithin and rose hip seed oil. (Ideally, the borax mixture and the wax mixture should both be hot when they are mixed together.) Begin whisking the oil and wax mixture and slowly pour the borax mixture into it. Whisk the mixture continuously for at least five minutes. (This is much easier when using an electric hand mixer.) The mixture should thicken as it cools, resulting in a fluffy cream. Stir the essential oils (if using) into the mixture last and then transfer to a 2-ounce jar. To see photos of this process, check out page 16 of The Natural Beauty Solution.

HOW TO USE

After you've applied your toner, apply a few dabs of cream to freshly cleansed skin. Gently massage the cream into your skin in a slow, circular motion. Homemade creams will feel heavier than the commercial creams you might be used to. Give the cream some extra time to absorb. If you find it to be too greasy, try using a little bit less cream on your next try, or consider switching to a moisturizing facial oil instead.

You can take a look inside or purchase your own copy of The Natural Beauty Solution from our shop or find it at your favorite retailer.

LifestyleCedar Lane PressNational Avocado Day, The Natural Beauty Solution