My Adventures of An Avocado Face Mask

 

Before Using The Mask

Welcome To my skin care adventures!

So, today after getting my hair done I wanted to test out a face mask! My skin felt like it was in dire need of a shot of moisture so I figured a mask would do the trick! Now I know that you can buy like 500 different kinds in the store, but I wanted to try something a bit more homemade and natural, so the only thing I bought at the store was a whole avocado and some coconut milk. When I got back home I set up my counter and got to crafting! I plan to share how I made this so follow along for the recipe! 

I don't know if you are aware or not, but avocados are one of the best fruits that you can eat, let alone put on your skin, unless you're allergic! Avocados are high in fatty acids, vitamins, phytosterols, carotenoids, and polyphenols which are a super powerhouse for your skin! So, what exactly do all of these things mean? 

What's inside the Avocado

Fatty Acids: Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, including oleic acid. These fats are crucial for maintaining the skin's lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin hydrated.

Vitamins: Avocado contains various vitamins such as vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin K, and B vitamins. These vitamins contribute to antioxidant defense, collagen synthesis, and overall skin health.

Phytosterols: These plant compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe and calm irritated skin.

Carotenoids: Avocado contains carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which contribute to its antioxidant properties and may protect the skin from oxidative damage.

Polyphenols: These are plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to the overall health and appearance of the skin.

So how does avocado improve the skin and why did I put it in my mask? 

Good Question! You see avocados are magical and are perfect for a nice thick mask. They also mix wonderfully with clay and other ingredients that you might want to add to your mask. Aside from superior mixing, avocado has some killer skin benefits that you might not be aware of. Check out the list below to learn more!

Moisturization: Avocado is rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which can act as excellent moisturizers for the skin. The fats help to maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing dehydration. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin. 💦

Antioxidant Properties: Avocado contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotenoids. These antioxidants help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors like UV rays and pollution. Vitamin E, in particular, plays a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals and promoting skin health. 👀

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Avocado contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols. These components can help reduce inflammation on the skin, making avocado beneficial for individuals with inflammatory skin conditions like acne or eczema. 🔥

Collagen Synthesis: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, a protein that provides structure to the skin. Avocado contains vitamin C, which may contribute to the maintenance and production of collagen. This can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 💆

Wound Healing: Avocado oil has been found to promote wound healing due to its ability to enhance collagen synthesis and reduce inflammation. The fatty acids in avocado oil also contribute to a healthy wound healing environment. 🩹

Sun Protection: While not a substitute for sunscreen, the antioxidants in avocado can provide some level of protection against UV damage. Vitamin E, in particular, helps protect the skin from oxidative stress induced by UV radiation. 🌞

Skin Tone and Texture Improvement: The combination of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids in avocados contributes to improved skin tone and texture. Regular use of avocado on the skin may help achieve a more radiant complexion. 👩

What else did I add to make my mask? 

Of course I didn't just want to just slop avocado all over my face! I mean it would make for a great mask all by itself, but I wanted to combine it with some of the other natural ingredients I have in my apothecary. I wanted a mask that did more than just supply my face with basic awesomeness, I wanted it to also clean and draw out impurities, support the anti-inflammatory quality of the avocado, flood my face with some serious hydration, and increase the blood supply to my skin. So, when I got back home with my avocado and coconut milk I stormed my apothecary for a few more ingredients to add to my mix! 

Don't worry I will add all the ingredients below so you can try making the mask for yourself right at home! So after some thought I decided on two different types of clay, hyaluronic acid gel, coconut milk; in a solid, turmeric powder, magnesium oil, aloe gel, rose essential oil, vitamin c powder, a little water, and a little guar gum to thicken it up just a bit. So let me get into the details on all this, because you're probably going "hua?"; and that's ok, but before I do that lets talk a bit about the ingredients so you know why I decided to use them. 

Kaolin Clay ~

Gentle Cleansing: Kaolin clay has absorbent properties that help to gently cleanse the skin by drawing out impurities, excess oil, and dirt. It does so without overly drying the skin, making it suitable for various skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. 

Exfoliation: Kaolin clay has a fine and smooth texture, making it an excellent mild exfoliant. It helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote a smoother, softer skin texture. 

Oil Absorption: One of the primary benefits of kaolin clay is its ability to absorb excess oil from the skin's surface. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with oily or combination skin, helping to control shine and reduce the risk of clogged pores. 

Calming and Soothing: Kaolin clay has a soothing effect on the skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive or irritated skin. It helps to calm inflammation and redness, providing relief for conditions like acne or mild skin irritations. 

Mineral Content: Kaolin clay contains minerals such as silica, magnesium, and zinc. These minerals contribute to the overall health of the skin. Silica supports collagen production, magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties, and zinc helps with wound healing and provides antioxidant benefits.

Sea Clay ~

Detoxification: Sea clay is rich in minerals such as silica, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These
minerals have natural detoxifying properties, helping to draw out impurities, excess oil, and toxins from the skin. The clay acts like a magnet, absorbing these substances and leaving the skin feeling cleansed.

Exfoliation: Sea clay has a fine texture that provides gentle exfoliation. It helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote a smoother complexion. This exfoliating action can improve the skin's texture and contribute to a brighter, more radiant appearance.

Oil Control: The absorbent nature of sea clay makes it effective in controlling excess oil on the skin. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with oily or combination skin, as it helps to mattify the skin and reduce the appearance of shine.

Mineral Nourishment: The minerals present in sea clay, including magnesium and calcium, can nourish the skin. These minerals are essential for various skin functions, including maintaining hydration and supporting the skin's natural barrier.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Sea clay contains minerals and trace elements that have anti-inflammatory effects. This can be beneficial for individuals with sensitive or irritated skin, as the clay helps to calm redness and reduce inflammation.

Hyaluronic acid gel ~

Hydration: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it has the ability to attract and retain water. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. When applied topically, hyaluronic acid helps to draw moisture to the skin, providing intense hydration. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin.

Plumping and Firming: As a result of its water-attracting properties, hyaluronic acid helps to plump and firm the skin. By retaining moisture, it temporarily fills in fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother and more youthful appearance.

Skin Barrier Support: Hyaluronic acid contributes to the integrity of the skin barrier. It helps to strengthen the skin's protective outer layer, preventing moisture loss and environmental damage. A healthy skin barrier is essential for maintaining overall skin health.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Hyaluronic acid has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for soothing and calming irritated or sensitive skin. It can help reduce redness and discomfort associated with various skin conditions.

Wound Healing: Hyaluronic acid plays a role in the wound-healing process. It helps create an optimal environment for cell regeneration and promotes the repair of damaged tissue. This makes it beneficial for addressing minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions on the skin.

Collagen Synthesis: HA has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that provides structural support to the skin. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing the formation of wrinkles.

Solid coconut milk ~

Hydration: Coconut milk is rich in water content, which provides immediate hydration to the skin.
Additionally, it contains natural oils that contribute to the skin's moisture retention. Hydrated skin appears plump, smooth, and healthy.

Nourishment and Vitamins: Coconut milk contains essential vitamins such as vitamin C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6. These vitamins play a role in skin health by providing nourishment, promoting collagen synthesis, and protecting the skin from oxidative stress.

Fatty Acids: Coconut milk is a source of healthy fats, including medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid. These fatty acids have moisturizing properties that can help soothe and condition the skin, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Coconut milk contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as cytokines. These compounds can help reduce inflammation, making coconut milk suitable for soothing irritated or inflamed skin.

Antioxidant Defense: The presence of antioxidants, including vitamin C and selenium, helps protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors. Antioxidants contribute to maintaining skin health and preventing premature aging.

Skin Softening: The natural oils in coconut milk, such as coconut oil, can contribute to softening the skin. These oils create a barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss and promoting a smoother complexion.

Exfoliation: Coconut milk contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid, which have exfoliating properties. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote a more radiant and even skin tone.

Turmeric powder ~

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Curcumin, the primary bioactive compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce inflammation and redness, making turmeric beneficial for individuals with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

Antioxidant Effects: Turmeric contains powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. Free radicals contribute to premature aging and skin damage. By scavenging these free radicals, turmeric supports overall skin health and helps maintain a youthful appearance.

Wound Healing: Turmeric has been traditionally used for wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It may assist in the healing process of minor cuts, abrasions, or skin irritations.

Skin Brightening and Even Tone: Curcumin has been shown to inhibit melanin synthesis, the pigment responsible for skin color. This property can contribute to a more even skin tone and help reduce the appearance of dark spots or hyperpigmentation.

Collagen Production: Curcumin promotes collagen synthesis, a protein crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing the formation of wrinkles. Improved collagen production can contribute to firmer and more youthful-looking skin.

Oil Regulation: Turmeric may help regulate sebum production, making it beneficial for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. By controlling excess oil, turmeric can contribute to a clearer complexion.

Exfoliation: Turmeric contains natural enzymes that can act as exfoliants, helping to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This promotes a smoother skin texture and can be beneficial for individuals with acne.

Green Coffee powder ~

Antioxidant Properties: Green coffee extract is rich in chlorogenic acid, a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress on the skin. This may contribute to a more youthful appearance by protecting the skin from environmental damage.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chlorogenic acid and other polyphenols in green coffee have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. This can be beneficial for individuals with inflammatory skin conditions, helping to soothe redness and irritation.

Caffeine Content: Green coffee extract contains caffeine, which has vasoconstrictive properties. When applied topically, caffeine may help reduce puffiness and improve blood circulation, contributing to a more vibrant and rejuvenated complexion.

Collagen Protection: Chlorogenic acid in green coffee has been studied for its potential to protect collagen, the structural protein responsible for skin elasticity. By preventing collagen degradation, green coffee extract may contribute to firmer and more supple skin.

Hydration: The polyphenols in green coffee extract may help support the skin's natural hydration. Hydrated skin appears plumper and more radiant.

Cellulite Reduction: Some studies suggest that caffeine, when applied topically, may have a temporary smoothing effect on the skin, making it a common ingredient in anti-cellulite formulations. It is thought to work by improving blood flow and temporarily reducing fluid retention.

Aloe gel ~

Hydration and Moisturization: Aloe vera gel is primarily composed of water (over 95%). This high water content makes it an excellent natural moisturizer, providing hydration to the skin. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Aloe vera contains compounds like acemannan, which have potent anti-inflammatory effects. These properties make aloe vera gel effective in soothing and calming irritated or inflamed skin, making it suitable for conditions like sunburn, eczema, or psoriasis.

Wound Healing: Aloe vera has been traditionally used for wound healing due to its ability to promote cell regeneration. It contains various polysaccharides and growth factors that contribute to the acceleration of the healing process for minor cuts, burns, and abrasions.

Antioxidant Effects: Aloe vera contains antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as polyphenols. These antioxidants help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants, contributing to the prevention of premature aging.

Collagen Synthesis: Aloe vera stimulates the production of collagen, a protein essential for maintaining skin elasticity. Enhanced collagen synthesis can contribute to firmer and more supple skin.

Scar Reduction: Aloe vera may aid in minimizing the appearance of scars. Its ability to support wound healing, reduce inflammation, and promote skin regeneration contributes to a more uniform skin texture.

Acne Management: Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties that can be beneficial for managing acne. It helps reduce inflammation associated with acne lesions and can soothe redness and irritation.

Rose essential oil ~

Antioxidant Properties: Rose essential oil contains compounds with antioxidant properties, including
phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can contribute to premature aging and skin damage. Protecting the skin from oxidative stress promotes a healthier and more youthful complexion.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Some components of rose essential oil, such as geraniol and citronellol, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may help soothe and calm the skin, making rose essential oil beneficial for individuals with inflammatory skin conditions like acne or redness.

Hydration and Moisture Retention: Rose essential oil is often used in skincare products for its ability to help maintain skin hydration. It can be used as a natural moisturizer, providing a barrier to prevent water loss from the skin. This is particularly advantageous for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin.

Astringent Properties: Rose essential oil has a mild astringent effect, which can help tighten and firm the skin. This may contribute to a reduction in the appearance of pores and a smoother skin texture.

Aromatherapy Benefits: Beyond its direct effects on the skin, the aroma of rose essential oil is known to have calming and mood-enhancing properties. Aromatherapy can indirectly influence skin health by reducing stress, which is linked to skin issues like acne and premature aging.

Potential Collagen Boost: Some studies suggest that certain compounds in rose essential oil, such as ellagic acid, may have collagen-protective effects. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Protecting collagen may contribute to anti-aging benefits.

Magnesium oil ~

Magnesium Absorption: The skin is capable of absorbing magnesium, and applying magnesium oil topically provides a direct method for the body to absorb this essential mineral. Magnesium is involved in numerous physiological processes, and maintaining optimal levels can contribute to overall skin health.

Muscle Relaxation: Magnesium is known for its muscle-relaxing properties. When applied topically, magnesium oil may help relax muscles, reducing tension and promoting a sense of relaxation. This can be beneficial for individuals experiencing muscle cramps, stiffness, or soreness.

Stress Reduction: Magnesium plays a role in the regulation of stress hormones, and its application on the skin may help promote relaxation and reduce stress. Chronic stress can negatively impact the skin, contributing to various skin issues, so stress reduction can indirectly benefit skin health.

Improved Sleep: Magnesium is involved in the regulation of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. Using magnesium oil before bedtime may promote better sleep quality, allowing the body to undergo essential repair processes during the night, which can positively impact the skin's appearance.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the skin. Inflammation is associated with various skin conditions, and reducing inflammation may help alleviate symptoms like redness and swelling.

Hydration: Magnesium oil is often used as a hydrating spray. While magnesium itself doesn't moisturize the skin, the application of a hydrating solution can contribute to maintaining skin moisture, especially if combined with other moisturizing ingredients.

Guar Gum ~

Hydration and Moisture Retention: Guar gum has hydrating properties and can help retain moisture when
applied to the skin. It forms a film on the skin's surface, reducing water loss and contributing to improved hydration. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin.

Emollient and Smoothing Effect: Guar gum's texture and consistency give it emollient properties, contributing to a smooth and soft feel on the skin. This can be advantageous for enhancing the texture of skincare products and providing a pleasant application experience.

Improved Product Texture: In skincare formulations, guar gum is often used as a thickening and stabilizing agent. Its ability to add viscosity and improve the texture of creams, lotions, and gels enhances the overall user experience and application of skincare products.

Film-Forming Properties: Guar gum can form a thin film on the skin's surface, creating a protective barrier. This film can help shield the skin from environmental stressors and pollutants, providing a layer of defense.

Let's Craft A Face Mask

I'll be straight with you before we get started, this is my first blend for a face mask that wasn't boring, one use, and overly simple. I tend to formulate things like serums and lotions over face masks, but I have been really thinking about how I could make one that I can jar up and use on a regular basis that won't dry out my skin while also clearing out my skin. So with that in mind, this recipe is what I like to call modifiable by selection and it totally leaves room for experimenting and changing so don't be discouraged if you use this recipe and it doesn't come out as expected. Work with it as a base and modify it as your intuitive self tells you. IE... using less of something, or more, than what the recipe said. You can't learn anything if you don't try and fail, so just have fun and see how it goes for you! Keep reading to see how mine turned out!

 As promised, it's time to let you in on my formula so you can try this out on your own! Here is what you will need, and feel free to modify it as you wish! 

First things up, go ahead and pop your avocado out of the husk and remove the seed in the center. Drop that into a glass bowl and mush it up a little. Add in your clay and powders, adjust as needed according to your personal preferences, and feel free to leave any of the ingredients out if you don't want to add them or change them if you want. 

Then go ahead and add the solid coconut milk to the bowl with the avocado and take a minute to blend with your immersion blender. Give it a good blend until it's smooth. After you have blended the powders, coconut milk, and the avocado together go ahead and add the aloe, hyaluronic acid gel, and other liquids to the bowl, and base the amount you use on the consistency that you're looking for. Be mindful that the guar gum will thicken the mix just a bit as you blend in the liquid parts. You will likely make way more than you need for one application so after making the mask you can store the left overs in a jar and place it in the fridge for future use, or you can make this for a facial party with your friends! Without a preservative the mix would last about 1-2 weeks in the fridge and longer if you add a preservative. The product should have a gel-like consistency that goes on smoothly and will dry somewhere between 5 and 20 minutes depending on how thick you decide to apply it to your face. This mask is a wash off not a peel off.

Finished product, tested and tried! 

After making the mask I was super excited to test it out! I wanted to see if it solved the dryness I was experiencing and brightened up my complexion. Let me tell you, man was I a happy camper! Ok, so I decided to put on a good size layer all over my face and then let it sit until it was pretty close to dry all over.

Some spots weren't totally dry but I don't think I had an even coat in every spot on my face so that is probably why i still had some moist spots left when i finally washed it off. However, the experience using the face mask was super delightful! The mask was wonderfully cooling to the skin and it felt like a massage. The scent was lovely and I just sat back and meditated a little while the effects of the mask relaxed my senses.

 I noticed that the mask seemed to open up my sinuses a bit which was totally new for me, because no other mask that I have tried has done that! I'm not sure if it was the rose essential oil that did it, or if it was the combination of magnesium and turmeric powder that were relaxing the muscles in my face. Either way it was divine! I didn't feel very much tingling, burning, or warning signs that I should wash it off, so I believe the formula was pretty close to workable for my skin type. I will likely modify it a few more times so that I can make it a daily mask, right now after using it I would probably use this once or twice a week. I usually have combination skin but since I have been living where I do I have been leaning a bit more on the dry side these days, or maybe it's because I'm over 40 so I was looking to see if the mask would resolve the dryness, clean my face, and plump up my skin in order to keep those fine lines and wrinkles at bay. 

After Removing the Face Mask

So, it finally came time to wash off the mask and I was unsure of how that would go. Would it be super hard to get off, or would it come off really easy? I was pleasantly surprised when the mask hit the water it bulked up a little like it was reabsorbing the water back into the face mask and smoothly washed off. It did take me a bit to rinse it away, but there wasn't difficulty in removing it. You know how some masks are just painful, or they don't come off well, that was just not the case here. The face mask was actually pretty nice to remove! It felt like a pleasant polishing, but it did feel a bit oily while I rinsed it off. My first thought was, damn it definitely resolved the dryness I was experiencing, but is my skin going to be as oily as this feels? I wasn't for sure so after I finished removing the entire face mask, I pat dried my face. My skin started to feel mildly warm and slightly flushed, but not to an excess, which indicated that the herbs I put in the mask were doing their job. Green coffee and turmeric are both warming herbs and they move the blood around, and if you remember from earlier I was also trying to bring better blood flow to my face so this was a good indication that I was on the right track to achieving what I was looking for. The warming effect didn't last very long, but my face felt way more plump then it did before I used the face mask so I was pretty stoked on the results! I went right over to the mirror to have a look to inspect my skin to see how well the mask actually worked. My skin feels nice and moisturized and not super oily like I had first thought, my skin didn't stay flushed for very long, and I would say that it helps a bit with the fine lines and wrinkles! 

In the end, I would likely modify the ingredients a little, but overall I really liked how this face mask came out! So now it's your turn! Check out the formula above, make some experimental changes if you wish and test it out on your skin! Of course if you aren't sure, or don't know if you have an allergy to anything, do a patch test before you put this all over your face to see how your skin reacts to the ingredients. If your skin feels like it's burning and not tingling, or you have a reaction, then this mask is just not for you. I hope you enjoyed my experimental adventures and hope you feel encouraged to make your own natural face masks at home! Have a blessed day, until next time! 😊