‘Tis the Season for Comforting Food Facials

The holiday season is fast approaching and so is cold weather.

During the winter season, it’s easy to veg out and stuff your face with comfort foods, which are likely packed with complex and simple sugars. Although they are delicious, these junk foods are secretly teaming up with the harsh winter weather to sabotage your beautiful skin.

Want to know the secret to fighting back? It’s simple. Edible face masks can nourish your skin and basically still “stuff your face” all at once.

Below are Grand Central’s favorite face masks that work great and taste delicious.

Oatmeal Mask

Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in acne correction as well as prevention. It also soothes dry skin that may cause irritation. Honey opens pores, allowing enzymes to swoop in and clean your skin with its antibacterial properties and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup of plain oats
• 2 teaspoon plain yogurt
• 2 teaspoon honey
• 2 teaspoon coconut oil

Recipe: Mix together the ingredients and let the facial mask set for 8-10 minutes. If you want to use this mask to soothe dry skin and acne, rub it softly onto your face. If you want to exfoliate, apply in a circular motion. Keep the mask on for five minutes and then rinse with a warm damp cloth. Use your favorite moisturizer as the final step.

Student Reaction:

“It felt other-worldly, tingly but soothing. What I really enjoyed about the mask was eating it afterword.”

-Nathan Zinzi, St. Clare Shore senior

Pumpkin Facial

Pumpkin contains antioxidants which helps to soothe skin and balance out oil production within pores. It is beneficial for signs of aging and aids in smoothing and brightening skin. Cinnamon as a topical is used to treat acne and eczema with its soothing antiseptic properties. Plus, it’s a perfect ingredient for boosting complexion.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of organic canned pumpkin
• 2 teaspoon raw honey
• 2 teaspoon unflavored almond milk
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• a dash of cinnamon

Recipe: Mix together and apply to face for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat face dry. This blend can be stored in a closed container in the fridge for up to 10 weeks.

Student Reaction:

“I felt relaxed and refreshed. Feels great.'”

-Christopher Ortwine, Claire junior

Banana Face Mask

Bananas, egg whites and avocados all work together to hydrate and moisturize. They also aid in skin repair and oil control. This face mask is perfect for all around healthy skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg white
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 avocado
  (addition of honey and cinnamon are optional)

Recipe: Mix together in a blender. Apply to face and leave it on until it’s completely dry. Rinse with warm water and pat face dry.

Student Reaction:

“The banana-avocado mask felt moist. Smells great and made me feel good. I highly recommend.”

-Cheryl Gray, Mount Pleasant senior