As many of you know, I've struggled a long time with trying to keep my skin clear. I've not been one of the lucky ones who cleans up their diet, removes toxins from their household and ends up with clearer skin. Since going off of birth control pills a year and a half ago, I found that I was battling a hormone imbalance. It was as if I had started menopause early: I was fatigued, had horrible night sweats, would get hot flashes during the day, was extremely moody and my skin erupted. I did not feel like the same human being I had once been.
Over the last 7 months my acupuncturist has worked to get me off of the hormones my naturopath had put me on (I really didn't feel like myself on those!). Between acupuncture, chiropractic care and different Chinese herbs I am finally feeling back on track. It's amazing what these 7 months have done for me, and as someone who is soon planning to start a family, having a strong body within is extremely important.
That being said, my skin - my poor skin - has definitely taken the worst of it. Birth control, hormones, herbs, a mix of different topical serums - it's no wonder it looks like a war torn battlefield! As you can imagine, this gets a little pricey. Anytime I can make my own products, I do. And this is a facial scrub that I love! I still use a regular cleansing line but use this in the shower every few days to help keep things balanced - especially after a hard workout when I'm all red and puffy!
The recipe is super simple, just 4 ingredients that I'm fairly certain you have in your pantry right now!
Over the last 7 months my acupuncturist has worked to get me off of the hormones my naturopath had put me on (I really didn't feel like myself on those!). Between acupuncture, chiropractic care and different Chinese herbs I am finally feeling back on track. It's amazing what these 7 months have done for me, and as someone who is soon planning to start a family, having a strong body within is extremely important.
That being said, my skin - my poor skin - has definitely taken the worst of it. Birth control, hormones, herbs, a mix of different topical serums - it's no wonder it looks like a war torn battlefield! As you can imagine, this gets a little pricey. Anytime I can make my own products, I do. And this is a facial scrub that I love! I still use a regular cleansing line but use this in the shower every few days to help keep things balanced - especially after a hard workout when I'm all red and puffy!
The recipe is super simple, just 4 ingredients that I'm fairly certain you have in your pantry right now!
The base is:
1 c oats - oats help soothe skin and reduce inflammation
1/2 c almonds - almonds are great to eat if you want glowing skin, but they are also good externally. Full of healthy monounsaturated fats, they produce oils that help hydrate skin. They are also full of vitamin E - and while a bit coarse in this recipe, help to exfoliate.
1/4 c celtic sea salt - salt contains magnesium which helps reduce inflammation and sulfates which flush out toxins. It also helps with the exfoliation.
Place all items in a food processor and pulse until you get a grainy consistency. You want to feel the almonds and salt in your fingers, but not enough that you'll scratch your face (;
When you are done, add 1 T ground cinnamon - as cinnamon helps to bring blood to the surface, bringining new life to your skin.
1 c oats - oats help soothe skin and reduce inflammation
1/2 c almonds - almonds are great to eat if you want glowing skin, but they are also good externally. Full of healthy monounsaturated fats, they produce oils that help hydrate skin. They are also full of vitamin E - and while a bit coarse in this recipe, help to exfoliate.
1/4 c celtic sea salt - salt contains magnesium which helps reduce inflammation and sulfates which flush out toxins. It also helps with the exfoliation.
Place all items in a food processor and pulse until you get a grainy consistency. You want to feel the almonds and salt in your fingers, but not enough that you'll scratch your face (;
When you are done, add 1 T ground cinnamon - as cinnamon helps to bring blood to the surface, bringining new life to your skin.
I usually just mix it in my hand with a little water from the shower, slather it on and let it sit while I wash my hair. You can certainly mix this with almond oil if you wanted extra moisture. I usually follow up with my own oil based moisturizer after the shower, so I skip the almond oil.
Even if you aren't someone who suffers from imflammed skin, this scrub would be great regardless. It's such a soothing (and natural) way to take care of any skin type!
Enjoy!
XoXo,
Nicole
Even if you aren't someone who suffers from imflammed skin, this scrub would be great regardless. It's such a soothing (and natural) way to take care of any skin type!
Enjoy!
XoXo,
Nicole
RSS Feed