The melanin in ethnic skin serves as a sun guard.
According to Discovery Health, "There's little about African-American [ethnic] skin that is safely assumed, except that it can be super-sensitive---its pigmentation, called melanin, may rebel against the wrong products by developing a discoloration that can stick around for months or years." Darker skin thrives best in warmer climates, and absorbs natural forms of vitamin K well (sun). But in colder weather, ethnic skin does not exhibit its natural glowing tone and softness so easily. Ethnic Central, suggests a modest regimen of ample rest, whole-food nutrition and lots of pure water as sufficient skin care. But this advice does not exclusively suffice during the winter. With a little effort and a lot of consistency, permanence of softer skin and healthier tones is possible. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Avocado is a natural unrefined fat that conditions the skin thoroughly due to the richness of vitamins.
Pit and peel the avocado. Place the fruit in mortar. If you do not have a mortar, use a porcelain or wooden bowl. With the pestle or masher, mash the avocado until semi-lumpy.
Benefits of avocado: Avocado is extremely rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, as well as potassium. It also contains beta-carotene and unsaturated fatty acids. According to Ageless.com, avocados contain sterolins (steroids) that naturally decrease the appearance of age spots and freckles and reverse sun damage. Because of the richness of avocado oil, it is easily absorbed into the skin.
2. Coconut oil keeps the skin subtle and soft without greasiness.
Add coconut oil to mashed avocado. Stir with pestle or wooden spoon.
Benefits of coconut: According to Coconut Connections, coconuts keep the skin subtle and soft without a greasy feeling. "It will help to reduce chronic skin inflammation within days and be soothing and healing to wounds, blood blisters, rashes, etc. It is an excellent ingredient to use in healing salves and ointments."
3. Honey is an anti-irritant and a natural highlighter; as is lemon, which is also a natural toner and astringent.
Add honey and squeezed lemon to avocado and coconut oil mixture. Mix well.
Benefits of Honey: According to the Skin Care Resource Center, "Honey is used in skin care as a moisturizer and anti-irritant. Its humectant quality makes it good for those people who have oily skin. It keeps your skin moist without oiliness."
Lemon is used as a natural astringent and skin toner. It also is used as natural highlighter to the skin and hair.
4. Shea butter contains rich oil, vitamins and facid acids which restores damaged skin, and preserves moisture.
Add Shea butter and mix thoroughly.
Benefits of Shea Butter: Shea butter is comprised of fatty acids and vitamins A through E, which promote rapid healing to damaged skin. According to Target Woman, Shea butter contains cinnamic acid, a natural sunblocker, which protects the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Shea butter works well against stretch marks, dry skin, dermatitis, eczema and sunburn, and "is ideal for persons with sensitive skin," Target Women says.
5. Aloe soothes and heals damaged skin.
Slit the sides or the aloe vera stem and squeeze the aloe vera juice into the avocado mixture.
Benefits of Aloe Vera: Aloe vera promotes healing to the skin and reverses damage by the rejuvenation of new skin cells, and seals in moisture.
6. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. The consistency of the mixture will be slightly lumpy due to the avocado. If you desire a creamier consistency, use a food processor or electric mixer. Pour avocado mixture into a clean glass jar and refrigerate.
7. Rinse your face thoroughly and apply conditioning mask (avocado mixture) to the entire face. Leave for an hour or more. Do not wash off. Instead, with clean hands, apply cold water to the face and move in circular motions. This process will cause the mixture to form into a lather. Rinse, pat dry, spritz and air dry.
Tags: avocado mixture, damaged skin, ethnic skin, Shea butter, butter contains, fatty acids, natural highlighter