Hi people! What's been on?
It's weekend and a time to treat yourself! After all, if you don't take care of yourself, who will?
I'll like to share a natural skincare treat that will guarantee a smooth, less oily, less acne prone skin!
I've been using it these past weekends and I'm loving the results!
I rarely break out, my skin feels so smooth and I don't need lots of makeup throughout that week! Lipgloss and mascara and I'm good to go.
I stumbled upon this treat when I ran out of facial scrub.
This is not a big deal for me because I know 101 natural ways to whip up a luxurious scrub but then I was too lazy to whip one up or run out of the house to buy another.
There's always blended rosemary leaves available in the kitchen and I decided the powder was fine enough for a scrub.
Before I start, I'll like to tell you the benefits of the major ingredients in this effective yet simple natural facial scrub.
ROSEMARY (Rosemarinus officinalis)
Rosemary leaves contain certain phyto-chemical (plant derived) compounds known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.
The herb parts, especially flower tops contain phenolic anti-oxidant rosmarinic acid as well as numerous health benefiting volatile essential oils such as cineol, camphene, borneol, bornyl acetate, α-pinene, etc.
These compounds are known to have rubefacient (counterirritant), anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties.
The herb is exceptionally rich in many B-complex groups of vitamin, such as folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin. It is one of the herbs contain high levels of folates. Folates are important in DNA synthesis.
Rosemary herb contains very good amounts of vitamin A.Vitamin A is known to have antioxidant
properties and is essential for vision. It is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin.
Fresh rosemary leaves (though hard to find in Nigeria)are a good source of antioxidant vitamin-C. The vitamin is required for the collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main
structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones.
Rosemary herb parts, whether fresh or dried, are rich source of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
This herb is an excellent source of iron. Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
*Medicinal uses of Rosemary
Rosmarinic acid, a natural polyphenolic antioxidant found in rosemary, has been found to have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant
functions. Apart from the rosemary, other popular herbs like Sage, peppermint, oregano, thyme herbs also contain appreciable levels of rosmarinic acid.
Rosemary oil which is distilled from the flowering tops contains volatile essential oil such as camphene, cineol, borneol, bornyl acetate and other esters. These compounds are known to have tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, and stimulant properties.
Its herbal oil is also being used externally to soothe painful ailments in gout, rheumatism and neuralgic conditions.
Rosemary herb extracts or oil infusions when applied over the scalp is known to stimulate the hair-bulbs and help prevent premature baldness. It forms an effectual remedy for the prevention of dandruff.
Rosemary tea is a natural remedy for headache, colds, and depression.
The smell of Rosemary also wards off mosquitoes.
Safety: Rosemary is not recommended for use by pregnant women.
(Source: www.nutrition-and-you.com/rosemary-herb.html)
Wow, a lot of good stuff, right?! Well, if you're like me, you can't wait to start!
Here's the very very simple dummy proof recipe!
*Rosemary leaf facial/body scrub
Ingredients
- Rosemary leaves
- aloe juice
- a tbs of olive oil (to provide slip)
How to:-
Blend dried Rosemary leaves into a smooth powder. Take out the amount you need for a scrub for your face and/or body
Add aloe juice until a paste is formed.
Mix in olive oil to provide slip.
Application:-
Apply paste to previously washed skin.
Using finger tips, scrub gently in a circular motion concentrating on rough, acne prone areas.
Leave on for 15 mins. Then rinse with warm water.
Tip: Sometimes I leave the paste on and steam my face for 5mins to allow the goodies seep in before rinsing with cold water.
Some days, I'll add some blended oat into the mix. It helps soften and calm my skin and keeps my skin matte for longer after rinsing.
If you run out of rosemary leaves,thyme leaves are also good. They share some phytochemicals such as rosmarinic acid.
PS. Scrubs are physical exfoilants and if used aggressively can cause micro tears in your skin.
I suggest doing it once a week or once every second week.
Don't forget to do a patch test in case of allergies. We aren't trying to create drama :)
PS. Scrubs are physical exfoilants and if used aggressively can cause micro tears in your skin.
I suggest doing it once a week or once every second week.
Don't forget to do a patch test in case of allergies. We aren't trying to create drama :)
There you have it! A perfect scrub for acne prone skin.
You can thank me later! Testimonies will be welcomed!
Till I spill again,
Live Beautifully. Naturally.
Hadassah.
3 comments
Hi! I'd really love to try this homemade concoction.. i have oily skin and am having quite a difficult time looking for NATURAL ingredients to help reduce the oiliness. Keeping my fingers crossed! Best regards :)
ReplyDeleteUhm, you said fresh rosemary leaves are hard to find in Nigeria. How then do you get yours, please?
ReplyDeleteUhm, you said in this post that Fresj rosemary leaves are hard to find in Nigeria. How then do you get yours, please?
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