Author: Angela J. Buckley
What better time of the year to use the antioxidant rich ingredients of chocolate and coffee in your skin care than Valentine’s Day? Capture the power of these rich ingredients to exfoliate and protect your skin with antioxidants. The darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants it has, so when choosing cocoa powder, darker is better. Multiple research studies have shown coffee to be the leading source of antioxidants in most American and European diets.It is full of polyphenols, a powerful type of antioxidant. When selecting coffee for your skin care, choose organically grown, locally roasted, unflavored coffee.
The following scrub and mask contain chocolate and coffee as their source of antioxidants. Following these recipes and the instructions will leave you with a sweet and glowing face. I recommend you prepare the scrub and mask before beginning your wash.
Wash
Begin with a natural bar of soap to wash your face. Lather the soap and rub your face gently using circular motions that are upward and away from the mouth. Rinse with warm water and pat dry using a clean towel.
Scrub
Apply the scrub to damp skin using gentle upward circling motions. Avoid such delicate areas as the eye. Focus on problem areas such as the T-zone. Feel free to use this gentle scrub on the neck and chest area as well. Rinse well using warm water and pat dry.
Mask
While your face is still warm from the scrub, apply the mask. Using your fingertips, apply the mask liberally to face and neck area. Wait while the mask begins to dry. When you begin to feel the tightening of the mask, it’s time to rinse again with warm water. Pat dry and follow up with your preferred toner and moisturizer.
Coffee Scrub
2 T. finely ground organic coffee beans (espresso level grinding is best so as not to scratch)
1 T. organic sugar or fine sea salt
2 T. organic almond oil
Mix ingredients together in a bowl, let sit for 5 – 10 minutes to allow the beans to seep into the oil.
Chocolate Mask
¼ cup organic yogurt
2 T. honey
1 T. organic chocolate powder, dark.
2 T oat flour (using blender to ground oats)
1 vitamin E capsule
Crush the capsule so the Vit. E is added to the yogurt. Discard the capsule. Add the remaining ingredients, stir and let it rest for 15 minutes. If the yogurt is very runny, add up to 1 T more chocolate powder and 1-2 T oat flour to absorb moisture and ease application.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/sweet-complexion-for-valentines-day-4031819.html
About the Author
Angela is the founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Celtic Naturals. As a mother, trained engineer and environmental enthusiast, she believes it is possible to be green and glam. She specializes in teaching others how to live toxin-free. Her blog topics range from green living to healthy cooking, from gardening to organic self-beauty tips. Please visit www.celticnaturals.com for toxic free skin care tips and products.
