Mask 1:
This mask’s slight bleaching action helps even skin tone and leaves skin with a wonderful glow. The papaya and pineapple help to dissolve and lift away dry scaly skin, which, over time, can build up on your skin and leave a dull appearance.
Recommended for: all skin types except sensitive, irritated, sunburned, or windburned skin.
Use: 1 time per week
Follow with: moisturizer
Prep time: 10 to 15 minutes
Blending tools: mortar and pestle or small bowl and fork
Do not store; mix as needed
Yield: 1 treatment for Mask 1; 1 treatment for Mask 2
1/4 cup freshly mashed raw papaya
1 teaspoon fresh, raw pineapple juice (optional)
Using a mortar and pestle or a small bowl and fork, mash the papaya and combine with the pineapple juice (if available and desired) until the two are thoroughly mixed and a smooth paste is formed.
Application tips: Gently pat this juicy pulp onto the face and neck with your fingers, then lie down for 15 to 20 minutes with a towel around your head and behind your neck - the product can be a bit runny. Your face will probably tingle during this time but you can relax; it just means the natural fruit acids are working. After 20 minutes, rinse.
After using Mask 1, apply Everyone’s Basic Clay Mask, using strong sage or rosemary tea or an infusion made with 1 teaspoon of herb in place of the cream, milk, or water as the liquid to mix with the clay. Note: If your skin is especially sensitive or irritated, use milk or cream as the mixing liquid.
Application tips: Apply as directed in the recipe. Those with dry skin can apply a thin layer of moisturizer before proceeding with the clay mask. All skin types should apply moisturizer after this mask. After you’ve finished, your face will look smoother and more refined.
Mask 2: Everyone’s Basic Clay Mask
All clay masks gently exfoliate as they tighten, stimulate circulation, and soften the skin. Because you can customize it for your skin type, this mask is gentle enough for anyone.
Recommended for: all skin types
Use: 1 or 2 times per week
Follow with: moisturizer
Prep time: approximately 5 minutes
Blending tools: small bowl, spoon or tiny whisk
Store in: do not store; mix as needed
Yield: 1 treatment
1 tablespoon white clay
Cream (for dry skin), milk (low fat or whole; for normal skin), or water (for oily skin)
In a small bowl, combine the clay with enough of the appropriate liquid (determined by your skin type) to form a smooth, spreadable paste. Stir with a small spoon or whisk to remove any lumps.
Application tips: Using fingers, spread paste onto the face, neck, and décolleté (if desired), and allow to dry completely for 20 to 30 minutes, preferably while you are lying down. The mask will seemingly lift and tighten the skin. Rinse.
(Excerpted from Organic Body Care Recipes © by Stephanie Tourles. Used with permission from Storey Publishing.)
