Coconuts are pretty marvelous. They can hydrate us with their water, nourish and balance the skin with their oil, and even feed us with their meat. If you think about it, coconuts are sort of like the buffalo of natural skin care. We can use just about every part. Even the hull can be dried and ground for use as an exfoliating scrub.
This simple recipe combines the ever versatile coconut with a few drops of rose essential oil, a legendary ingredient for natural skin care. Rose can help balance the skin and is well-loved for nurturing mature skin. When combined with the hydrating, but slightly astringent properties of coconut water you get a masque that offers a gentle dose of moisture without going overboard.
I don't know about you, but my skin tends to feel a little more oily than usual during summer months. That extra oil combined with sweat and grime from even the shortest outdoor jaunt can leave my skin itchy, red, and irritated. Giving it a nice healthy cleanse can really help get it back to feeling happy and refreshed. Coconut flour can also act as a gentle exfoliant – another property that can come in handy while caring for rough summer skin.
As usual, follow this masque with a toner (I love this one) whenever you can. A moisturizer is only necessary if you feel like your skin was over-dryed at all by the coconut oil. If you aren't sure whether or not to use one, just let your skin dry for a few minutes before making up your mind. If it feels soft and happy, you probably don't need one. If it feels tight or itchy, give yourself a little splash of something nourishing like your favorite cream or a few drops of rose hip seed oil. If you use this masque during the day be sure to apply a fresh coat of spf before going outside!
Rose & Coconut Facial Masque
makes one servingIngredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil
- 2-5 drops rose essential oil
- 2 – 4 teaspoons coconut water, unsweetened
Directions
Mi the coconut flour, coconut oil, essential oil, and 2 teaspoons of coconut water together in a small bowl. Stir well, then add additional coconut water, if needed, to reach a thick, smooth texture, similar to cookie dough.
To Use
Apply the masque liberally to clean, moistened skin. Allow the masque to set and dry for up to thirty minutes before rinsing. To use as a scrub, massage the masque in a slow, circular motion as it is rinsed away. Follow with toner. Follow with moisturizer if needed. Refrigerate any leftover masque for up to five days.