DIY Skincare: Detox Clay Mask with Tremella Mushroom
It’s important to maintain a regular skin care routine as we age. That also includes you, gentlemen, this one isn’t just for the ladies!
We're all exposed to a barrage of toxins on a daily basis that can negatively impact our health. All the nasties floating in the air we breathe, in the environments we live and work, and the chemical laden foods we eat can all cause imbalances in the body. If we do not effectively manage the toxic influx that accumulates in our bodies, this will lead to impurities that can appear noticeably on the skin.
This simple do-it-yourself facial mask can help minimize the toxic overload that we’re exposed to, gently detoxify, and keep the skin looking younger, clean, smooth, well-hydrated, and without fine lines and blemishes.
All the ingredients in this recipe can be used internally and externally. We know that the whole body is connected, so what we put on our skin is equally as important as what we put in our mouth. The general rule is- If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.
5 Simple & Powerful Natural Ingredients:
Zeolites Detox Clay
Zeolites are a natural aluminosilicate zeolite mineral clay. This powerful detox superfood can help bind to toxins in the body and gently and safely remove them.
The strong negative charge and “honeycomb” structure of the zeolites have the ability to electro-magnetically trap and hold positively charged particles like heavy metals and other nasty toxins. Through a process known as cation exchange, zeolites can safely and gently remove these heavy metals and other contaminants through normal excretory processes, allowing the immune system to operate more efficiently.
Zeolites are a powerful antioxidant food that offers great benefits for the skin, hair, and nails, rich in trace minerals, and helps increase protein uptake, alkalinity, and immune support.
Zeolites also improve nutrient assimilation which helps drive the nutrition from the other ingredients in this recipe into the skin. This ultra-fine (micronized) powder is readily absorbed by the skin due to its small particle size.
Tremella Mushroom
Tremella mushroom is an ancient superfood mushroom famous for its beauty and skin-enhancing properties.
Tremella is an incredible youth-preserving mushroom that has the ability to rejuvenate, moisturize, and hydrate the skin naturally. Tremella contains unique polysaccharide compounds that show remarkable water retaining properties. Its water holding capacity is nearly 500 times its own weight. This makes Tremella one of the best natural hydrating superfoods for the skin.
For centuries, Chinese women have been consuming Tremella (internally and externally) in its whole mushroom form and as a mushroom extract to make their skin more moist, soft and pliable. Its recognized as one of the best tonic herbs to help maintain the health of the skin as the body ages.
In ancient China, Yang Guifei (719-756, Tang Dynasty) was one of the “Four Great Beauties”, an imperial concubine that is considered one of the most beautiful women in Chinese history. She was so beautiful that she was referred to as having “a face that would put flowers to shame.”
It was reported that Yang Guifei attributed Tremella mushroom to be the secret to her everlasting beauty. She used it regularly to maintain her glowing complexion and youthful skin.
Tremella’s potent skin and beauty benefits are often used in premium skincare brands including in anti-aging moisturizers, serums, and face masks to improve the health and appearance of the skin.
When applied topically, Tremella generates a natural hydration film on the skin that can help relieve dryness, support overall skin health by balancing optimal hydration and enabling the skin to develop elasticity and appear more supple and full.
Read more about the 'Ancient Beauty Secrets of Tremella mushroom' here.
Raw Honey
Honey has much potent skin cleansing and soothing benefits. It's a natural anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory superfood that promotes skin healing, hydration, and pH balancing. It’s important to use raw (unpasteurized) honey to maintain the beneficial bacteria where we derive much of the benefits from.
Lavender Oil
Lavender is one of the most popular and beneficial essential oils used in skincare. Lavender contains anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and immune boosting benefits. Plus, we all know how amazing and divine Lavender smells!
Spring Water
Make sure to use the best quality water you have available in this recipe. Natural spring water or distilled water (in glass) is best because they are free of contaminants. Avoid tap water if possible. We don't want to contribute to the chemical soup swimming underneath our skin causing all those outbreaks, do we! This is a detox mask after all.
Ingredients:
- 2 TB Zeolites Clay Powder
- 1 tsp Raw Honey
- 3/4 tsp Spring Water
- 1/2 tsp Tremella Mushroom extract powder
- 1 drop Lavender Essential Oil
Instructions:
- Add the Zeolites clay and Tremella mushroom into a small bowl.
- Mix in the raw honey and water with a wooden spoon (avoid silverware) to make a thick paste.
- Add 1 drop of lavender essential oil and continue stirring until it’s all thoroughly mixed together. Add more water if you'd prefer a thinner consistency.
- Apply the mask to your freshly washed face in a circular motion.
- Let the mask sit for 10-15 minutes or until it hardens.
- Wash off the mask with clean hot water and a wet cloth.
- Pat skin dry and follow up with your regular skincare routine.
- Enjoy your fresh and clean skin!
Use this clay mask monthly or more frequently depending on your skin type and desired health goals. Feel free to add any leftover paste to your smoothie.
Remember that poor skin health is a reflection of imbalances on the inside.
If we choose not to nourish our mind and body with a healthy diet (adequate sunlight, spring water, organic whole foods, tonic herbs, medicinal mushrooms, meditation, stress management practices, and exercise), the appearance of our skin will not look at its best.
Give your skin the best chance to look beautiful by optimizing your diet, lifestyle, and skincare routine to nourish and support its needs.
