Recently I’ve noticed how uneven my skin appears. I haven’t changed my diet much, so I am just going to blame the complexity of my skin on the cold weather and lack of sun to ignite my vitamin D (just a hunch, I have no scientific backing*). Anyway, this led me to do some research on natural ways to even and brighten my skin, while also tightening my pores. What I found was the Bentonite-clay, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar mask. I’ve been trying it for two weeks and I am noticing a difference, so I figured I’d share this simple goodness with you all.

Bentonite clay has numerous uses including detoxifying the body, treating bone fractures, insect bites, rashes, pimples, foot soaks, and more. It makes an excellent base for a face and body mask, it shrinks pores, tones, tightens, and removes impurities.

Turmeric, (such a magical lil spice!) helps to diminish wrinkles, exfoliates, evens skin tone, and brightens the skin. It’s anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties make it an effective treatment for pimples. (I’ve read there are benefits from ingesting it as well. There’s a tea and a “golden milk” recipe, which I will experiment with next week. Stay tuned!)

Apple cider vinegar is just as magical as the other two ingredients. It can be used as a toner for natural acne treatment, helps diminish dark spots, and firms & tightens skin. There are also great detoxifying benefits from ingesting it, but that is for another post.

Together Bentonite-clay, turmeric, and ACV make the perfect face mask! Here's what you will need to get started.

Recipe:

¼ teaspoon of powdered organic turmeric
1 tablespoon of Bentonite aztec clay
1 ½ tablespoons of organic (with the mother) apple cider vinegar (I used Bragg's)

Tools:

Small glass or plastic bowl with lid
Plastic or wooden spoon

Pour all the dry ingredients first then the ACV. Mix well with a wooden or plastic spoon. Do not use metal. Apply evenly to face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip area. BEWARE: You will look like Jim Carrey in the Mask, but it's only temporary. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Place a lid on the mixture and refrigerate the rest, it last for approx. 4 days. While the mask is drying, It will become tight and you may feel it pulsating, this is normal. Also, your face might be a little red afterwards. Sometimes the redness lasts up to an hour so this isn’t a good idea to use right before a special event.

Wet your face with warm water, once the clay starts to loosen I massage it off gently with my hands to slightly exfoliate, but continue to wet your face with water (do not scrub your face off!) Use a towel to gently help remove residue. This mask leaves my face a little dry afterwards, so I moisturize with a mixture of avocado, olive, and tea tree oils.

I use this mask two times a week and it leaves my face soft, smooth and glowing! Enjoy!

DIY BEAUTY: CLAY, TURMERIC, & ACV FACE MASK