How to make natural edible face masks {VIDEO}

I’m in love with a good homemade edible face mask. They’re easy to make, devoid of harmful chemicals, cheap, and fun to make. Plus, they feel luxurious and I love how my skin looks and feels afterwards.

Growing up with acne, I was always extremely self-conscious about my skin. I wanted nothing more but to have clear skin, and devoted a lot of my mental space to trying to figure out the cure for my acne. Within weeks of becoming vegan my skin began to clear up (no more acne causing dairy), and I could finally stop worrying about inopportune breakouts. Of course, my skin isn’t perfect now. I do my best to reduce my stress, eat well, and treat my skin with TLC daily.

Once a week I’ll make a face mask, or three, to help repair the damage done throughout the week, reduce my skin’s inflammation, and keep it looking young and fresh. These are the masks I love to use, and that help me keep my skin glowing.

Cocoa Coffee Scrub & Mask

This rich and fragrant scrub removes dead skin cells and helps to even your skin tone. The antioxidants found in coffee and cocoa (and cacao) powder help to repair free-radical damage, prevent acne, and reduce inflammation. It works on the entire body! Apply this mask on very clean skin, giving it a scrub as you cover your face/body with it. Allow the mask to work for about 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. As you rinse the mask off, make sure to scrub it into your skin to exfoliate. Warning, this mask is messy. Excess mask will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days. Use 2-3 times a week.

1 tbsp coffee grinds (freshly ground or left over)
1 tsp cocoa powder, preferably raw cacao powder for more antioxidants
¼ tsp sea salt
1 tbsp maple syrup

Stir ingredients together, and apply to clean skin. Let sit on skin for 10 minutes, then gently scrub into skin before rinsing it off completely.

Papaya Turmeric Mask

Delicious tropical papaya makes a great snack and it is wonderful for your skin. When eaten, the enzymes in this fruit help with digestion; and when applied to the skin, it helps to even out your complexion and remove dead skin cells. Turmeric is a star at reducing inflammation, and contributing to a healthy glow. It’s really good at drying out zits too. The lemon in this mask helps to reduce dark marks from acne scarring. Use this mask every 1-2 weeks to create smooth and even skin. If you have sensitive skin, spot treat this mask before using it on your entire face.

Eat fresh papaya regularly to aid in healthy digestion, which will in turn improve your skin and overall health.

2 tbsp ripe papaya, freshly mashed
¼ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Mash the ingredients together in a small bowl, and apply to clean skin. Let sit on skin for 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm.

Aloe Matcha Mask

This mask is the most soothing and repairing, especially after using the enzyme rich papaya turmeric mask. It is also perfect for after sun exposure and hot sweaty days. Aloe vera is moisturizing and helps to reduce inflammation. Matcha green tea is high in antioxidants and other enriching phytonutrients. Like the other masks, this one can be used all over your body.

¼ cup fresh aloe vera pulp
¼ tsp matcha green tea powder, or ground up green tea leaves

Blend the aloe and matcha powder in a coffee grinder or small food processor, until smooth. Apply to skin. Allow to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Have you tried making an edible face mask at home? What’s your favorite face mask recipe?