Doesn’t it just feel good to treat yourself now and then? For me, I don’t need much – just a cozy blanket, candlelight, a good book, and some quiet time. Oh, and of course a good DIY face mask to treat my skin while I relax! There’s just nothing better! 

There’s something relaxing about making my own face mask, too. It makes me feel so good to use natural ingredients. And it’s easy! Most of the time, I already have everything I need to make a DIY mask at home.

I love this chamomile face mask in particular, because it soothes my skin and is rich in nutrients. To make this recipe at home, you’ll need chamomile tea, honey, and nutritional yeast – and that’s it! Here’s how these ingredients work to benefit your skin:

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is the perfect bedtime companion. While chamomile is typically known for its soothing and calming effects, it has even more benefits than you might think. Specifically, when it comes to the health of our skin, recent studies have suggested that drinking chamomile tea offers protection against inflammation!

In one study, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune inflammatory condition, experienced reduced inflammation after drinking chamomile tea. Those who did not drink the tea did not experience the same benefits. [1] This study, and others, have led us to believe that chamomile can benefit the skin with it’s anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, chamomile is rich in antioxidants, which means that it can protect the skin and body against oxidative damage. 

Honey

I love honey! I have it on hand at all times, which comes in handy when I want to make a face mask. Honey is a common ingredient you’ll see in DIY face masks because of its beneficial and therapeutic properties! It can benefit our skin in a few ways.

First, it is thought that honey has antimicrobial properties, which means it inhibits the growth of bacteria on our skin. Honey has been used for centuries for the purpose of healing and preventing infection. And now, there is research to demonstrate that this may have some merit. [1] This is why we can benefit from adding honey to our face masks – limiting the growth of bacteria on our face can help prevent breakouts!

Like chamomile, honey also is thought to offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. [2] This can be beneficial for acne-prone and inflammation-prone skin types.  Yet another reason why honey is a great ingredient for face masks! 

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is not an ingredient you see often in DIY skin masks, but it should be! It is absolutely packed with nutrients, and is a popular choice among vegans and vegetarians for this reason. Many of the nutrients that you might find lacking in a plant-based diet, you can find in nutritional yeast!

Additionally, it is rich in B vitamins, which are essential for our metabolism, as well as the health of our hair, skin and nails! Just one serving of nutritional yeast provides:

• 830% DV of vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• 780% DV of vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• 350% DV of vitamin B3 (niacin)
• 680% DV of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• 1000% DV of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) [4]

A reminder that % DV means percentage of the Daily Value of a nutrient. This number is based on the needs of an average individual, and is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on the individual, you may need more or less than the % Daily Value, but it can be a helpful reference point!

So, now let’s get to the fun part and make this face mask!

You’ll need to measure out:

• 2 bags of chamomile tea
• 1 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of nutritional yeast

To make this mask, start by brewing a cup of tea with the two teabags. Allow the tea to cool completely. Then, you’ll want to mix together the honey and nutritional yeast, before slowly adding some of the cooled tea. You’ll want to add enough so that it creates a thin paste, but isn’t entirely watery. Leave on your skin for 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water!

And there you have it, the perfect, soothing face mask to treat yourself and nourish your skin. Give it a try! Oh, and I’d love it if you’d send me a picture of your best mask selfie at info@everbella.com. Happy relaxing!

Citations

1. Pirouzpanah S, Mahboob S, Sanayei M, Hajaliloo M, Safaeiyan A. The effect of chamomile tea consumption on inflammation among rheumatoid arthritis patients: randomized clinical trial. Progr Nutr [Internet]. 2017 Oct. 23 [cited 2021 Nov. 3];19(1-S):27-33. Available from: https://www.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/progressinnutrition/article/view/5171
2. Mandal, Manisha Deb, and Shyamapada Mandal. “Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity.” Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine vol. 1,2 (2011): 154-60. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6 
3. Samarghandian, Saeed et al. “Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research.” Pharmacognosy research vol. 9,2 (2017): 121-127. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.204647
4. “Fooddata Central Search Results.” FoodData Central, https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1991802/nutrients.

Are you tired of trying to find an all natural face scrub that leaves your skin and face feeling amazing?

I was too!

Until I discovered this amazing do-it-yourself face scrub!

And the best part…

I ALREADY had all the ingredients!

How perfect is that?

You might have them too!

They are pretty common ingredients…

Honey & Apple Face Scrub Recipe

• 1 peeled and pitted apple (apple can be anything of your choice – I like to use red delicious personally)
• ½  teaspoon of jojoba oil
• ½  teaspoon of raw-warmed honey

And that’s it! 

If you don’t have these, you can find them at your local health store or even your local farmer’s market. I am all about supporting local farmer’s and I always stock up when I am there! Supporting small business owners PLUS getting all natural foods is a win-win! And, I must say… Local honey is so much better than store bought.

Okay, so let’s move on to making this scrub!

And don’t worry, it is actually SUPER easy.

But before we jump into making the ingredients…

I want to tell you WHY this scrub is so fabulous!

And of course, the secret always lies in the ingredients.

Honey 

Honey is one of nature’s best skin remedies and has been used for years for skin health! This is due to its antibacterial and antiseptic abilities. So, it can benefit oily and acne prone skin.

Honey is also a natural humectant, which means that it works to seal your skin with a protective barrier to keep it from losing moisture. It will keep the skin moist but not too oily!

Apples

Then we have apples! Apple’s antioxidant properties can prevent cell and tissue damage. Studies have shown that apples contain abundant amounts of elastin and collagen that help keep the skin young. The antioxidants in apples work to accelerate skin cell rejuvenation and help maintain healthy and glowing skin.

Apples are also rich in vitamins A, B complex and C which promote healthy skin by helping get rid of pathogens and excess oil.

Jojoba Oil

And last but not least, jojoba oil. If you have never used jojoba oil, you are missing out!

Jojoba oil contains high levels of vitamin E. And, vitamin E works with your skin as an antioxidant. 

Jojoba oil can help your skin fight oxidative stress caused by everyday exposure to pollutants and other toxins.

And if you are worried about having sensitive skin, worry not! Unlike other botanical essential oils, jojoba oil is typically non irritating for skin. 

It also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which when used topically, may help relieve dry, flaking and itchy skin.

How to Make the Facial Scrub 

So now you know HOW this scrub will benefit you and your skin…

Let’s dive into making it!

• First, puree the apple in a food processor until it’s smooth but not runny.
• Then, warm the honey so it’s easier to mix.
• Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
• Apply the scrub in circular motions to your face for 30 to 60 seconds (if you have remaining mixture, put it into a container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days)
• Allow the scrub to sit on your skin for 5 minutes 
• Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
• Apply your favorite moisturizer 

And, voila! Your skin looks and feels fabulous.

How could you not love how easy that was and only 3 ingredients!

Try it out, you won’t regret it!

Resources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257702/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/

https://www.healthline.com/health/honey-for-face#:~:text=Honey%20is%20one%20of%20nature’s,the%20skin%20without%20replacing%20it.