Christmas is just around the corner, so we at ViaBuff wanted to share our latest idea for a Christmas-themed DIY face mask. Combining ingredients from some of our favorite holiday foods, this DIY mask is sure to leave your skin feeling smooth and looking radiant. For the best results we suggest leaving the mixture on for 10-15 minutes.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. Cocoa Powder
2 tsp. Pistachio Oil
2 tsp. Flaxseed Oil
3 tbsp. Colloidal Oatmeal
1 tsp. Ginger
½ cup of warm water
Cocoa Powder
Unfortunately, there is little evidence regarding topically-applied cocoa powder. However, there is ample evidence to suggest that cocoa’s multiple polyphenols can offer photoprotection when applied topically and ingested. There is also evidence that cocoa polyphenols can positively affect skin elasticity and prevent UV-induced skin wrinkling. When applied-topically, cocoa polyphenols have also treated oxidative damage from UV over-exposure (Nutrients, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity).
Pistachio Oil and Flaxseed Oil
Aside from being nutrient-packed and flavorful additions to many holiday recipes, pistachio and flaxseed oils can also do a great deal for your skin When used in combination, pistachio and flaxseed oils were found to promote wound healing. Pistachio is also believed to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects on wounds, while its numerous antioxidants and essential oils are believed to promote more speedy wound healing. Even better, topically-applied flaxseed oil has demonstrated a propensity in increasing collagen content, skin breaking strength, and the rate of contraction in wounded skin (Comparative Clinical Pathology, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine).
Colloidal Oatmeal
We love eating oatmeal raisin cookies during the holidays, but it turns out this common ingredient can do wonders for your skin. Colloidal oatmeal has repeatedly demonstrated its prowess as an anti-inflammatory agent that can soothe dry, itchy skin (including conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis!). It is believed that colloidal oatmeal can treat dry, cracked skin by moisturizing the skin and repairing the skin barrier, among other activities. Various studies have also found that colloidal oatmeal possesses anti-viral, anti-fungal, and photoprotective activity when used topically, suggesting that colloidal oatmeal is a great ingredient for most skin types (Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology).
Ginger
Ginger isn’t limited to making gingerbread cookies; evidence suggests that topically-applied ginger exhibits pain-relieving effects. Specifically, ginger has been shown to relieve pain from osteoarthritis. Even better, gingerol, a constituent of ginger, has demonstrated anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity in mice models (Journal of Holistic Nursing, Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd Edition). While osteoarthritis typically occurs in one’s joints, it would not be unreasonable to believe that ginger may be able to alleviate general skin pain, such as from bruising or injury.