This Flower Extract Could Be The Answer Your Inflamed Skin Has Been Hoping For
Red, irritated skin isn’t just embarrassing—it can actually cause long-term damage. When skin is inflamed, production of nitric oxide increases, a phenomenon known to cause cell mutations and DNA damage. And while you can disguise ruddiness instantly with carefully chosen concealer, actually tackling inflammation starts at the cellular level. New research suggests that cherry blossom extract could be the answer your inflamed skin has been waiting for.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, cherry blossom extract helps prevent the production of nitric oxide. Forty study participants saw skin-calming results using a cherry blossom extract cream; after 9 days, those who treated irritated skin with the cream were markedly less inflamed than those who tried a placebo.
Cherry blossom extract can be found in everything from cleansers to facial masks, but products that stay on your skin longer, like creams and serums, may offer more benefits. Try Lierac Comfort Mask equitance Brightening Serum + Spot Corrector and Lierac Hydra-Chrono+ Intense Rehydrating Balm all of which list cherry blossom extract among their ingredients. A word to the wise though: be wary of products that have "cherry blossom" in their name—they’re more likely to contain a cocktail of fragrances than the real thing.
7 New Uses For Pumpkin Oil
Pumpkin seed oil is carving out a place for itself in the kitchen-to-beauty scene, even as the coconut craze continues.
It turns out, the cold-pressed oil from pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas) has an enthusiastic following among natural beauty and wellness mavens who are drizzling it over their salads, smoothing it on their skin, and washing up with it in the shower—and loving it for its nutrient-packed qualities.
So, what can pumpkin seed oil do for your looks? Well, potentially a lot. It's rich in vitamin A and E, zinc, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants, says Anna Urban, founder of Aviva Hair Revitalizer, which makes a hair supplement that’s loaded with the oil.
Pumpkin seed oil is more commonly infused into natural beauty products, than applied on its own topically, but its benefits in these concoctions are no short of amazing (think: the opposite of pumpkin pie).
DIY beauty
Stroll down the anti-aging aisle at any drugstore and you'll quickly see how easy it is to spend a small fortune on lotions and potions aimed at minimizing wrinkles and sagging. But before you empty your wallet, open your refrigerator—you probably already have many of the ingredients you need to whip up your own anti-aging masks, scrubs, and creams at home.
Not only are ingredients like fruit, dairy, and nuts packed with youth-boosting antioxidants and acids, but unlike commercial skin-care products, which are fortified with vitamins that lose potency over time, fresh foods provide active vitamins that your skin can make use of right away. And it's easy, too: If you can make a smoothie, you can make the following treatments. Just remember that these recipes should be stored and handled like fresh food: Unused portions should be refrigerated and discarded within one week.
Rice Milk Cleanser
Rice is a traditional ingredient in Japanese skin care that's rich in vitamin E and helps exfoliate and smooth skin. This cleanser can be moistened with plain water, but rice milk is a better choice because it adds a hit of retinol-building vitamin A and protective calcium to the mix.
¼ c brown rice flour (or rice bran flour)
2–3 Tbsp unsweetened organic rice milk
MIX the brown rice flour with rice milk to form a smooth paste.
MASSAGE the mixture onto the skin in a slow, circular motion. Rinse with tepid water and follow with toner and moisturizer.
Cucumber Aloe Cold Cream
Your skin gets drier (and duller) with age, but this super-hydrating cream can keep it looking radiant with hydrating aloe vera, brightening fresh lemon, and the yogurt's exfoliating lactic acid.
½ c plain organic Greek yogurt
¼ c cucumber, chopped and seeded
¼ c aloe flesh, peeled and chopped
½ lemon, juiced
LINE a mesh strainer with a few layers of cheesecloth and set it over a bowl. Puree the ingredients in a blender or food processor, then pour into the strainer. Cover the bowl, and place in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or as long as overnight. Transfer the thickened yogurt mixture to a clean bowl. The leftover liquid can be discarded or mixed with rice flour or almond meal to create a quick facial scrub.
APPLY a thick layer of the cream to your face and leave on for up to 30 minutes. Remove the mask with a moistened washcloth, and follow with toner.
Blueberry Granola Exfoliating Mask
Antioxidant-rich blueberries and raw almonds—packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E—are the base for this beauty-boosting mask and scrub combo. Whole oats are included for their anti-inflammatory properties, while fresh milk and honey help cleanse and brighten skin.
¼ c fresh organic blueberries
¼ c raw almonds
2 Tbsp whole oats
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp whole organic milk
COMBINE ingredients in blender or food processor and puree until smooth, adding additional milk if necessary.
APPLY generously to moistened skin and let dry for 20 minutes. Gently massage the mixture in a slow, circular motion until it crumbles away. Rinse with tepid water, then follow with toner. Use weekly.
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