– Estee Lauder In ancient Eastern medical practices such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the face reflects what’s going on internally. Yogis believe that the state of our skin is an indication of how well vital energy (prana) flows through our body. Radiant, glowing skin is a sign of healthy prana flow. Dryness, redness, puffiness, and blotchiness indicate prana flow can be improved and enhanced. The yogic principle of Saucha (cleanliness and purity) teaches us to practice yoga by keeping the layers of our bodies cleansed of impurities and blockages. We can apply Saucha to our beauty and skincare rituals so that vital energy can flow more freely through our channels (nadis), vessels, cells, tissues, and organs. One weekly ritual you can adopt is this luxurious and effective DIY anti-aging mask. Every ingredient has been selected by our Yogic Beauty editorial team for its cleansing, purifying, detoxifying, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. You may be familiar with the saying ‘as within, so without.’ Think of it like this… Our inner light (Jyotismati in Yoga), has the ability to shine through our skin and face (without) if we hydrate daily, eat cleanly and nourishingly, and make self-care a regular ritual. (within) You deserve to feel and look vibrant.

DIY Anti-aging Charcoal Face Mask with Youth-Enhancing Essential Oils

While ‘less is more’ is definitely a motto to live by, it doesn’t necessarily apply to your face or an anti-aging/youth conserving regimen. If you want to look your best, improve skin tone and elasticity, and increase glow then remember this: More is more. More of the right ingredients = more of the results you want.

Ingredients

Rhassoul Clay: This spa-quality clay comes from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and is the result of volcanic and geothermal processes. It’s been used for beauty and wellness purposes for 1,400 years particularly in Morocco and Turkish bathhouses. It’s highly alkaline and contains an abundance of minerals like silica, magnesium, iron, potassium, and sodium. It’s these earth-rich minerals that give the clay its therapeutic properties:

Hydrating Balances skin pH levels Exfoliating Detoxifying Balances skin tone Reduces acne Reduces dryness

Activated Coconut Charcoal: This type of charcoal comes from heating carbon-rich coconut shells in high temperatures which produces an ultra-fine black powder. Charcoal powder is extremely absorbent and has a well-known ability to draw and trap toxins, bacteria, and even heavy metals. Because of this, it’s particularly useful to purify and detox the skin and minimize enlarged pores. It can also help to treat acne, manage blackheads, reduce oiliness, and heal inflamed skin. Organic Raw Honey: When you pair clay with organic, raw honey you get a hydrating effect. The sugars in honey act as natural emollients, moisturizers, and humectants that increase the water content on your skin even after it’s been washed off. Quality honey is rich in antioxidants that fight skin inflammation, which accelerates aging. Honey also boosts collagen production, which helps your skin stay supple, plump, and elastic. It’s also antibacterial and antiseptic, which can help to remove bacteria from pores and prevent acne and infection. The active enzymes in raw honey act as a natural exfoliator that helps remove dead skin cells. Turmeric Powder: This vibrantly colored root is chock-full of anti-inflammatory agents and anti-aging antioxidants. It can help fight inflammation while increasing glow and youthfulness. Turmeric can also help to accelerate wound healing, relieve skin conditions like eczema, regulate oiliness, and clear out pores. Studies show that turmeric can also significantly reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation. (1) Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): ACV is rich in acetic and alpha-hydroxy acids that help clear the skin of bacteria, prevent pimples and acne, while also increasing cell turnover which translates to fewer wrinkles and age spots. ACV also soothes the skin and exfoliates it. What’s left is healthy, glowing new skin cells ready to be put on display. Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe juice is extremely hydrating and contains many antioxidants, enzymes, and Vitamins A &C that nourish skin cells for added glow. Aloe vera is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. It can accelerate skin regeneration, too. Ylang Ylang oil: Studies show that Ylang ylang is rich in antioxidants that help the skin regenerate and can even repair damaged skin. (2) This can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles. It can also promote wound healing and reduce scar appearance. Lavender oil: A 2013 study found that lavender oil’s potent antioxidant properties helped protect oxidative stress in the brain and this same mechanism helps reduce oxidative stress on the skin. (3) The higher the oxidative stress on the skin, the fast it ages so this protective effect may help lessen wrinkles over time too. Frankincense oil: Studies show that Frankincense can help reduce dark spots on the skin, reduce scar visibility, improve complexion, and can help skin cells regenerate. (4) This helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Recipe:

1 teaspoon Rhassoul clay 2 capsules of activated coconut charcoal 1 teaspoon raw honey ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 ½ teaspoon aloe vera juice ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder 1 drop ylang ylang essential oil 1 drop lavender essential oil 1 drop frankincense essential oil

For best results apply weekly. Note: This mask is meant for one-time use only. It’s best you make a fresh batch each time. REFERENCES : (1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843359/ (2) https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2015/896314/ (3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23351960 (4) http://www.znaturforsch.com/ac/v58c/s58c0230.pdf