Herbal Face Masks to Transform Your Beauty Routine

Years ago, my skin was unhappy. There were oily patches on my T-zone, a break-out would disappear only to be followed by another, and an overall sensitivity was a constant issue. No matter how persistently I cleared my skin and took care of whatever came up, a waxy build-up in the pores would appear overnight.

Cosmetologists and dermatologists were telling me that nothing could be done because that was how my skin was and that’s why there was make-up—to cover it all up. This didn’t sound true to me because it wasn’t. Covering my skin with make-up reminded me of a decaying wall-to-wall carpet on the floor covered up with a shinier one on top.

And here I am now, with perfect skin and no make-up. The above issues were permanently resolved, proving that what I was experiencing and being told by numerous dermatologists and cosmetologists was not true. How did I transform my skin? I am here to share with you what I learned so that you can transform your beauty forever with absolute ease and certainty.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and it envelopes us, inside and out. As true as this is, there are deeper secrets to the skin. Your skin accurately represents the state of inner innate joy that you allow or disallow yourself to experience. Are you allowing the inner joy to be expressed within you, through you, and for you? Or have you unconsciously shut it down and become completely unaware of its existence?

And when you express joy, the glow of your inner harmony is reflected on your skin, making it look and feel young, beautiful, vital, nourished, and happy. And since skin cells renew continuously and quickly, your skin has the potential to look and feel young and perfect all the time.

Enhance Your Beauty

These easy steps can help you relax and prepare for the deep and uplifting experience that a face mask can bring.

• Make life easier, simpler, and more enjoyable.
• Question the contribution of things in your life and eliminate those that don’t support you.
• Focus on your breathing and notice how you feel. Breathe in your favorite aroma, pause for a moment allowing it to infuse you, then let your breath out. Notice the lightness of your being. Feel the pleasure of it. Keep breathing and focusing on being in the present moment.

Now you are ready to choose and create an easy and simple face mask that can deliver pleasure and health to your whole being. Remember that how you feel shows up on your skin. If you are under stress and feel pressured for time, you will benefit more from just relaxing and focusing on your breathing while being present in the now, instead of forcing yourself to prepare and put on a face mask. You have the innate ability to transform any energy to your advantage.

Chickpea and Triphala Mask

One of the best formulas to support natural beauty is triphala. It benefits your skin and beyond when you use the tablets or powder internally. And it adds benefits to your skin externally when added to a mask.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chickpea flour
• ¼ teaspoon triphala powder
• ⅛ teaspoon turmeric* (optional)
• 1–2 tablespoons plain kefir made from non-homogenized whole milk, or whole milk plain yogurt.

Directions:

Wash your face.

Add all ingredients together and, with your fingers, mix and apply on your face.

Lay down and relax for 5–10 minutes. You can listen to a favorite meditation or soothing sound while relaxing. You can also take this time to listen to yourself and truly hear what is best for you at this moment, and what will deliver maximum benefits.

Wash the mask off with clean water at a temperature that feels pleasant. Rinse your skin with cold water at the end. Gently dry your face and moisturize.

*Note that turmeric can temporarily stain the skin.

I use this mask instead of a body wash when I take a shower, and my skin loves it! It is also my favorite thing to use in the shower after abhyanga.

Manjistha and Mung Bean Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons mung bean flour
• 1 teaspoon manjistha* powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric* powder
• 2–3 tablespoons organic whole milk

Directions:

Add all ingredients together and mix into a thin paste with your fingers. Apply evenly to your face and allow the mask to set for 5–10 minutes.

Remove the mask by rinsing with warm water, using a cloth when necessary. Be sure to moisturize after removing the mask.

*Note that turmeric and manjistha can temporarily stain the skin.

When you take your constitution into account, as well as the current state of your being and skin, plus the season, you can personalize your mask by choosing ingredients and recipes that are appropriate for you.

Which Herb is Right for You

Amalaki is a natural antioxidant that supports the collagen and elasticity of the skin. It is also a rejuvenative that nourishes the tissues and gently removes natural toxins. It is especially balancing for pitta.

Bibhitaki is one of the best herbs for detoxifying and rejuvenating kapha. It is a natural agent that supports increased micro-circulation into the deeper layers of the skin. It also supports a natural flush of the sweat glands and detoxifies the skin.

Haritaki is a natural toner that supports the ability to flush toxins from the deeper layers of the inner skin. It is also known for rejuvenating and nourishing the tissues. It is best for vata.

Healthy Skin Tablets offer support for skin that is radiant and clear. You can take it internally as a tablet, or crush it into a powder and add it to your beauty masks.

Remember: the simpler and easier you make everything, the more pleasant and rewarding it is for you. Avoid burdening yourself with complicated routines or stressing over difficult to find ingredients. Complications create physiological stress within your cells which shows up on your skin and affects you in all areas and aspects of your being and your life.

Tips

• For enhanced vata benefits: add ½ teaspoon of raw organic honey and ½ teaspoon of olive oil to your mask.
• For enhanced pitta benefits: add ¼ teaspoon dried neem or mint leaves to your mask.
• For enhanced kapha benefits: add 1 teaspoon raw organic honey with ½ teaspoon lemon juice to your mask.

Remember that it is essential for you to relax, breathe, and enjoy yourself. The most powerful beauty routine is being in a constant state of equanimity.