Exfoliating Luscious Island Mask

Clear away dead skin and heal sun damage with a recipe from Whole Beauty that uses the gentle exfoliators found in tropical fruits.

 

I’ve been visiting Kauai since I was fifteen, and one of the first things I do when I land on that red, rich earth is go to the farmers’ market and pick out my pineapples, papayas, mangoes, coconuts, and lychees. They don’t last long in our house, but whatever we don’t eat, I use to make a mask, as the acids in these tropical fruits are gentle exfoliators that help clear away dead skin. And bromelain, an enzyme that’s derived from pineapples, is really good for reducing inflammation and healing sun damage. Papaya is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that reduce acne and redness, and also rich in flavonoids that are known to help reduce the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Mango possesses many of the same vitamins as papaya and also contains carotene, which replenishes skin and makes the tissue more elastic.

This mask recipe from Whole Beauty is so simple to make at home and utilizes the fresh fruits of the summer months. I love to sit with one of these masks on my face and feel my skin tingle as I bask in the feminine, Venus energy of a place ripe with beauty.

 

Exfoliating Luscious Island Mask

 

Ingredients

1/4 cup papaya or pineapple (pineapple is stronger and great to use for extra exfoliation)

1/4 cup plain yogurt

Directions

Mix the fruit and yogurt together in a bowl with a wooden spoon, using the back of the spoon to mash the fruit. It’s okay if there are some chunks Wash your face and pat it dry, then spread the mask on your fingers. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

Recommended Use

Once a month to leave your skin with a radiant glow.

For all skin types, though use caution if your skin is sensitive. Natural alpha-hydroxy acids and enzymes are safer than chemicals, but they can still cause irritation.

 

 

Excerpted from Whole Beauty by Shiva Rose (Artisan Books) Copyright © 2018. Photographs by Ngoc Minh Ngo.

Tags:all-natural, beauty, organic, recipe, skin