Fresh Fruit Smoothie Facial

With the return of Spring in our corner of the world comes the return of fresh produce.  Hot house fruits are OK, but nothing compares to spring and summer fruit for flavor and texture.  While you are slicing up fruit salads and drinking smoothies, take some time to treat your skin as well.  The following recipe can be used with almost any fresh fruit, mashed or pureed.  This basic mixture of Honey, Oatmeal, Kaolin, and Almond Flour creates a cleansing, skin soothing base, perfect for a facial.

Facial Smoothie Base
1/8 cup Honey Powder
1/8 cup White Kaolin Clay
1/8 cup Almond Flour
1/4 Cup Coarse Oatmeal

Mix the dry ingredients together and store them in an airtight container.  When you are ready to make a facial, puree about 1 tablespoon of fresh fruit and mix it with 2 tablespoons of the Facial Smoothie Base, and 1 tablespoon of Plain Yogurt.  You may need to add a little more or less of each ingredient to achieve a nice texture, depending on the fruit you choose.  To enhance your Facial, try adding a few drops of a corresponding Fruit or Berry Seed Oil.  You can use the facial as a mask or a fresh scrub.  Choose the fruit for your facial based on your skin type and the desired benefit.  Here is a quick overview of some of my favorite fresh fruits to use in facials.

Banana
Banana is packed with skin loving nutrients including Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, and Vitamins A, B, E, and F.  They can have a nourishing, and revitalizing effect on the skin, and are suitable for most skin types.

Mango
This tropical fruit contains a bounty of goodies for the skin, including a hefty dose of retinol.  Retinol can help to increase skin's elasticity,making it great for anti-aging treatments.  Retinol has a tendency to degrade when added to finished skin care products, making the use of a fresh ingredient, such as mango, a rare opportunity to enjoy the benefit of Retinol.  Mango also includes plenty of Vitamin A, B, and C.  Vitamin C is another nutrient that is great for the skin, and best used when fresh.

Strawberry
The potent alpha hydroxy acid contained in Strawberries make them an excellent cleanser.  These acids help to remove dead skin cells gently, without intense scrubbing or scouring.  Strawberry Facials can leave skin fresh and bright.  They may even help to reduce puffiness and acne.

Peach
Peaches also contain alpha hydroxy acids, as well as a nice portion of Vitamins A and C.  The juice and flesh from these fuzzy gems are great for toning and balancing the skin.  Like Strawberries, they can help with acne, puffiness, and clogged pores.

Guava
An effective astringent, Guava can help to cleanse skin, dissolve sebum, and unclog pores.  Guava contains  Vitamins A, B, and C, as well as a good amount of potassium.  This helps guava to tone, brighten, and enhance the look of the skin, making it a great facial ingredient.

Avocado
Deeply moisturizing and soothing, Avocados are perfect for dry, sensitive skin.  Avocados contain healthy fats that are great for your body as well as your skin.