Fashion
9 Spices & Herbs That Are Good For Your Face
If you want clear, glowing skin, consider skipping the beauty aisle at the drugstore and head for your spice rack instead. I've scouted out all the best spices for good skin, and my list might surprise you. With a few simple DIY recipes, you can whip up easy exfoliators, masks, and more with these common kitchen items. And if DIY isn't your thing, you'll also find a slew of awesome natural beauty products featuring spices. #Win
Even though I'm all about DIY beauty concoctions, it's good to use a little caution when it comes to slathering something on your face. In an interview with CNN, dermatologist Dr. Doris Day pointed out a few spices to be extra careful with. She advised, "If you put pepper on your skin, you can burn your skin," so don't just follow every single Pinterest DIY you see no matter how good the photos are. When a face mask or scrub recipe includes ingredients like cayenne, chili, or chipotle powder, take extra caution and definitely don't rub your eyes while applying it!
The DIY spice facial recipes and products below should be gentle enough for anyone to use (shout out to all my fellow humans with sensitive skin!). But if you're nervous, you can always to a "patch test" by rubbing a bit of the product on your arm to make sure you don't have a negative reaction.
1. Clove
Cloves, $18.85, Spicy World Cloves
As shared in Whole Living, "[clove] as antimicrobial properties that make it an effective cleanser." Mix freshly ground clove into liquid castile soap for a gentle DIY face wash.
2. Ginger Root
Stylecaster recommended simply rubbing a piece of fresh cut ginger root across your face to even out skin and soothe inflammation from breakouts.
3. Paprika
Hot Paprika, $7.55, Szeged
For a quickie moisturizing face mask that evens out your skin, dermatologist Arisa Ortiz told Allure to mix a spoonful of paprika with honey to whip up an easy face mask.
4. Cinnamon
Organic Cinnamon, $4.38, iHerb
Thanks to its unique antioxidant properties, adding a little cinnamon to your face routine can help balance out oiliness.
5. Nutmeg
Organic Nutmeg, $6.64, Simply Organic
Crunchy Betty concocted a brilliant microdermabrasion exfoliator consisting solely of 1/2 tablespoon ground nutmeg and one tablespoon whole milk. Just mix the two ingredients together into a paste, rub over your face (gently!) for about five minutes, and rinse.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric Face Mask, $11.99, DivineAndSexydotus
Turmeric is able to fight inflammation caused by acne, and I'm obsessed with this super bright and fun all natural face mask.
7. Sesame
Sesame Seed Organic Soap, $6.50, unearthmalee
Sesame seeds can help fade acne marks, and this bar is amazing in its ability to promote skin cell renewal.
8. Fennel
Fennel Sage Toner, $15, karensbotanicals
Safe for super sensitive skin, fennel makes a great inflammation-reducing ingredient in toners and face washes like the one above.
9. Saffron
Saffron Blossom Face Mask, $4.95, SatvaAyurveda
StyleCaster shared that saffon is "full of anti-bacterial qualities" and "brightens up your complexion and even works a great home remedy for clearing up acne."
Images: Dipali S/Fotolia, graletta/Fotolia; Courtesy of Brands
