Believe it or not, one of my secret weapons to combat a variety of skin and hair problems come from the tiny black seeds of the sesame plant. Sesame oil has been making a name for itself in the hair and skin community for its potent nutrients and minerals, but black sesame seeds have skin benefits that you can utilize while making delicious DIY recipes as well.
According to sources at natural beauty website Stylecraze, black sesame seeds contain 60 percent more calcium than white seeds and are also provide even more health benefits, like eye health. In addition to being rich in antioxidants that can detoxify the skin, black sesame seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, iron, and vitamins B and E. Both the oil and the seeds are adaptable to most skin types: Sesame is safe for babies, which is usually a good sign that anyone (without an allergy to sesame) can safely reap the topical benefits. Sesame seeds are a high quality protein and are a rich source of zinc which helps produce collagen, increasing the skin's flexibility and even controlling large pores.
While I love using sesame oil, buying organic sesame seeds can make for some truly delightful beauty treats that you can whip up on a dime in no time!
1. Black Sesame Tea Cleanser
This sesame tea recipe from thedailytea.com is delicious to drink, so it makes total sense that it would feel delicious on my face, right? This cleanser of black sesame seeds, black tea, and coconut milk is stimulating, refreshing, and will leave you feeling soft and clean. To make it, brew about four cups of black tea. While the tea is cooling, grind two or three tablespoons of black sesame seeds in a food processor or blender. Once the tea is about room temperature, add it to the blender with sesame seeds and blend. With a mesh strainer, pour from the blender into a bowl, removing the tiny bits of sesame seeds. Add one tablespoon of coconut milk. Use your cleanser on makeup free skin in the morning. Store in a sealable container in the fridge; this way it will stay fresh for about a week.
2. Black Sesame & Hibiscus Facial Steam
This facial steam will give you the detoxifying effects of black sesame while unclogging pores with the steam. I added one of my favorite steaming ingredients, hibiscus, and one of my favorite acne-fighting agents, turmeric, with black sesame seeds. Allow your steam to cool so it's safe enough for your face to be an inch apart from the water for 15 minutes. I've found that this is a great way to relieve the stress and toxins after a weekend in the sun.
3. Black Sesame Ginger Body Scrub
Speaking of detoxing, this scrub is designed for those times when you OR your skin is stressed AF. I mixed sea salt, fresh ginger, black sesame seeds, sesame seed oil and coconut oil together in a blender. Next, I added ginger, frankincense, and lemongrass essential oil to make my scrub stimulate stubborn circulation, lift scars, and soothe the skin. This scrub is antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, so it's very potent. While it can definitely be applied to your face once or twice a week, I like to use it on the soles of my feet where the skin is a little tougher.
4. Black Sesame & Honey Facial
Honey is my go-to ingredient for when my skin just needs to chill out, but I couldn't resist adding crushed black sesame seeds to exfoliate dead skin cells and make room for the healthy ones. All you need to do is add equal parts of honey and black sesame seeds and apply directly on your face and neck. Massage gently for a few minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
5. Black Rose Infused Body Oil
Sesame oil is a great body oil and it's relatively inexpensive, but for those DIY adventurers out there, I couldn't resist making a black sesame seed and rose infused body oil. Crush black sesame seeds and dried roses in a food processor or blender, then wait for mixture to be completely dry. Transfer to a sterile, glass container. Fill the container with sunflower oil, leaving room between the lid and oil for expansion. Seal tightly and place out of direct sunlight. I like to keep my infusions outside, but out of the sun. This should keep for four to six weeks, but you'll want to shake vigorously every day.
For a mere $8, I was able to get 3.75 ounces of organic black sesame seeds and after making all these recipes? I still have over half the container left. Now that you have the inspiration, it's time to make some inexpensive beauty hacks with black sesame seeds.
Images: Kristin Collins Jackson
