In the spirit of Cinco De Mayo, it's only fitting to delve into the many benefits of cilantro for skincare and whip up a few cilantro face masks. For those of us that can't have a boozy fiesta midweek, we can certainly have a DIY beauty fiesta in honor of this holiday. If you didn't know, Mexican cuisine in general has a bunch of goodies in it that are worth putting all over your body, but cilantro happens to be one leaf that has anti-aging and complexion healing properties that have been used for ages.
Cilantro is the leaf of the coriander plant which can easily be grown domestically in your backyard. It doesn't get more natural than that! Both the leaves and seeds are what's going to take your skincare to the next level. For anyone whose taste buds can't stomach the taste of cilantro, you can still reap the benefits of cilantro without having the taste of dirt in your mouth. According to sources at Herb Wisdom, the antimicrobial properties of cilantro were commonly used to treat and prevent small pox. While small pox epidemics are fortunately few and far between these days, I'm on board with any herb that has enough healing properties to stop a massive epidemic.
Cilantro also is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K which are known to regenerate damaged skin and make fine lines and wrinkles less visible. According to sources at Style Craze, cilantro has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties as well, so it's going to be amazing for acne sufferers.
In addition, cilantro has linoleic acid, a known problem-solver for blackheads. Also known as vitamin F, these essential fatty acids regenerate skin and hair cells while providing hydrating and healing support. According to sources at Dermascope, products high in vitamin F are important for healthy skin and hair because our body doesn't produce vitamin F on its own.
These cilantro recipes will get your day off to the right start (whether it's May 5 or not), and you can save some of the herb for a hearty salsa or muddled cilantro cocktail. In fact, I insist, because cilantro also contains chlorophyll which is deodorizing and definitely what you'll need on those hot summer nights to naturally control body odor. Happy DIYing!
Blackhead Exfoliating Scrub
This face scrub is particularly awesome for massaging out stubborn blackheads once and for all. Blend together a sprig of cilantro, a teaspoon of lime juice, and two tablespoons of iodized salt. Avoid sea salt because the consistency tends to be too rough for sensitive skin. Next, add eight drops of grapefruit essential oil and apply your tropical scrub directly on those problem areas. Gently exfoliate for at least two minutes, then rinse with warm water. Feel free to use this scrub on your entire face, too!
Anti-Aging Face Pack
Another delicious face pack that is perfect for your complexion and it works great on all skin types. This take on The Beauty Gypsy's Skin Smoothing Mask is super easy to make and easy to fall in love with. Throw a few sprigs of cilantro, an eighth of a cup of coconut milk, about five slices of cucumber, and half a banana into a blender and apply on make-up free skin for about five minutes. Rinse well with warm water — and drink the leftovers. This mask is highly perishable, so you'll be better off sipping it than trying to save it for another treatment.
Image: Wheeler Cowperthwaite/Flickr; Giphy; Kristin Collins Jackson
