You cannot run from dark circles (I've tried), but there is one superfood out there with a hefty dose of vitamin K that can help lessen them. Most of us are already munching on kale in hearty salads and yummy quinoa bowls, so making a kale face mask is naturally the next step. Yes, I'm talking about putting kale on your face for a wrinkle-free, collagen boosting effect that will ultimately take the kale craze to a whole new level.
Here's my beef with kale: It smells horrible, and, to be honest, there are plenty of hearty greens that just taste better to my taste buds. It's not something I'm going to kick out of bed, or a burrito, but I'm certainly not the type of vegetarian that is eating kale salads all day long. However, I am definitely the type of veg who is going to smear this leafy green all over my face, because we all deserve to get rid of eye baggage. Waking up resembling a zombie no matter how much sleep you got or how much water you drank isn't how any of us want to start our day. Luckily, knowing there is a kale mask waiting for you in your fridge can make everything feel better.
I'm 100 percent on board with putting food on my face; the right ingredients can save you from shelling out hundreds of dollars a year on couture skin care. The more I found out about kale, the more I realized why everyone's going crazy for it. According to sources at Style Craze, kale is high in antioxidants, vitamin A, and has a unique combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. That's why companies like Eminence are taking notice with a citrus and kale masque retailing for a cool $70.
Obviously, kale costs waaaay less than that at the grocery store (and growing it yourself is even cheaper), so it's wise to try and DIY the mask if you have the time. According to sources at Livestrong, kale is rich in both vitamins C and K, which are essential to youthful, glowing skin. Introducing kale into your diet and skincare will inevitably boost that collagen production you've been lacking, therefore alleviating fine lines, wrinkles, and prevent future damage from the sun. Coupled with the right ingredients, kale can be a fun, effective, face mask that will give your skin a refreshing taste of nutrients that can tighten sagging skin.
Try this refreshing, anti-aging face mask out on make-up free skin and use as a morning mask and please, let's keep the kale craze going as long as possible.
Step One: Get Your Ingredients Ready
You'll need the following for your new homemade mask:
- 1 handful of organic kale
- 1/2 tablespoon of coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
Rinse your kale well and slice a lemon wedge to get your fresh lemon juice. Mix all your ingredients in a bowl.
Step 2: Blend Your Ingredients Together
You can heat your kale on a stove top to get the natural juices of the kale, but the nutrients are far more potent if you toss everything in a blender. Your mask will be much more evenly mixed, but also incredibly watery. If you prefer a thicker mask, just blend the kale and then mix in the additional ingredients by hand.
Step 3: Apply Your Mask & Store In A Sealed Jar
Apply your mask on your face and neck, focusing on dark circles or age lines. Leave your mask on for about 8 minutes and rinse well with warm water. Be sure to store your new mask in sealed jar for future use throughout the week, but be careful! Your new anti-aging mask is extremely perishable. I recommend making a weekly batch.
Images: Kristin Collins Jackson
