Beauty DIY: The face mask that’s like a juice cleanse for your skin

There is a reason the humble carrot is figuring so prominently in many skincare products nowadays – the crunchy orange power food is loaded with beta-carotene, or pro-vitamin A, which is often referred to as the “beauty vitamin” because of its importance in maintaining the skin’s health. Add in its potent anti-oxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities and you have a one-stop kitchen wonder that helps clear away dead cells, hydrates the complexion, prevents premature ageing (bye bye fine lines, sagging skin and wrinkles) and sweeps away all kinds of hyper pigmentation, blemishes and their accompanying scars.

In short, carrots make the perfect base for a face mask that will reset your skin to its original sparkling, dewy self by negating the effects of pollution, sun damage, junk food, late nights and (at least in my case!) occasional bouts of pure skincare laziness.

And they’re cheap as pennies.

Combine these power vegetables with a little kaolin (or any other natural clay, like Fuller’s Earth), which will suck the excess greasiness and accumulated grime out of oily skin; or beauty mayonnaise to add a dose of much needed hydration for dry complexions, and you have a winning reset-your-skin-to-factory-settings face mask.


Game?

Carrot-y face mask for dry skin

You will need: 1/2 cup grated carrots, 3 teaspoons mayonnaise

How to: Mix together the carrots and mayonnaise, then spread the paste on clean skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Finally, rinse clean with plain water.

Carrot-y face mask for oily skin

You will need: 1/2 cup fresh carrot juice, 1/2 cup white kaolin clay (or any natural clay)

How to: Mix together the carrot juice and clay until you get a smooth paste. Spread this paste on clean skin and let it sit for 20 minutes. Finally, rinse well with warm water.

Have you ever tried a carrot-based skincare treatment? Do share!