Do you ever wish you could get a high quality face mask that hydrates your skin and gives you a youthful look... without costing an arm and a leg? Well you can! DIY face masks are where it's at! Don't go thinking that DIY face masks are subpar! They might be affordable, but they still can do wonders for your skin. For instance, this chicory face mask is just two ingredients but it really does a great job of restoring the elasticity of your skin.
Youthful skin? Dewy glow? Sign me up!
In case the name wasn't a dead giveaway, the main ingredient in this face mask is chicory. Or more specifically chicory root.
Chicory root has been getting popular lately because it can make a great coffee alternative. However, it's pretty rare to find any other recipes with it. However, as I'm sure you all know.... herbs are hardly limited to just one use. Herbs are such multitaskers! So while you are sipping that chicory coffee alternative, whip up this chicory face mask while you already have the chicory out!
Chicory root is an anti-inflammatory herb which makes it wonderful for calming and soothing the skin. However, the reason I really love chicory for skincare is because of it's ability to boost the skin's collagen! More collagen in the skin means more elasticity, less fine lines, and fewer wrinkles!!!
However, chicory root is some tough stuff! You don't want to just apply wet chicory root paste to your skin. So we turn to the next best thing; a decoction. A decoction is basically a really strong cup of tea. By brewing the chicory root in the hot water, we can make use of chicory's benefits without having the hassle of tough root pieces.
In addition to the chicory root decoction, this face mask uses milk powder. Milk is a great ingredient for the skin, but it can be messy when it's a liquid and liquid isn't quite what we want when we are making a face mask! Milk powder has the benefits of milk but with less mess, because it's a powder that we can combine with the chicory decoction to make a lovely face mask paste. Milk powder helps moisturize your skin while the lactic acid in the milk helps soothe and tone. Now, I use cow's milk powder, but if you are vegan or have milk allergies or just want something a bit different then I recommend coconut milk powder. Coconut milk powder is a great moisturizer as well.
CHICORY ROOT DECOCTION
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbs certified organic chicory root
Directions:
Put water into a small pot and bring to a simmer. Add chicory root and allow to barely simmer (just under a simmer is best) for 15 minutes. Allow to cool and then strain.
CHICORY FACE MASK
- 2 tbs certified organic whole milk powder (or certified organic coconut milk powder)
- 1 tbs chicory root decoction (warm)
Directions:
In a small bowl, mix the milk powder and warm chicory root decoction. Using the decoction while warm allows for the paste to mix easier. Mix well and then apply to face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.