During my two month stay in Bali, a significant amount of time was spent at
Amo Spa in Seminyak. I enjoyed the most amazing spa treatments that I've every experienced and though I have only been back in the US for a week, I am going through serious
Amo Spa treatments withdrawal. I figured the best cure for my withdrawal symptoms was to try to recreate one of my favorite Amo Spa moments at home.
One of the many things I loved about Amo Spa was the little luxuries that they took the time to incorporate into their treatments. One such luxury was the cucumber mask that was always applied to my face during a facial, massage and body scrub. The cucumber mask consisted of thinly sliced cucumbers sliced lengthwise (not rounds) and left in the refrigerator to cool, then applied directly to the face. In hot and humid Bali, this cucumber mask was an absolute dream.
Cucumbers just so happen to be amazing for the skin. Cucumbers contain vitamin C, an antioxidant, as well as plenty of vitamin K, also an antioxidant, which fights dark circles under the eyes. Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B-5, is another compound found in cucumbers that helps your skin retain moisture. The vitamin A, or retinol, in cucumbers fights dark spots and freckles because it helps control your skin's production of melanin. Cucumbers are a source of silica, which, as a precursor to collagen, can help fight wrinkles, in addition they have high water content and a cooling quality, making them appropriate to help soothe mild burns, particularly sunburn. They can also reduce swelling and relieve minor skin irritations.
Now back in LA where summer is in full swing, the cucumber mask feels just as amazing especially after a day at the beach. To recreate the Amo Spa mask, I bought some organic cucumbers from Whole Foods, sliced them thinly, placed them in a bowl and left the slices in the fridge overnight. I then applied the very cool slices to my face the following evening. I plan on adding some face serum or lemon juice to the slices at some point to mix it up a bit. This mask is super easy, has amazing benefits and is perfect for your skin during summer.
In the skin department, Summer usually means oilier than normal skin for me.
Which also means clogged pores, and at times, acne prone skin accompanied by dehydrated and irritated skin thanks to time spent in the sun and insane amounts of sunscreen.
One of the best ways that I deal with summer skin issues is by relying pretty heavily on face masks. For me, it's just easier to introduce face masks intended to treat my particular skin woes than to change my entire skincare routine; plus masks always makes an at-home facial feel incredibly indulgent.
Two masks that I just recently discovered just in time for summer are the African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask and the Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Mud Mask from SheaMoisture. Mud masks are great for oil absorption, pore-clearing and overall skin detoxification, combined with an ingredient like shea butter which is both hydrating and restorative, SheaMoisture Mud Masks are basically your best skincare weapon against summer skin issues.
I love using the Hydrating Mud Mask whenever my skin feels dry and dehydrated. It leaves my skin feeling both moisturized and soothed. The Clarifying Mud Mask is great for when my skin is clogged thanks to heat, humidity, sweat and sunscreen. The Clarifying Mud Mask unclogs my pores and leaves my skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Using these masks on a weekly basis, depending on my skin needs, has enabled me to avoid irritated, clogged, oily, acne prone skin so far this summer! I love them!
I'd love to know if you've tried them! Leave a comment!
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