Homemade Blueberry Radiance Mask
We all want to look at our best and have radiantly glowing, blemish–free skin. If you’re looking for a great skin treatment before an important occasion or party, here’s a homemade blueberry radiance mask you can try.
Rich in antioxidants, blueberries nourish your skin. The Vitamin C and other active phytochemicals leave your skin glowingly radiant by renewing, nourishing and lightening the cells of your skin. After you apply this mask, it is sure to leave your skin supple and bright. Why and how this face mask works:
Argan Oil
Argan oil is not greasy and non–comedogenic (won’t clog pores), which makes it ideal for all skin types, including acne–prone skin. The essential fatty acids in argan oil nourish and hydrate your skin, while regulating sebum (oil) production. Argan oil is known to help reduce scars and prevent acne breakouts.
Blueberry Seed Oil
Blueberry seed oil is packed with phytochemicals, which are plant–based compounds that have a variety benefits. Blueberry seed oil helps soothe, protect, and moisturize skin, hair and nails. Blueberry seed oil can be used on all skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
It absorbs quickly due to its high level content of of phytosterols and vitamin E, and leaves little residue. Although high in healthy fatty acids, the oil is light and greaseless. Its low molecular composition makes it non–comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
Yogurt
Yogurt contains cultures and is healthy for your body. The enzymes it contains are equally good for your skin. Make sure to use full fat plain yogurtwithout any additions, especially sugar! Yogurt is a great moisturizer, rich in proteins and zinc, it gently lightens scars and dark spots.
Lemon Juice
Nature’s best skin brightener and lightener, lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C, which acts as an astringent to ensure your face looks radiant.
Honey
Use raw and organic honey for best results. Processed and refined honey lacks most skin–friendly properties and is laden with antibiotics, pesticides and herbicides. They probably do more harm than good for both your skin and your body.
Raw honey gently exfoliates the skin and promotes tissue regeneration, while retaining moisture. It also helps lighten scars and hyperpigmentation (dark spots).
Blueberries and Blackberries
Whole blueberries provide many health and beauty benefits due to their abundance in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, flavonoids and dietary fibers. Blueberries are among the most nutrient–dense berries.
Blueberries have powerful antioxidant properties, the highest antioxidant content of all the “superfoods”. When it comes to skin, hair, nails and overall physical health, antioxidants are key.
How to Make a Blueberry Face Mask
Both argan and blueberry seed oils ensure flawless, hydrated and supple skin with regular use.
If you’re interested in reading further, check out our post for more details on the beauty benefits of blueberry seed oil for skin, hair and nails.
Ingredients
- 1–3 drops argan oil
- 1–3 drops blueberry seed oil
- 2 Tbsp. plain yogurt
- 1 Tbsp. lemon Juice, fresh squeezed
- 2 Tbsp. honey (organic, raw)
- 2 oz. blueberries (or blackberries), fresh or frozen & thawed
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, or a blender, blend the yogurt, oils and honey until mixed well. The mixture should be smooth and curdle–free.
- If using an electric blender, you can also add in the berries, to form a smoothie–like consistency. Or you can mash the berries separately and add to the yogurt mixture.
- Now, add the lemon juice, mix well and you are all set to apply the mask.
- Always apply the mask to clean skin. Let it sit for about 20 minutes and wash off gently with cool tap water.
Note: If you made more than you needed, you can store the remaining mask in the fridge in a tightly sealed container, as long as you use it within two days.
Tweaking the Recipe
Most of the above given ingredients are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Those with sensitive skin can reduce the amount of lemon juice or skip it altogether, although it is a key ingredient in this mask. You can increase the amount of blueberries or add blackberries to partially make up for it.
Note: Since lemon is sun–sensitizing, do not use this mask right before sun exposure. If sun exposure is necessary, then don’t forget to apply a healthy amount of sunscreen afterwards.
Alternatively, you can add crushed orange peel, orange peel powder or orange juice, although not as potent as lemon juice. Still, it is a close alternative for those with sensitive skin.
If both lemon and orange are too overpowering, consider substituting saffron. If adding saffron, heat about ½ Tbsp. distilled water until warm to the touch. When warm, soak 3–4 saffron strands and after a minute crush between your fingers, then add the liquid to the mask mixture.
After the mask, consider using rose water as a toner. The scent is invigorating with the added benefits of shrinking your pores. You can make this a regular mask for reducing acne breakouts, reducing the appearance of scars or for curbing other skin problems.
Precautions
Blueberry seed oil is generally safe to use, it can even be used straight out of the bottle. Avoid use if you are allergic to blueberries or other berries. If nursing or pregnant, consult your physician prior to using blueberry seed oil. Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure that it is safe for use on children. Some brands clearly labels their essential oils “KidSafe” on the bottle if it can be used on children ages 2–10.
Do not apply blueberry seed oil directly to broken or damaged skin. Do not apply directly to open wounds. Never use blueberry seed oil in eyes or in mucous membranes. Blueberry seed oil can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. When applying blueberry seed oil topically (on your skin), always perform a 24–hour skin patch test first using 1–2 drops, read how for further details. Since there are so many varieties of the species Vaccinium, blueberry seed oils can vary from one manufacturer—or even one bottle—to another. Use only 100% authentic oils. Store in tightly–sealed dark glass containers; in a cool, dark place away from light.
If you are interested in trying blueberry seed oil, be sure to choose a product that is 100% pure and organic. Blueberry seed oil can be found at most health food stores or online. Unrefined blueberry seed oil has a shelf life of about one year, while refined blueberry seed oil has a shelf life of two to three years.
With so many benefits, what’s not to like about this mask? After all, it is quite simple and the ingredients are often right inside your fridge. So next time you’re looking at those berries sitting in the fridge looking not good enough to eat, but too good to throw out, assuage your zero waste guilt and make this mask. Win–Win. Do let us know how it helped you.
Sources:
Blueberry
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blueberry
DIY Argan Oil Radiance Mask
https://www.moroccanpurearganoil.com/diy-argan-oil-radiance-mask/
Written by: Lily