Now that summer is over, it’s a good time to think about a treatment that will brighten your skin and help mitigate sun damage and brown spots. I have two DIYs to offer you here: you can make the first with ingredients that you’ll find in your kitchen. The second requires clinical-grade glycolic acid, which is derived from sugar beet.
DIY FRUITY BRIGHTENING MASK
This mask is a good one if you have sensitive or inflamed skin. It is gentle, but the natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids in the fruits will gently brighten your skin.
Ingredients:
- 4 organic strawberries
- 4 cubes fresh pineapple
- 1/3 cup of green tea, cooled (made by steeping a green tea bag in boiled water for 5 minutes)
- 1 tsp tapioca starch (to thicken)
Instructions:
- Blend strawberries, pineapple, and tea in a blender.
- Mix the tapioca starch with 3 tsp of warm water, add to blender and blend for a further 10 seconds.
- Pour mask into a small bowl.
- Apply to your face, neck and chest. Leave for 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
SPA-STRENGTH GLYCOLIC MASK
This mask is pretty powerful. I recommend doing this mask once a week for 6 weeks. During this time you must wear SPF 30 sunscreen religiously because your skin will be more sun-sensitive. Also, do not use your retinol products for 4 days after using this mask, and go very gentle with any other exfoliating products.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup purified water
- 2 tbsp of baking soda
- 1 tsp 50% Glycolic (Oz Naturals is a good one)
- 1/2 tsp Aloe Vera Gel
Instructions:
- Mix the baking soda in the water and set aside.
- Mix the glycolic acid with the aloe gel. Using a a gauze pad or a clean cosmetic brush, apply to your face and chest. Leave it on for 1-4 minutes (you can gauge this time by how it feels. It will tingle, but if it starts burning, then obviously you will leave it on for less time).
- When ready to rinse off, mix the baking soda water with a spoon. Saturate a large cotton pad and wipe off the acid. This solution will neutralize the acid.
- Finally rinse your face well with warm water and moisturize using a nourishing natural moisturizer.
