In my herbalism practice, the most common part of the body my products support is the skin. But as I tell my clients and remind myself often, one needs to also look inside to find solace for skin issues because there are plenty of internal and dietary factors that play a role in having healthy skin. Recently, I’ve been looking at protein packed facials to treat complexion issues because even your skin must have a well-balanced diet.
According to sources at Science Daily, our bod’s need protein to build and repair tissue; hair and nails are mostly made up of protein, but it’s also found in our skin in the form of collagen. Collagen supports the elasticity and cell rejuvenation of our skin which keeps our complexion vibrant and smooth. While eating too much protein has been linked to acne, recent research published by the American Board of Dermatology suggests that diets rich in protein can have valuable effects on our skin's ability to heal and regenerate new skin cells.
Of course, eating protein and wearing protein are two different things. While it’s common practice in Ayurveda and herbalism to treat skin ailments by creating a sense of connectivity within all organs of the body, the author of this article published in the U.S National Library of Medicine, found little evidence that protein can enter the bloodstream in a substantial way when applied topically. However, it still appears there may be some correlation (if not causation) between ingredients rich in protein and healthy skin: The natural ingredients below have strong anecdotal and scientific evidence that show they repair and maintain skin's elasticity.
You could head to the spa for a protein facial, or you could whip up one of these recipes at home for a fraction of the cost.
1. Adzuki & Cardamom Exfoliating Powder
Only weeks after I made my first adzuki bean mask, I could tell this protein-packed ingredient was a great way to keep my complexion glowing and vibrant. Exfoliating is essential for new cell turnover; using an exfoliate weekly can help slough off dead skin and if you have the right ingredients in your formula, your complexion will keep its natural glow.
To make this protein based exfoliate, you’ll need organic, non-GMO raw adzuki beans and pure, organic powdered cardamom. Rinse about one half cup of adzuki beans and use a food processor, blender, or grinder to turn them into a powder. Mix two tablespoons of the adzuki bean powder and one teaspoon of cardamom powder, then store in a sealable container. Cardamom is enriched with antioxidants and has shown to improve circulation due to its levels of vitamin A.
When you’re ready to exfoliate, rinse your face well with warm water. Dilute a a dime-size amount of powder with water. Apply on face and neck, gently massaging into the skin and rinse well with lukewarm water. Exfoliating powders like this one have a long shelf-life, so feel free to make enough to last you a few weeks.
2. Cooling Beet Face Mask
The combination of complexion-supporting protein like beets and the cooling effects of mint and cucumber will easily have you addicted to this face mask. Boil raw beets for about 45 minutes and let cool naturally. Mix together one teaspoon of organic fresh mint and one tablespoon of chopped cucumber. Once the beets have cooled, cut one beet in half, and add it to a blender with the other ingredients. Blend until smooth consistency. Weekly, apply on makeup free skin and leave on for about three minutes. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry with towel. While this edible mask works on all skin tones, fairer skin may want to use fewer beets to avoid staining.
3. Egg Facial
Perhaps the most infamous protein facial that doesn’t require ejaculation is the trusty egg facial. Not only do eggs help support a glowing complexion, but they have also been known to treat acne, scars, and oily skin. Making this mask is one of the easiest things you’ll ever do: Crack an organic, non-GMO egg into a bowl, removing the yolk. Apply the egg whites directly on damp, makeup free skin. Let the mask dry naturally for a few minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
4. Edamame & Honey Restoring Face Paste
Edamame is a type of soy rich in protein that vegetarians like myself gobble up by the dozen. According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, soybeans can also enhance cell reproduction on the surface of the skin. For this paste, mash or blend three tablespoons of edamame pods and one tablespoon of raw honey. If you'd like a looser consistency, you can add distilled water, but you’ll need to use a blender to make it super smooth. Apply on make-up free damp skin and leave on for about five minutes before rinsing well. This mask is perishable, so use it up right away!
5. Oats & Molasses Exfoliating Mask
While most of think of fiber when we think of oats, this grain also has a substantial amount of protein according to findings published by the U.S National Library of Medicine. Oats have had such a profound effect on the skin that it was one of the first natural ingredients recognized by the Food and Drug Administration to reduce inflammation and dryness when applied topically.
The oats in this mask provide a gentle exfoliating sensation for sensitive skin and adding molasses will give your face a scrumptious meal rich in lactic acid to treat breakouts. Use equal portions of powdered, raw, unflavored oats and pure, blackstrap molasses to form an exfoliating paste. Apply on damp, makeup free skin by gently massaging into the pores. Let dry for five minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
6. Milky Rose Cleanser
We all know milk has proven to do a body good, but it also has some substantial protein that your face will certainly appreciate. Milk contains vitamins C & D and I've personally been a fan of how milk facials heal my breakouts without drying out my skin. To make this cleanser, start by steeping 1 tablespoon of dried rose buds in distilled, boiling water. Once the rose water has cooled, strain the buds and keep the rosy water. Use equal portions of rose water and organic milk. Mix well and apply directly on makeup free, damp skin.
