Cilantro -- Benefits for the Skin

Beauty Treatments 

By Bell Gia

One star got overlooked at the Oscars this year.  For a change, it wasn't Leonardo DiCaprio as usual. No, this time the judges snubbed cilantro, the herb used by many of the red carpet beauties attending the 88th Academy Awards.



Cilantro - high in antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, vitamin C, and zeaxanthin. It also contains vitamin K, folate, potassium, manganese, choline, and many other phytochemicals. The oil extracted from cilantro's leaves have been shown in laboratory research to inhibit unwanted oxidation and have an antibacterial effect. This makes cilantro a great fighter against the war on acne when it comes to combating skin eruptions.

Pull out your blender and let's make some beautiful skin.

Skin Exfoliant

Ingredients needed: 

1/2 cup of granulated sugar

the juice of 1 lime

1/3 cup of cilantro leaves

1/4 cup of coconut oil

Combine:

Put the cilantro, coconut oil, and lime juice in a high-speed blender or food processor and pulse it until the mixture is of creamy consistency. Pour into a tupperware container and stir in granulated sugar until well mixed.  

Apply it: While in the shower or tub, rub mixture into the skin in tiny circular motions, clockwise and counterclockwise, to exfoliate the legs, arms, abdomen, knees, ankles, and chest. Simply wash off with warm water and save anything left over in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Pat your body dry. Now you're ready for those short Spring-colored shorty shorts. 

Natural Facial Cleanser    

   

Ingredients Needed:
3 Tbsp of pure water
1 tsp of organic honey
1 Tbsp of Chia flour
1 tsp of castile soap
1/2 cup of cilantro leaves

Combine:

Put cilantro in the high-speed blender or food processor with the 3 Tbsp of pure water and blend until  creamy. Spoon out and put into a bowl then add honey, chia flour, and castile soap. Mix together with a fork or wire whisk until its of creamy consistency.

Apply it: Wet your face while over the sink and then apply mixture to your face as you would any other facial wash. Washing in circular motions both clockwise and counterclockwise, making sure to get the crevices on the outside of the nostrils and the tip of the nose. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Skin will appear bright and supple. You're ready for that selfie now, Beautiful. 

Skin Tightening Facial Mask

Ingredients Needed:
1/3 cup of cilantro leaves
3 Tbsp of chopped cucumber, no skin
2 Tbsp of plain Greek yogurt
3 Tbsp of rolled oats, uncooked
1 sprig of fresh mint

Combine:

Put cucumber, Greek yogurt, cilantro, rolled oats, and mint into a high-speed blender or food processor and pulse until mixture is of creamy consistency. Spoon into a bowl.

Apply it: While standing over the bathroom sink, apply mixture in clockwise circular movements to your face starting at the apples of your cheeks. Apply on the forehead, jawline, and don't forget your neck, Ladies. Avoid getting close to the eyes because the skin around the eyes is so tender. Let it sit on your face for about 15-20 minutes. If you have any leftover cucumber slices, lay those over your eyes as you recline on the sofa and dream of a clean house, no dirty dishes in the sink, and imagine a hot cup of chai waiting for you on the kitchen counter.

A little about the Writer: Bell Gia is a nutrition and fitness expert with 25 years of experience working with over 1,000 satisfied clients and writes to educate the public about incorporating more plants into the diet, getting sufficient sleep, and encourages a healthy habit of getting some sort of exercise everyday. Bell Gia travels the United States for work but calls Florida home most days of the year.