How to Look Younger in 8 Minutes with a DIY Enzyme Facial Peel
Give your face a total reboot with a natural, easy, and effective fruit enzyme skin peel!
Now that I’m officially too old to be on “American Idol”, I’ve begun to notice some changes to my skin and my face. I’m ok with the laugh lines at the corners of my eyes and around my mouth. But I’m not such a fan of the forehead wrinkles, old zit scars, and, worst of all, two weird age spots on the side of my face. Clearly, something needs to be done.
I approached California licensed esthetician, Kendra Giraldi, for some tips on how to look younger and she had some surprising advice. Instead of using harsh chemicals, it turns out the best treatment she could recommend is food! First a pumpkin and papaya enzyme peel to safely and gently reveal a new layer of skin. Second, a Manuka honey mask to protect skin and restore moisture. And even better? This was something I could do at home with organic foods, and it would all cost less than 30 bucks.
“These fruit enzymes are smart,” Giraldi explains. “When you put on the peel, the enzymes only eat dead skin cells, leaving behind a plumper, more uniform layer of skin. You’ll see better texture and a reduction in age spots, hyper pigmentation, acne scars, and fine lines.” She also told me that, in addition to making you look like you did on your college ID card, pumpkin and papaya are both great sources of vitamins A and C (powerful antioxidants), and zinc, which calms inflammation and reduces redness.
Omggggg, something cheap and yummy is going to eat all the dead old lady stuff off my face? Is there anything pumpkins can’t do?
According to Giraldi, it’s imperative to follow up your peel with a hydration mask treatment. “Masks work because they suffocate the skin for a short period of time, forcing the product to be absorbed. I love Manuka honey for this because it’s hydrating, has antibacterial properties, boosts cell production, and causes rapid tissue repair.”
Finally, Giraldi warns that your skin will be extra sensitive to the sun after a peel. She advises a high SPF sunscreen (here’s one she likes) and a hat to make sure your gorgeous new complexion is completely shaded. “If you don’t protect your skin after a peel, you’re exposing fresh, vulnerable skin to harsh sunlight and you’ll see it react. The spots you want to lighten can actually get darker,” she says. So make sure and slap on SPF and that flat brim before you head out to crush a hike in Runyon Canyon.
How to Look Younger in 8 Minutes
Pumpkin and Papaya Enzyme Peel Recipe
1 15 oz Can Pumpkin Purée (or peel, steam, and purée 12 oz of fresh pumpkin)
1 Papaya (peeled, seeded, and diced. Here’s how.)
1 egg (binding ingredient)
Directions
Blend ingredients until smooth. Use immediately and discard any remaining peel. It makes a lot, so invite a few friends over for a peeling party!
Here are Giraldi’s tips for application:
- Smooth the peel onto your face with a fan-shaped facial brush or your fingers.
- Avoid putting the peel onto any part of the delicate skin around your eyes or lips.
- Leave the peel on until the tingle dissipates (about 8-10 minutes).
- Wipe off with a cloth soaked in cool water to avoid getting any into your eyes (cool water neutralizes the peel activity).
- Do not repeat peel more than once a month.
Note: Some people with sensitive skin will notice a slight pinkness, which is due to increased circulation. The pinkness is not cause for alarm and shouldn’t last longer than 20 minutes.
Manuka Honey Mask
- Smooth Manuka honey onto your face as directed above (Make sure the UMF is 10+ or higher).
- Leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes.
- Wipe off as directed above.
- Repeat mask as often as you want!
Find Sarah at thisfitmom.com
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Image: Sarah Olive Bergeson
