Banana Facial Masks For All Skin Types

Got Bananas?

The incredible edible fruit....remember that jingle which splashed across the airwaves once upon a time? Or maybe it was the incredible edible egg....or maybe the egg people stole the idea from the banana people....either way....I do..... in fact while writing this article the tune is now lodged in my brain as I find myself humming while typing. I love bananas when they are pristine, just turned yellow with hints of green. The best flavor and firmness at that precise point.

But then within a matter of a couple of days they go from vibrant and firm to aged and shriveled.....kinda like me until my beauty regimen and mineral makeup fix me right up.

So, I thought I would share with you a great way to use ripened bananas other than in your infamous banana bread.

If you love beauty ideas and hate throwing out and wasting your over ripened bananas, then this is a winning combination.

I know I have thrown out my share of bruised or blackened bananas over the years. Love them on my cereal, but at times I skip breakfast or I forget about them, only to discover after their demise of what is now a shriveled form of itself. And well, making banana bread these days just isn't happening. When the kids were around I cooked more but now it's pretty much grab and go.

I am also going to give you several options depending on your skin type for making this work best for you. Let's get started!

The Chemistry Behind Bananas

Bananas are rich in Vitamins A, C, B6 and B12. They also are full of potassium and magnesium. Therefore this offers great antioxidants for our bodies and are great at purifying our skin with these nourishing benefits. Plus they offer gentle fruit acid exfoliation for removing dead skin cells and leaves the skin looking revitalized, smooth and brighter.

The Facial Masks Using Banana As Key Ingredient

All mask recipes, leave on anywhere from 10-20 minutes depending on your desired effect. Plus the recommendations for skin type are simply a guide. All skin types can use every one of them and the differences are for enhancing benefits for specific issues with the skin.

Mature, Sensitive, Dry Skin Type:

• Mash a ripe banana either with a fork or use a food processor or Kitchenaid mixer (my favorite). Then add a tsp of Honey. Mix well and then apply to cleansed face and neck and leave on for the desired time. Rinse off with clean warm water and follow with your favorite toner and moisturizer.

This mask moisturizes, tones and exfoliates the skin. Honey is an excellent humectant and also has antibacterial properties.

Oily, Combination (Sensitive) Skin Type:

• Only use 1/2 of a banana for this one and again mash or process and then add 1/4 tsp. of Jojoba Oil and 1 Tbsp. of either Rice Flour or Wheat Germ. Mix it gently and if it ends up being too runny just add scant amounts of your powder preference to get it to the consistency you find easy to apply. If it is too thick then it will just roll across your skin. I found it to work best for me with the consistency of pancake batter. Let it set for the time you prefer then rinse with tepid water. Follow again with Toner and Moisturizer.

Jojoba Oil is perfect for pH balancing skin, reducing sebum production, helping acne, and soothing skin irritations.

The Exfoliant: Rice Flour should be used for those with sensitive skin as it is excellent for alleviating acne and skin irritations and also has very micro fine graininess and Wheat Germ for those that aren't due to its coarser consistency.

All Skin Types:

• Only use a 1/4 to 1/2 of a banana and mix with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Oatmeal. Again if too runny add a scant amount of Oatmeal for a better consistency. Once the oatmeal is moistened from the banana apply to the skin and allow to set for preferred time. Rinse with tepid water, tone and moisturize.

I prefer the oatmeal to be ground instead of whole out of the box. It stays on better and is easier to apply. Oatmeal is great for moisturizing, plus it helps soothe dry, itchy skin and reduce inflammation the organic way.

Keeping It Simple

Now of course some of you may have a favorite ingredient and you can always bump these recipes with a bit of a kicker for making a better mask. But in this article I wanted to make this mask simple with minimal fuss.

Don't Forget

Also if you have an allergy to bananas it doesn't necessarily translate to causing a problem being applied to the skin, but always do a test spot before proceeding to satisfy any curiosity. You don't need to make a mask and have it go to waste, just rub some raw banana on your skin and see what happens. No reaction, then make your mask with one of many gentle exfoliants in nature.

Plus do not store leftovers as bacteria begins to grow after several hours. Yes....you could refrigerate it and this slows down the bacterial growth, but are you really going to apply a freezing banana peel to your face the very next day?....I don't think so! And if you warm it up, guess what, bacteria begins its' growth process again. Just discard leftovers, or here's an idea ....eat it!....but only if it is all food grade....don't go eating the jojoba oil please!

Cheers!