Mindful Monday: Matcha + Yogurt [Face Mask]

My skin has felt so puffy lately. Actually, if I am being honest here (which I am), my whole body has been feeling puffy lately. I guess that is what 28 weeks of pregnancy does to some women!

On top of that, I can see my “advanced maternal age” (I am 37) starting to show in the form of wrinkles on my forehead. BAH!

Desperate to reduce inflammation and reverse the aging process, I have to admit that I was tempted to buy a few miracle creams. Luckily, my conscious (and a link to an article my mother-in-law sent me, listing toxic chemicals in many of the day-to-day products we use) got the better of me, and I decided to search for a more natural solution.

I googled the following words: skincare, natural, aging, inflammation and DIY Face Masks. Up popped several articles and blog posts with various recipes, but two ingredients kept catching my eyes: Yogurt and Matcha.

Yogurt contains lactic acid and an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). I recognized AHA as one of the ingredients in many anti-aging products and read some more. I found lots of claims that yogurt can help to make the skin look younger and smoother, maybe even reducing fine lines and wrinkles. CHECK.

Matcha is anti-bacterial, full of antioxidants, and contains high levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG may be helpful in reducing inflammation and antioxidants are known for increasing skin elasticity.

Armed with the information above, I created a quick and easy DIY face mask.

Matcha + Yogurt [Face Mask]

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 packet of Republic of Tea single serving of Matcha

• 1 giant spoonful of Total Fage Greek Yogurt

DIRECTIONS:

• Stir until completely blended.

• Paint onto face using kitchen brush or fingers

• Leave on for 10-15 minutes

• Wash with cold water or wash cloth that you don’t mind turning green

Wallah — an easy pregnancy friendly, safe facial mask that you can make (and even eat) at home! I hope that you feel as refreshed as I do!!