At-home Beauty Mask
If you could Photoshop yourself on a daily basis, would you? The truth is, many of us have skin issues. We have things we don’t like. But we have what we have, we should rock what got, and fix what we can.
(source)
I have always been diligent about taking care of my skin, as my mom instilled the fear that sleeping with makeup on ages your skin 30 days. True or not, I NEVER go to sleep without washing my face, applying a little lotion and a spritz of lavender (just because I die for it.)
Now I have to get personal for a minute which I do not always do, nor enjoy. But the million times I have Googled the question, coupled with the fact that I’ve never found a solution that works is reason enough to share it with you lovelies. I have PCOS, and without getting into it, basically it affects my hormones DRAMATICALLY. AND to really get dirty in the root of it, the hormone wackiness lends my sensitive bikini line skin to be extremely irritable and susceptible to in-grown hairs. Plus I workout everyday and rumor is that sweat and tight clothing like yoga pants do not help the ingrown sitch. HOLLER! Talk about feeling sexy.
And I have tried everything under the sun. Everything to the point of too much pain and too many bumps to show for it. But I think I found a golden concoction that smooths the skin and my face and my bikini, it’s dirt cheap and EASY. (That’s what she said.)
DIY Beauty Mask + Ingrown Magical Cream
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Indian Healing Clay or calcium bentonite clay
Two ingredients. That’s it.
To make enough cream for your face and bikini line:
- Mix equal parts – I used 1 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1 tbsp of Indian Healing Clay
- Stir it all up!
- Spread it on pretty thick
- Grab a glass of chambubbly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then wash it off
- **If treating/preventing ingrows, make sure you exfoliate in the shower and I love the Dermalogica’s Exfoliating Towel
After:
Two things. Ignore my overgrown eyebrows, those were my next step in my beauty day. Also, I know my skin is not perfect but this is me glowing with no makeup and fairly clean pores.
I swear by this lady lovely cream, like it has literally changed my life. BUT know that everyone’s skin is different and it is your largest organ so take care of it and maybe test a small patch of skin to make sure it is safe for YOU.
BONUS: If you have PCOS, my apologies, it sucks quite a bit. My best tips are this, go see an acupuncturist (an original tip from Gina herself), take a strong B Vitamin and take 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar EVERYDAY.
x to the ohhhh
P.S. Some of you asked about my own blog and she lives right hereย beezybodyfitness.com, where my BFF and I share our daily workouts, some eats and lots of fun.ย
have you ever thought of laser hair removal? it. is. life. changing!!!
but it hurts like a biotch. i felt that laser in MY SOUL
This. Hilarious.
I have PCOS and lasered pretty much my entire body — after 12 monthly treatments, only one area responded (my armpits). Unfortunately, a year later, all the hair is back with a vengeance. And I’m with Gina. I bumped up the intensity each time, and it hurt like a mofo. Just so you know — it’s a major $$ investment, and it’s not always effective on PCOS (I know others it didn’t work on as well). So, needless to say, I stick with my old standby (http://www.amazon.com/Cleancut-PS335-T-Shape-Personal-Shaver/dp/B00141DEAC) — this is the only razor that doesn’t give me razor burn down there (and I use it on all my lady bits — no cuts!).
Buying that razor now. THANKS HEATHER!!!!
Why yes I have actually been through 3 treatments of laser hair removal, and I am with Gina, it HURRTTTSSSS. And guess whose back? Back again? Shady (hair) is back, tell yo friends. Guess whose back guess whose back guess whose back… OH I LOVE EMINEM, Sorry for the tangent!
I too have PCOS, major lamesauce. What is the apple cider vinegar supposed to help with? I’ve heard of using it before but never understood exactly what it was supposed to do?
from what i’ve read, it’s helps with the ph balance of the body. it makes the body more alkaline instead of acidic
I think Gina is right. All I know is that it helps for whatever reason and for that I am thankful!
Do you just take it all at once in the morning?
Yes ma’am.
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar + 4 oz of water + 2 oz of my favorite organic juice of the day + a few shakes of cinnamon + 1 shake of cayenne = metabolism + hormone fire
I’ve had 8 treatments of laser hair removal. It hurts but not that bad. And totally worth it. It has been a major life changer.
Can’t thank you enough for this post! I finally went off the pill after years to try and get pregnant…and my hormones went crazy. Turns out I have PCOS too. I’ve seen a nutritionist and that helped with some things, but I’m loving these tips as well!
All my love Cheyanna! If you have not read Taking Charge of Your Fertility (also a reco from Gina) do it to it. Check out acupuncture and let me tell you, B Vitamins = crazy be gone pills for MOI!
xoxo
Wow this is awesome! Is Indian clay hard to find? Never heard of it!
Hi Jess, no not at all! I found mine at Sprouts! I bet any healthy grocery store has it!
Where can I buy that clay stuff???
Sprouts or Henry’s baby!
I have PCOS too. What’s the benefit in taking a B vitamin? I’ve never heard that before.
Also…love these tips! Thanks
I am no doctor, but B Vitamins help with stress in particular, and because my hormones seem to be outta whack. Apparently they help with stress by working with brain chemistry and balancing neurotransmitters. ALL I know is that it has helped me. ๐
Crazy how common PCOS is these days!
Riiiight? Stupid birth control pills. (in my opinion)
Word.
Do you have a recommendation for a good vitamin b?
I take the Super Stress B Vitamins complex: http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-premium-super-stress-vitamin-b-complex-vitamin-c-240-caps
thanks!
So weird, I literally just bought this indian clay and braggs apple cider vinegar off amazon for dirt cheap yesterday… small world! I’m glad it got such a good recommendation from you– i’m excited to try it!
I also have PCOS, so I was stoked to see this post. I never had any problems with acne until about age 21 and then it went crazy on my cheeks/chin – like those deep, cystic ones that just linger on. Will definitely try this!! Also, I was never an anxious person (definitely an A-type perfectionist, but not physically feeling awful) until recently, so the vitamin B may be worth looking into. Crazy how even a small shift in hormones can cause so many issues …
Story of my life. I had beautiful/flawless skin until about 20. It been horrible ever since (I’m 24). I’m dying to go back on the pill for selfish clearer skin reasons, but my obgyn wants to make sure my cycle gets regulated first (no improvement there so far). Also makes it very hard to reach my goal weight even with a 6 day/week exercise schedule and a very clean diet. Womp Womp.
I hear ya Alyssa! One day at a time sister. Seriously though, give this a shot! xo
Thanks Whit for the Awesome tips! I suffer from crazy ingrowns and have always had wacky hormones. I have also tried laser, I did about 6 treatments under my pits and 4 on my bikini line and guess what? I’m harrier than a monkey! Thanks for the personal story and tip… All of us girls suffer from beauty issues and it’s so nice to hear what others are doing and trying to keep it at bay!!!!
Love your style and openness! I check out your blog – I loved that little video clips to show how to do basic exercises. That is such a great idea. ๐
Thank you Laura!! That means a lot a lot a lot. xoxoox
gina and whitney,
do you feel like with pcos you need to limit the amount of carbs you eat to reduce your symptoms or to keep your weight in check? i have pcos as well and have a really hard time with finding the carb balance.
hey girl,
i don’t have pcos, but from what i’ve read, it’s usually recommended for those who do to follow a low-carb diet because sugar encourages bacterial growth. i’d talk with a doc to be sure, though <3
Yeah definitely talk to your doctor if you are having any weight problems. In terms of symptoms I do find that when I eat clean, it is more in check and I do not have as much pain. I will also say that the B-vitamins and the Apple Cider Vinegar really help, but again talk to your doctor. Best of luck!
I just bought some thanks to your recommendation I don’t hace PCOS but I wanted to try something more natural for a facial mask … My husband and I tried it out last night and OH MY…My face felt so amazing afterwards. Thanks a bunch!
Awesome Jennifer! SO happy to hear it. xoxo
Ooooh! I really want to try this! I LOVE home-made, simple masks- they always work the best! Side note for Whitney: Your blog= ridic. Your “long hair, don’t care” gif? I was dyinggggg. So funny!
Hey Whitney I had to come back and post a comment. I’ve been trying the Indian clay/apple cider vinegar mask for about three weeks now. Dang! Where has this been all my life? I do it once a week or so and not to be too tmi about it but I also use it on my tummy, booty and the girls and wow I can’t believe the difference in my skin. Super soft and smooth. What a great at home treatment, thanks so much for this post. Oh, and like someone else posted, I found the clay for super cheap on Amazon.
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Does Walmart carry the clay??
HI, I get really bad ingrown when I get a brazilian wax and they leave dark spots.. Can I use this down there and does it help lighten dark spots or could I add lemon juice to brighten? Does this formula need to be refrigerated? Thanks!
Can I make a batch of this and store it in glass for future use or do I need to make it every time?
This was actually very good.