If your skin needs some serious brightening up and you don’t know what to do, worry not! Here’s a super simple recipe that you can also drink (yes, it also doubles as a smoothie). This fruit and yogurt based fresh enzyme face mask will do the trick.
What makes this recipe so great is that all the ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store so you don’t have to worry about ordering anything overly exotic or expensive.
It’s what I personally have for breakfast (pre-workout) at least 3 days a week – not just because it tastes good but because it fills my tummy up with enzymes that help my digestion. It also contains ‘good’ bacteria from the yogurt which helps balance your skin’s microbiome and healthy fat that keeps me satisfied until I feel the need to put some solid food in my belly after my post-shower workout.
How to choose your face mask ingredients, and why they’re such good beauty foods!
Of course, I prefer using organic fruit in my beauty-food recipes but I would also like to add that if the ingredients called for in this recipe are not available as organic (or if they’re just too expensive) don’t let this stop you from making this recipe… just go ahead and purchase what’s available to you. Please try to choose nice ripe fruit. Under ripe fruit will not blend very well. Note that pre-sliced pineapple, papaya and even avocado are often available in the freezer section too!
Pineapple and papaya
These are the star ingredients because they are loaded with enzymes (called papain in papaya, and bromelain in pineapple) which help break down and loosen dead skin cells. The result? A revitalized complexion!
More on the benefits of plant-based enzymes.
Enzymes are naturally occurring chemicals that living organisms (like plants and animals) produce. They act as catalysts to speed up the rate of other chemical reactions necessary for that organism to survive and can be found in fruits, vegetables, and microorganisms that are used to ferment yogurt, wine, and cheese.
Enzymes are incredibly useful in skin care, especially when you are seeking to exfoliate or protect skin from oxidative damage. They can speed up the process of exfoliation, reduce inflammation, and even out skin tone. They also work to repair skin from acne, stress, and exposure to sun and pollution. In other words they help brighten your face!
Back to the ingredients in this recipe!
Avocados
In case you didn’t know, avocados are like superstars for your skin. Not just because they are loaded with healthy fats, but they also contain chlorophyll which help with inflammation, as well as Vitamin E that helps promote softness and prevent wrinkles. One of the coolest facts about avocado is that they are made up of gentle fibers that help this emulsify and keep the ingredients ‘stuck’ together.
Yogurt
Meanwhile, yogurt is amazing for its probiotic punch. Although you can use plain yogurt (from cow’s milk), my preference is to use a non-dairy yogurt because so many people have a dairy sensitivity and besides, I always prefer vegan, cruelty-free options. Even mainstream supermarkets usually have a few non-dairy yogurt options.
Matcha
Lastly, Matcha aside from being a delicious tea is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. It's really helpful with skin conditions like acne and rosacea. So when used as a mask it can be extremely helpful and beneficial for your skin health.
You can make this in five minutes or less. I like to double or even triple the recipe and pour some in a mason jar so that I can take it ‘to go’. While I’m tidying up my kitchen in the morning, and putting dishes away, that’s when I apply the leftovers of the smoothie onto my freshly cleansed face! I let it sit on my face for 5 minutes or so before rinsing it off with warm water. If I have enough time (and am not running late for my yoga class), I’ll leave it on for longer and that’s when I notice a slight tingly feeling which reminds me that the enzymes and probiotics are working.
Unlike a chemical or fruit acid peel that can be a little harsh, this is a very gentle formula which can be used on a wide variety of skin types (even the most sensitive of skin). You will start seeing the benefits if you make a point of doing this mask 3 times a week for at least a month. I know, that takes patience but I promise it’s worth it!!
Ingredients + Equipment:
- A blender
- ½ cup pineapple
- ½ cup papaya
- ½ cup avocado
- 1 tsp matcha tea powder
- 1 ounce unsweetened yogurt (if you don't do dairy choose a coconut, almond or soy yogurt)
- A handful of ice cubes
Directions + How To:
- Place the pineapple, papaya and avocado in a blender, and blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the ingredients are partly liquefied, then proceed in adding the yogurt and matcha. Pulse on high until the mixture is smooth (ie, no chunky bits).
- Pour about 90% of this mixture into a mason jar filled with some ice cubes. Please a lid on it and give it a shake so the ice starts to melt and blend with the smoothie
- Pour the rest (ie. remaining 10%) of the mixture in small bowl or if you face is clean and ready to go, just pour it onto the palm of you hand and apply the mask to your face. As mentioned above, let sit for at least 5 minutes but leave on longer if you have the time.
- Rinse off the brightening mask with warm water, and follow up with your favourite moisturizer or serum.
Note that although you can store any leftovers in a mason jar, this recipe is best used immediately after it's made, so your skin can experience the most potent benefits of enzymes and healthy bacteria.
