3 Times a Week Banana Anti-Aging Mask

Bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits available because they contain large quantities of magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamins A, B (folic acid), E, and F.

Here they are teamed with heavy cream (traditionally used to prevent wrinkles) and organic honey in a recipe crammed full of nutrients.

INGREDIENTS
1 small banana
2 tablespoons fresh heavy cream
1 tablespoon organic honey
1 tablespoon oat flour
Bottled or spring water
Rose hydrosol (see “Note,” below, about hydrosols.

METHOD
Mash the banana, using the back of a fork, and then add cream, honey, and flour. Stir to mix well. You may need to add a little more cream or flour to obtain the consistency of thick cream of yogurt.

Apply mask to the clean face, including the area around the eyes and the neck, and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with bottled or spring water and cotton pads, and dab on a little rose hydrosol, allowing to dry naturally.

Effect: nourishes
Skin types: dry, aging
Frequency of use: 3 times a week
Shelf life: 6 hours in refrigerator
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Treatment time: 30 minutes

Note about hydrosols: Also known as floral waters (but not flower waters), hydrosols are a byproduct of steam distillation, created while extracting essential oil. Hydrosols have properties similar to those of their related essential oils, although inevitably in a less concentrated form, but they are enriched with various water-soluble active ingredients. Their gentleness makes them an excellent way to tone, hydrate, and rebalance the pH of the skin, so they are frequently recommended as final cleansers/toners after cleansing or nourishing masks.

Read more: Beauty, Skin Care, anti-aging, banana, facial, mask

This excerpt is from Anti-Wrinkle Treatments for Perfect Skin, by Pierre Jean Cousin. Copyright (c) 2001 by Storey Books. Reprinted with permission by Storey Books.
This excerpt is from Anti-Wrinkle Treatments for Perfect Skin, by Pierre Jean Cousin.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Bryna P.

1:00AM PDT on Jun 8, 2013

Thank you!

June 8
send a green star

Melissa F.

2:34PM PDT on May 30, 2013

thanks for the good idea.

May 30
send a green star

Nikhil D.

2:31PM PDT on May 30, 2013

great idea

Mary T.

6:42PM PDT on May 21, 2013

should try it out

May 21
send a green star

wael a.

5:34PM PDT on May 21, 2013

Thank you

Shailja M.

3:14PM PDT on May 21, 2013

simple easy trick, w/ fingertips , apply 2 spoons milk to the face & let air dry 5-10 min, & rinse,.. leaves skin nicely moisturized & brighter too.

3:13PM PDT on May 21, 2013

so many wonderful ideas!! try sandalwood powder & water, leave on 5-10 min, & rinse in shower... cools ^ soothes the mind too. also chick pea flower ( besan), milk, and pinch of turmeric powder ( used on indian brides for a healthy glow).... turmeric stains yellow so be careful, but it is..

antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, antihelminthic * worms, antibiotic & even anti neoplastic ( cancer)

Carole T.

1:58PM PDT on May 21, 2013

It makes a change to be told to put the mask on the area around the eyes too. That area usually gets left out in most facials.

Vi H.

12:05PM PDT on May 21, 2013

Where do we find this hydrosol? I live in Brazil, where should I start looking for?

Duane B.

9:16AM PDT on May 21, 2013

Thank you for sharing.