Rejuvenating Matcha Facial Mask

Your skin is thirsty. As much as we love drinking matcha, we can't ignore its exceptional benefits to our beauty routine. Matcha's wonderful antioxidants are readily absorbed into our skin, and we can thank its caffeine for anti-inflammatory properties, its chlorophyll for serious detoxification and skin-toning benefits, and its free-radical-fighting catechins (EGCG's) for cancer prevention and protection against sun damage. 

We can't resist this sublime mask, especially when we combine it with a few other beneficial ingredients:

• Avocado acts as a moisturizer and has detoxifying, anti-aging, wrinkle-reducing properties. Its oils are also close to the natural oils in our skin, and provide deep, long-lasting benefits.
• Yogurt is used for probiotics, vitamin D, calcium, and protein — but also for its lactic and alpha hydroxy acids, which help dissolve dead skin cells and diminish lines and wrinkles. Those seriously rad acids help with acne and relive sun burn to boot!
• Honey provides a little antibacterial boost. You can optionally use raw honey for a bit more exfoliation.
• Lavender provides exfoliation (if using chopped culinary lavender instead of essence) in addition to calming and relaxing effects — especially since we usually snooze and relax while our masks are applied!
  
  

Photos by Nicole Oda

Ingredients

• 1 ripe organic avocado
• ½ Tbsp organic yogurt  
• 1 Tbsp organic honey
• 1 pinch organic culinary lavender, finely chopped or 1 drop of lavender oil
• 1½ tsp Organic Signature Matcha
• Optional: Mix-ins for customizing your own recipe: rose water, coconut oil (for drier skin), aloe vera gel, etc. 

Recipe

1. Mash honey with avocado until creamy, then stir in matcha and yogurt before adding finely chopped lavender or lavender essence. 
   
2. Apply to skin and let sit for 15 minutes. Leftover mask can be stored in a container with a tight lid in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. 
3. Gently rinse with warm water, inhale deeply, and make a cup of matcha to treat yourself. 
4. Apply once a week for best results, and glow on!  Apply once a week for best results, and glow on!