Homemade Beauty Recipes for Spring
Tulips and daffodils are pushing up through the thawing ground, buds are exploding from once-lonely tree branches, and I’ve got mashed carrot and avocado all over my face. No, I’m not spoon-feeding a baby, but I am babying my skin with a spring-inspired face masque. Carrots and avocados are excellent sources of skin-nourishing vitamins that can help rejuvenate winter skin just in time for this season of rebirth and renewal. Combine them with a few other spring foods, and you’ve got a homemade skincare ritual that would make Mother Nature proud.

*Note: As with all skin products, do not use any of these recipes if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients, or have very sensitive skin. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions. In case of a rash or reaction discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice.

Carrot Face Masque
High in antioxidant compounds and pro-vitamin A carotenes, carrots can help nourish you skin from the inside out and from the outside in. Feel free to munch on them while you prepare this carrot face masque and you’ll help protect yourself from cardiovascular disease and cancer, promote good night vision, and revitalize your skin.
  • 2 large organic carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
Steam carrots until soft, then mash with a fork until smooth. Add the honey, oil, and lemon juice (between 1 tsp for dry skin and 1 Tbsp for oily skin). Smooth masque over clean skin, and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Refrigerate remaining masque in a tightly-sealed container for up to one week.

Guacamole for Your Face
Avocado is one of nature’s greatest moisturizers, especially helpful for skin that’s been ravaged by winter winds.
  • 1 avocado, mashed
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 Tbsp plain, unsweetened yogurt
Mix ingredients until smooth. Smooth masque over clean skin, and leave on for 25 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Avocado & Cream Hair Conditioner
Because avocados contain a range of nutrients, including vitamins K and C, and moisturizing oils, they can be beneficial to dry hair too.
  • 1 avocado, mashed
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
Blend ingredients in a blender until smooth. After shampooing hair, apply mixture, working down to the ends. Allow to remain on hair for up to 15 minutes, then rinse well. Refrigerate remaining masque in a tightly-sealed container for up to one week.

Avocado Cleanser for Dry Skin
Much like olive oil is pressed from olives, avocado oil is pressed from the fruit of the avocado. Because it is regenerative and moisturizing—due to its high levels of vitamin E and monounsaturated fats—it is frequently used in beauty products. You can buy avocado oil in most natural grocery stores and specialty food stores.
  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Whip ingredients together with a fork until smooth. Apply to skin using gentle circular movements, and allow it to remain on skin for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. The vinegar smell will disappear momentarily. Use this cleanser immediately.

Store Bought Beauty
If you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own beauty products, check out these spring picks by Burt’s Bees’, which are eco-friendly and affordable.
  • If you’re looking for a pre-made product that packs the benefits of carrots, try Burt’s Bees’ Carrot Nutritive Day Crème ($12 for 2 oz.) and Carrot Nutritive Night Crème ($12 for 1 oz.). Made with natural ingredients like carrot seed oil, it may naturally stimulate skin cell turnover.
     
  • A great commercial product that utilizes this moisturizing fruit is Burt’s Bees’ Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment. ($9 for 4.34 oz.) It combines avocado and olive oils to “penetrate and replenish natural moisture to your hair and scalp,” leaving hair soft and shiny.
     
  • A great ready-made avocado oil-containing product is Burt’s Bees’ Evening Primrose Overnight Crème ($15 for 1 oz.). Avocado oil is combined with evening primrose oil and other moisturizing oils to rejuvenate skin overnight.