A watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 91% water by weight and contains a high amount of vitamin C, vitamin A, B dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds.
Watermelons contain a significant amount of citrulline, carotenoids, and lycopenes. They are most deliciously eaten raw, but they can also be stir-fried, stewed or even pickled. When stir-fried, the skin and fruit is removed, and the rind is cooked with olive oil, garlic, chili peppers, scallions, sugar and rum. Watermelon juice can even be made into wine. Preliminary research indicates the consumption of watermelon may have antihypertensive effects.
Watermelon is also terrific when made into a face mask. With its high water content and rich source of vitamins A, B and C, it will not only hydrate your skin, but also repair and protect your skin as well.
photo credit : flipbeans.com
Here are some recipes that make great face masks, that I like to use:
1. For sun damaged skin
Soak cotton pads with 50%-50% fresh watermelon juice and aloe vera juice (chilled in fridge), then apply to any sunburned areas. Leave the pads on your skin for 15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
2. For tired skin
This one will give you glowing supple skin in no time.
Mix 1 teaspoon watermelon juice with 1 teaspoon plain Greek Yogurt. The lactic acid and enzymes in the yogurt helps exfoliate the skin, while the watermelon hydrates and heals. Apply the mask to your face and neck for 10 minutes before rinsing off.
3. For dehydrated skin
Mix 1 teaspoon watermelon juice with 1 teaspoon of mashed avocado. The avocado is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which will add the good fats back to aged and dehydrated skin, whilst the vitamin C and vitamin E, act as antioxidants to remove free radicals and brighten skin. Apply to your face and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
4. For flaky, dull skin
Mix 1 teaspoon watermelon juice, 1 teaspoon organic honey and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera juice. Honey is a natural humectant, and will bind water to your skin to reduce the chaffed flakiness. The watermelon juice adds another hydrating feature to the mask. Apply to your face and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
5. For inflamed, acne-prone skin
Mix 1 teaspoon watermelon juice with 1 teaspoon of mashed Banana. Banana contains vitamins B2, B6 and B12, which helps to reduce skin inflammation, watermelon acts as an oil-free moisturizer. Apply to your face for 5 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
What are your favourite masks.. care to share?
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