Author: Laura

I am a woman in my 30s still trying to figure out life!
What’s the Deal With Calcium?!

What’s the Deal With Calcium?!

by Laura ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I love to read about all things health-especially women’s health. One of my favorite past times is scouring articles/books for new information or just rereading information I already know.

Lately, I have stumbled upon multiple resources talking about calcium. After reading about it more, I found that there are some clear benefits for it when it comes to women’s health. In this post I will be discussing those benefits and just calcium in general.

What calcium is and where to find it

Calcium is a mineral. It is essential for our bones, heart, muscles and nerves to work.

In short, we need it!

Many foods contain calcium and some have a lot more per serving than others. Below is a list of food that have the highest amount of calcium in their food groups:

  • Fruits: Tangerines, oranges and kiwi.
  • Vegetables: Collard greens, spinach and kale.
  • Dairy: All milk, part-skim ricotta and plain yogurt.
  • Fish: Canned salmon and canned sardines.
  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds and sesame seeds.
  • Protein: Whey protein powder, tofu, soybeans.
  • Beans and legumes: White beans and edamame.
  • Grains: Fortified grains.

It is also sold as a supplement by a variety of brands. You can find it in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid and powders. Some of these supplements only have calcium in them and others combine it with other things (usually Vitamin D and/or magnesium).

You also need to be wary of interactions between calcium supplements and other medications. There have been shown to be possible bad ones when taking diuretics, thyroid medication and antibiotics at the same time.

The recommended daily intake of calcium is no more than 1300 mg. Going over this amount may cause things like excess calcium in the blood, kidney stones, bowel problems and heart issues.

Conversely, extremely low levels of calcium in the body can cause problems too. These include tingling, muscle spasms, shortness of breath, wheezing, seizures, confusion and vomiting.

Calcium for women’s health

So now that we got the general stuff about calcium out of the way, let’s talk about how it can help us women (and nonbinary people of course)!

Our menstrual cycles-

Calcium has been found by multiple studies to reduce the PMS symptoms that many women experience during their menstrual cycles. Here is a list of some things the studies concluded:

  • Just 500 mg of calcium reduces brain fog and mood issues.
  • 1000-1200 mg of calcium reduces brain fog, mood issues, muscle/joint pain, fatigue and food cravings.
  • 500 mg of calcium with 200 mg of Vitamin D reduce mood issues, fatigue and bloating.
  • 500 mg of calcium with 40 mg of Vitamin B6 reduces mood issues, breast pain and bloating.
  • 500 mg of calcium may reduce PMS symptoms just as well as a higher dose.

There was also one study that stated that calcium intake can help menstrual cramps and bloating during a woman’s period.

Our bones-

As mentioned before (and as most people know!), calcium is extremely important for our bones. When people get older, the risk for osteoporosis (weak bones) increases. Unfortunately for women, our risk is even higher than men’s risk due to our estrogen falling.

This is where calcium comes in.

It is important that women get enough calcium as we age to help prevent the weakening of bones from happening. Studies suggest that getting in around 1,000 mg of calcium per day (before and after the age of 50) can do this.

Pregnancy-

Proper intake of calcium is definitely important before, during and after pregnancy. Studies have shown that it may help prevent postpartum depression and help reduce the incidence of leg cramps. There is currently being more research done on both of these things.

Medical professionals state that 1,000 mg of calcium is the best amount to get in while pregnant. Since a lot of prenatal supplements either don’t have calcium in them or only a little- it is best to either get it through your diet or take a stand-alone supplement of it.

Mood issues in general-

There have been a few studies showing that women who have mood issues (such as depression) also have a low dietary intake of calcium. This has made researchers suggest that there is a correlation between calcium and our moods.

Will I supplement with calcium?

Not too long ago I did a post on using Claritin for PMS/PMDD and how it was working well for me. On top of still taking that everyday, I will now start upping my calcium intake a little.

I currently get 150 mg of it a day through the Vitamin B supplements I take. My plan is to boost that amount up to 500 mg a day to see what if anything happens to my PMS symptoms. While things have gotten better with them due to the Claritin, I still experience some discomfort.

If I can make things even easier before my period, that would be awesome!

In conclusion

Calcium may do wonders for women/non-binary people for a few reasons. If you are able to, it can be something you get from food or you can use supplements to get your intake up.

It is important to remember that too much of it is not a good thing so stick within the 500-1300 mg range.

Have you noticed if your calcium intake makes your PMS/PMDD better? Let me know!

Thanks for reading!

#calciumtablets #calciumcitrate #pmssupplements #pmddtreatment #calcium #womenshealth #menstrualcycle #menopause #bones #osteoporosis #pregnancy

Find Out What’s On My TV!

Find Out What’s On My TV!

by Laura ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I am a streaming services-loving person as many others are.

I am also the type of person who can watch shows over and over again without getting tired of the episodes. For example, X-Files is (and will always be) my absolute favorite show and I watch at least one episode every other week. It doesn’t even matter that I have seen all episodes a million times- I just love the show so much.

Besides X-Files, there are some shows I am really liking right now. Maybe you like them too? If you haven’t watched them yet, maybe me discussing them in this post will give you ideas of what to watch next!

Without further ado, here is what is on my TV!

I must mention my streaming services first

So, I do not have cable and I don’t think I ever will. I am perfectly happy with the streaming services.

Right now, I have all of the following:

  • Peacock- I just signed up for this one a few weeks ago.
  • Hulu- I just have the regular monthly subscription where there are ads in the shows/movies. I may get the premium subscription in the future.
  • Netflix- I think most people have this service.
  • Amazon Prime video

I also had a Roku TV a while ago but my son ended up breaking the screen. It had a Roku streaming service channel which I really enjoyed. Because of that, I might get another one of the TVs but I am in no hurry (and on a budget!).

What I am watching

  1. Superstore on Hulu– Oh my goodness is this show funny! The acting, situations, dialogue…all great. It is such a lighthearted show that is perfect to watch if you are just looking for a feel-good, happy time.

My favorite character is Dina by far.

2. Murder She Wrote on Peacock– This is a classic show that may not be for everyone these days but it sure is for me. Even though there is no shortage of tackiness, I still find it fun and interesting. I would love to make money with my writing just like J.B. Fletcher!

In my opinion, one of the best episodes so far (I am on season 6) is Murder Takes the Bus from season 1.

3. The First 48 on Peacock (also on Hulu)-I love true crime shows and this one does not disappoint. The cases are interesting, the investigators are top notch and there is no hint of fakeness (at least from my viewpoint).

Definitely a great watch for other crime show lovers out there (who haven’t already watched it).

4. Cruel Summer on Hulu– I decided to give this new show a chance and I was sucked into it right away. Both Kate and Gretchen are as shady as all get out to me and I really want to know what they are hiding. The next episode can’t come soon enough for me!

Some are saying this show is like Pretty Little Liars so I guess if you liked that one, you might like Cruel Summer. I personally did not like Pretty Little Liars so I don’t think that is a prerequisite.

5. King of the Hill on Hulu– This one makes me laugh so much and serves as great background noise. The episode about the diminished gluteal syndrome will always be a classic for me.

6. The Conners on Hulu– I loved the original Roseanne sitcom and have seen the episodes many times. I was not sure if I was going to like it without the Roseanne character but I gave this a shot anyways. Needless to say, I really enjoy it and I am on my second watch through of the current season (3rd).

7. Law and order: Organized Crime on Hulu– Stabler and all of his sexiness. Need I say more?

8. Dateline on Peacock– I just came across this on Peacock and I am happy I did. There are multiple seasons with episodes that are right up my alley (true crime!).

To wrap this short post up

These shows mentioned are not for everybody- I know that. My tastes in shows and movies have always been considered odd by people.

I just wanted to do a short, kind of fun post about what I am enjoying lately.

Let me know what you are watching these days. I would love to have some new ideas to add to my Streaming Services Organizer.

Thanks for reading!

#netflix #streamingservices #superstore #lawandorder #elliotstabler #smarttv #samsungtv #rokutv #tvshows #truecrime #hulu #amazonprimevideo #peacocktv

Having a PMS/PMDD Toolbox

Having a PMS/PMDD Toolbox

by Laura ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

PMS and PMDD are two things that many women have to deal with. While PMS is milder, they both can cause a lot of discomfort physically and mentally.

When it is that time of your cycle where things get really bad for you and you need some relief, having helpful resources in one place may do wonders. This can be called your “toolbox.”

In this post, more about having a toolbox and what to put inside of it will be discussed.

Hormones and our menstrual cycles

There are three key types of hormones that play a huge role in our menstrual cycles. They are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone (yes, women need this one too!).

During the phases of our cycles, these aforementioned hormones do different things. Here is a quick run down of which ones are doing what during the days of our cycle:

Days 1-7: Estrogen is rising and progesterone levels decrease.

Days 8-14: Estrogen and testosterone are rising together. Progesterone is low.

Days 15-22: First, progesterone rises with estrogen dropping. Estrogen rises again during this time.

Days 23-28 (an average cycle length): Estrogen and progesterone decrease.

Sensitivity and/or genetics

Everyone is different when it comes to their experiences with their menstrual cycles. Some get through them without any struggles. Unfortunately, others are not so lucky.

There are a lot of women who are very sensitive to the hormone shifts that happen in our cycles. This leads them to deal with physical and mental symptoms that usually come on after ovulation.

There also may be some genetic component to this. Usually if one person has hormonal issues, other biologically related people in their family have them too.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)are both the names of the groups of hormonal symptoms. PMS can range in intensity from mild to severe and PMDD is even beyond that.

The following is a list of the hormonal symptoms that both PMS and PMDD can include:

Mental-

  • Sadness
  • Impatience
  • Anger
  • Low level of self-confidence
  • Cravings
  • Anxiety

Physical-

  • Bloating and weight gain
  • Aches and pains
  • Gum irritation
  • Nausea with or without vomiting
  • Headaches and/or migraines
  • Lightheadedness
  • Gassiness
  • Loose stools
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Urinary frequency

While the mental symptoms in PMS and PMDD are similar, PMDD is more severe. It may even greatly disrupt aspects of women’s lives such as romantic relationships and employment.

Regardless of whether someone has PMS or PMDD, there are sure to be times when relief is wanted as soon as possible.

Why have a PMS/PMDD toolbox?

We are not talking about having a Craftsman toolbox in this case-although those are great too. We are talking about a toolbox that you can reach into when your hormones are causing chaos to your mind and/or body

Everyone has a certain amount of discomfort that they can handle. Having a PMS/PMDD toolbox around when you have gone over that amount is extremely helpful.

The following are the benefits of having a toolbox always available:

  • Provide relatively quick relief from physical symptoms that you are having trouble with.
  • May help you channel negative feelings.
  • May help boost your mood so that you can get through the rest of the day or night.
  • May help keep you from making bad decisions that may negatively effect you later on.
  • May help you learn more about and be in tune with yourself.

The idea of having a toolbox for mental and physical health is great for people without PMS or PMDD, too. This is because everyone has times where they may need some quick help to feel better.

How to make your PMS/PMDD toolbox

Okay, so we know the reasons why having a PMS/PMDD toolbox is a good idea. Now, let’s get into how to make one.

Here are the steps to take for making one that will serve your specific needs:

Step 1- Pick out a container

Here is a super cute backpack idea to hold items in!

You can use anything you want to put your PMS/PMDD-helping items in. Some ideas include a backpack, large bin, medium sized bin, duffel bag, laundry hamper and a large bucket. Heck, you could even use an actual toolbox if you wanted to!

A backpack with multiple compartments is a particularly nice idea. This makes it so you can section out your items and organize them-if you are that type of person. Just throwing it all in their is fine, too.

You may need to switch to a larger “toolbox” depending on how many items you decide you want to put in one.

Step 2- Pick out the items that you think will help you

Before you pick out your toolbox items, you have to ask yourself some questions. These include the following:

  • “What do I usually struggle with mentally and physically that is caused by my menstrual cycle?”
  • “What days during my cycle do I experience these bad feelings?”
  • “What has made me feel better in the past?”
  • “What am I interested in trying to help me feel better?”

Along with asking yourself these questions, you should also write down a list of emotions and feelings that you struggle with instead of just thinking it. This will make it easier to figure out what you might want to put in your toolbox.

Here are examples of things you can put in:

For mental/emotional health-

  • A journal to write out what you are feeling.
  • An inspirational quote book.
  • Written down names of videos that you find relaxing. All you have to do is type them in on your phone, computer, tablet etc. and start listening.
  • Written down situations that make you laugh or just feel good and loved.
  • A sheet detailing breathing exercises.
  • A CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) workbook to work out of.
  • A self-love workbook to work out of.
  • Calming essential oils such as chamomile, bergamot orange, lavender and peppermint.
  • Packets of tea such as fennel, Cup of Calm, chamomile and Tension Tamer.
  • A coloring book and colored pencils.
  • List of feel-good movies that you are interested in watching and are available to stream.
  • Special sketchbook if you like drawing.
  • Picture books and scrapbooks that show good times/family/friends.

Physical-

  • Tylenol, Advil and/or ibuprofen for aches and pains.
  • A heated blanket and/or a heat pack. These are great for aches, pains and for a general calming feeling in the body.
  • Tea packets for nausea such as ginger, peppermint, red raspberry leaf, cinnamon (you can use cinnamon bark sticks), turmeric, rosemary, fennel and chamomile.
  • Tums for bad heartburn.
  • Vick’s Vaporub for aches and pains.
  • Gas-X for gassiness that can occur.
  • Diarrhea medication if you are someone who experiences a lot of loose stools on certain days of your cycle.
  • A comfy outfit (s).
  • Magnesium spray for insomnia, aches and pains.
  • Pieces of candy drops that help with digestive upset.
  • Lotion for itchy skin.
  • Your favorite treat that you only indulge in during certain times of the month.
  • Sleeping pills that you only use during certain times of the month when you get insomnia.

There are probably more things that you can put in your toolbox but these are just to help you get started!

There are two things of note here. One is that you should check the ingredients of teas and medications before you use them as part of your mental/physical health resources. You may be allergic to them or they may interact with other medication you are taking.

The other thing to note is that if you are putting in any kind of candy drops or treats, you should regularly look at the expiration date and replenish the supply if need-be.

Step 3- Proper placement

Once you have your toolbox put together, it is time to figure out where to put it.

It is important to put it in an accessible place. Somewhere where you don’t have to spend time digging it out as this might make you more frustrated than you already are. You could put it under your bed(if you are using a flat bin), in your closet (not under things), by the side of your bed etc.

If you live with someone, it might be a good idea to tell them what the toolbox is for and where it is. This is because if you are really struggling, it could be helpful to have them go get it for you and help get out the things you need right away.

Other things you can have around

Because some helpful things might not fit in your toolbox container, you can simply keep them near it. Here are some other items to consider:

  • Foam roller to help your back during certain times of the month when it gets tight.
  • A heated blanket if it didn’t fit in your toolbox container.
  • A massage gun for your tight muscles and back.
  • A red light therapy lamp which can help with pain, moods and energy levels.

Another thing to consider having is a calming or meditation app on your phone.

Long-term help

As stated before, a PMS/PMDD toolbox is for quick relief when you are really struggling. There are certain things that you can do or take each day that may reduce and/or lesson these times though. These include the following:

  • Cleaning up your diet if you don’t eat very healthy.
  • Taking supplements such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B6 and magnesium.
  • Getting regular exercise.
  • Weekly counseling.
  • Keeping in touch with loved ones.
  • Taking birth control to help balance hormones.
  • Taking an antidepressant.

In conclusion, consider a toolbox

As you can see from this post, having a PMS/ PMDD toolbox could be a life changing thing for you. It may not be a cure, but it can help you feel better on short notice if you carefully select the items you put into it.

Do you keep around something like this when you are having a rough time? Let me know!

Thanks for reading!

#mentalhealth #womenshealth #pmddtreatment #pmstreatment #helpfulresources #healthissues #hormonalimbalance #pcos #pmsmoodswings #pmssupplements #pmddsupplements

A Great Blueberry Snack Option!

A Great Blueberry Snack Option!

by Laura ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I have been looking for new options for snacks as I was getting tired of the same old stuff. Recently, I came across some that used frozen berries as an ingredient. I tried one and thought it was delicious!

In this post, I will be talking about/showing you the blueberry snack I came up with that is based off of the recipes I found.

Why blueberries?

Blueberries are the star of my snack. Simply because they are amazing!

Here are some of the key nutrients that blueberries contain:

  • Very high in antioxidants- Blueberries are shown to be at the top of all food when it comes to antioxidant content.
  • High in vitamin C
  • High in vitamin K
  • High in manganese
  • High in copper
  • High in fiber

Here are some of the benefits that blueberries have due to the nutrients they contain:

  • Provide anti-aging effects to the skin.
  • Improve health of hair.
  • Great for bone health.
  • May improve blood pressure.
  • May lower blood sugar levels.
  • May prevent and treat constipation.
  • May lower bad cholesterol levels.
  • Can boost the immune system.

One cup of blueberries equals 85 calories and 21 grams of carbohydrates. Because of the carbohydrate content, it may not fit into a really low carb or keto diet. For those that aren’t doing those diets…eat up!

My delicious, new snack

This snack is simple, easy and delicious! The only ingredients are frozen blueberries, Greek Yogurt, cinnamon and a sweetener(optional).

Admittedly, I usually don’t like any kind of yogurt but this snack sounded really good to me. Here is what is good about Greek yogurt if you don’t already know:

  • Very filling- It is thick and full of protein. This makes it a great snack that may hold you over for a while.
  • Full of probiotics- These help our guts to function better and supports our immune systems.
  • A good amount of calcium- This is great for our bones, muscles and nerves.
  • A good amount of vitamin B12- This vitamin supports our nervous system and blood cells.
  • A small amount of vitamin B6- This supports the nervous system, metabolism and may help balance hormones.

Adding in cinnamon was a no-brainer to me because I love it. I even did a blog post about it a while back. If you don’t feel like reading a long post on it, here is a brief list of some of the benefits of cinnamon:

  • Helps with digestive issues.
  • Has anti-bacterial properties.
  • Has antioxidant effects.
  • Has anti-inflammatory effects.
  • May lower blood sugar.
  • May be soothing for a sore throat if drank in tea form.

As you can see, it doesn’t just add a good flavor to whatever it is put in.

It is important to know that too much cinnamon can be bad for your kidneys and liver though. Experts state that no more than 1 tsp should be consumed per day.

So without further ado, here is the recipe:

Blueberry snack

Ingredients-

  • 2/3 cup of plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup of frozen, unsweetened blueberries (do not thaw them)
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon
  • Sweetener of your choosing (optional).

Instructions-

  1. Put the yogurt, frozen blueberries and cinnamon in a bowl and mix together.
  2. Cover the bowl and place in fridge for about two hours.
  3. Take the bowl out and stir the mixture. Stir in the sweetener of your choice to taste (optional).
  4. Enjoy!

Letting the blueberries thaw into the Greek yogurt gives this snack an almost ice cream like feel to it. It also causes the blueberry juice to leak out into the yogurt, giving it the full deliciousness of the fruit’s flavor.

If you don’t like blueberries, not to worry! This can be done with any frozen fruit. You can also omit the cinnamon, use a dairy free yogurt etc. Totally up to you and your tastes.

Try it out!

If you want a filling snack and this sounds good to you, give it a try sometime. It is super easy to make and is healthy.

Your whole family may enjoy it too!

Thanks for reading!

#berries #fruit #summerproduce #blueberryplants #antioxidants #health #diet #weightloss

2 Great DIY Face Masks for Spring (Skincare)

2 Great DIY Face Masks for Spring (Skincare)

by Laura ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I absolutely love spring. Everything looks beautiful and cheery outside-even when things are bad in the world.

Spring also brings some really nutritious produce. Two of these are strawberries and carrots.

When coming up with ways to pamper my troubled skin, I got the idea of using strawberries and carrots as an ingredient in face masks. In this post, I will be discussing the use of these in beauty treatments and provide the recipes for the masks.

About masks in general

Using a face mask that you make or buy is a great way to pamper yourself. It can be seen as part of a skincare routine and/or part of a self-care routine.

There are many different types of face masks that can target different skin types and issues. What you have to do is figure out your particular needs and look for a face mask product or recipe that will meet them.

Face masks are best when done after cleansing and toning (if you use a toner in your skincare routine). Having clean skin means that the mask can really penetrate your skin. According to experts, face masks are to be left on for no more than 20 minutes otherwise dryness of your skin may occur.

Do not put any mask near your eye area. This is a really delicate part of the face and masks may dry it out/irritate it.

Doing face masks two to three times a week may help your skin out a lot when combined with other great products that are used daily.

Strawberry mask: Why and how

Strawberries are very healthy for us! They are included in many expert’s lists of best fruits to include in our diets.

Because of their healthiness, they are also great for skin. Let’s take a look at the key constituents they contain in the following list:

  • Vitamin C- Strawberries contain a high amount of this vitamin. It gives a ton of antioxidant support which in turn benefits the skin by way of providing anti-aging, complexion evening and complexion brightening. It also reduces inflammation so it may be good for calming acne.
  • Resveratrol- This is a phytonutrient found in strawberries. It reduces inflammation, has antiaging properties, provides antibacterial effects, and brightens the skin.
  • Vitamin B6- This vitamin has some anti-inflammatory benefits and also may help to balance hormones (imbalanced hormones may lead to acne in some).
  • Manganese- This is a trace mineral that provides antioxidant benefits to the body.
  • Ellagic acid- This acid is high in antioxidants and may help fade dark spots.
  • Anthocyanins- These flavonoids are what gives certain foods/plants their red, blue and purple colors. They contain a high amount of antioxidants, have antibacterial properties and may ease inflammation.
  • Quercetin- This flavonoid is said to be great for reducing inflammation, itching and it also provides antioxidant benefits.

See why a strawberry face mask may do some good? I sure did!

I didn’t feel like just putting strawberry on my face would be quite enough. Here is what else I decided to add to the face mask and why:

  • Rosehip oil: This is high in vitamin A, vitamin C and fatty acids. These nutrients give it the ability to provide antiaging, acne fighting and skin tone evening benefits.
  • Full fat, plain yogurt: Yogurt contains lactic acid which is one of the alpha hydroxy acids that are found in a myriad of skincare products. This means that adding it into a face mask will provide antiaging, anti-acne and skin tone evening benefits.
  • Honey- This has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. All of those together mean that it can help fight acne, even skin tone, provide antiaging benefits and soothe irritation.

As you can see, adding these three ingredients turns this strawberry face mask into something more powerful and beneficial. It makes it good for people who are struggling with acne/acne-prone skin, dullness, dark marks and for those that have signs of aging that they want to get rid of.

Here is the recipe for you to try:

Spring Strawberry Face mask

Ingredients-

  • 1 cup, washed, whole strawberries
  • 2 tbsps. full fat, plain yogurt
  • 1 full squirt of rosehip oil
  • 1 tbsp. honey

Instructions-

  1. Cut the leafy tops of one cup of whole strawberries off and thoroughly wash them.
  2. Put the strawberries into a blender and blend until smooth. Then add the rest of the ingredients. Blend it all together.
  3. Pour the mask into a container that can be sealed. Apply some all over your face and let it soak in for up to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
  4. Seal up the container and store in the refrigerator. The mask is good for three days (you could do this schedule: face mask day/off day/face mask day).

Super easy! You could also substitute frozen strawberries for the fresh ones. Just thaw them out first.

Carrot mask: why and how

Carrots are really popular to eat around the world. They also have wonderful health benefits that make it a great choice for our skin.

Now, let’s take a look at a few of the goodies carrots have in them:

  • Vitamin A- Carrots are very high in this vitamin. It helps with anti-aging of the skin, fighting acne, preventing acne and reducing inflammation.
  • Vitamin K- This vitamin helps our bodies heal and our blood to clot properly.
  • Beta-carotene- This is an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in our bodies. It is an antioxidant so it is very healing and provides protection for the skin
  • Potassium- This is an essential mineral that provides moisturization when used in skin care products.

Carrots also contain good amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese just like strawberries do. This comes to mean that carrots do have some of the same benefits as strawberries do. However, carrots have more power when it comes to its acne fighting capabilities.

Here is the ingredients I chose to add to this mask:

  • Pumpkin seed oil- This oil is full of things like zinc, vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, iron and vitamin A. It is great at fighting acne and provides anti-aging effects.
  • Honey- This was added to add some extra moisturization along with even more antibacterial and antioxidant effects.

These three ingredients together make for a mask that is great for people who deal with acne-prone, oily and uneven skin.

Here is the recipe for you to try:

Spring Carrot Face Mask

Ingredients-

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled
  • 1 squirt of pumpkin seed oil
  • 1/2 tbsp. honey

Instructions-

  1. Boil a pot of water. Add your washed and peeled carrot to the water. Boil until it feels tender when you push into it.
  2. Take the carrot out of the water and mash it up into a bowl until it is creamy. Mix in the pumpkin seed oil and honey.
  3. Spread on your face and leave on for up to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

This recipe makes one face mask. If you are going to be using it later after making it, store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container for no more than three days.

Try one out!

Your skin may thank you for doing these face masks (or ones like them) weekly. I plan on using the carrot one weekly and using rosehip oil or yogurt in it.

Do you do any face masks ever? If so, what kind do you use?

Thanks for reading!

#springtime #springproduce #strawberryplants #strawberryseeds #babycarrots #garden #facemasks #diyskincare #skincare #acne