Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Updated June 3, 2020
You may have Sun Chlorella and green tea at your smoothie station, but once you learn how these ingredients can improve the outer appearance of your skin, you’ll also want to add them to your beauty bar.
Chlorella: A Homemade Facemask Superfood
Freshwater algae such as chlorella and spirulina are known as skin superfoods because they’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, plant pigments, and antioxidants (such as chlorophyll and beta carotene), which support your cellular repair and regeneration process when taken as a supplement. Chlorella is particularly great for skin health because it’s the only food on the planet to contain a component called Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF).
Chlorella Growth Factor is packed with the nucleic acids, which may support your skin’s overall health. Chlorella’s antioxidants may also protect the skin from free radicals (a primary culprits in fine lines and wrinkles).
It’s important to note is that your body naturally produces RNA and DNA on its own, but as a natural part of the aging process, you begin to produce less. Luckily, you can add nucleic acids to your diet and skincare routine with chlorella supplements to support healthy, youthful looking skin. When applied topically, chlorella may also help restore hydration which further reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Green Tea and Coconut Oil: Gently Exfoliate and Hydrate
Green tea is found in an abundance of skin care products such as toners, face washes, and moisturizers. This suggests it also has skin supportive benefits when applied as a homemade face mask.
In general, green tea is great for your skin because it has a high concentration of the antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). But in addition to neutralizing those wrinkle promoting free radicals, studies suggest EGCG can provide moisture to the epidermis layer of the skin to maintain a firm moisture barrier As an added skin bonus, the fatty acid in coconut oil called lauric acid is a natural antifungal and antibacterial, which may help improve skin conditions such as acne.
This homemade face mask recipe uses green tea leaves (not tea powder) straight from the tea bag, which help to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal a softer, brighter appearance.
Lastly, the coconut oil in this face mask provides a boost of hydration. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and helps you naturally find your perfect skin.
Recipe Notes
1. Be sure to set a timer and leave this face mask on for no longer than 15 minutes. Because chlorella is a dark green algae, it can leave a green tinge on your skin if left on for too long.
2. Some people find that coconut oil clogs their pores. If this is the case for you, you may substitute with a non-comedogenic oil such as argan oil or rosehip oil.
If you’re unsure of how coconut oil reacts with your skin, we recommend doing a patch test the night before using this homemade face mask recipe. Using chlorella in your green tea facial mask will bring you added benefits as you work to eliminate blemishes and bring extra health to your skin.
Ingredients
1.5 tsp Sun Chlorella Powder
1.5 tsp Green tea leaves
2 tsp Coconut oil, melted
Directions
Gently crush a green tea bag with your fingers until the tea leaves are broken down.
Add Sun Chlorella Powder and green tea leaves in a small ceramic bowl and mix until incorporated.
Add melted coconut oil until a thick paste forms.
If paste is too thick, add more coconut oil, 1/4 tsp at a time, until the paste forms a smooth (but not runny) consistency.
Using a brush or your fingers, spread evenly over your face, avoiding the eye area.
Relax and let sit for 15 minutes.
Using a hot towel, wipe off the mask and follow with your favorite toner and Sun Chlorella Cream or Astarella Primetime Skin Cream for a soft, radiant glow.
Author: Brandi Black, RHN