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Edible Beauty

They say beauty is skin deep, but not when it comes to edible beauty!

Chef and Lifestyle Expert Yolanda Banks has a few recipes that are as good on the inside as they are on the outside.

Java Almond Scrub

2 cups ground Coffee
1/2 cup Himalayan Pink Salt
1/2 cup Turbinado Sugar
1/3 cup Olive oil
3 Tbs. Almond oil

Combine all ingredients in an airtight container or jar; mix well. Scrub will keep in a cool, dry place for about a month. To use: Rub scrub in a circular motion over entire body, starting from feet to head. This helps to increase lymphatic drainage.

Over the last 5 years, caffeine has made an appearance in numerous skin care lines. Caffeine dehydrates fat cells by energizing them, which in turn causes the sodium/potassium component of the cells to vacate. Consequently, water disappears as well. Caffeine tightens and ?rms the skin, therefore reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Coffee contains natural oils which soften the skin, while exfoliating it. Himalayan Pink Salt has over 80 essential and trace minerals including Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron and Copper. Himalayan Pink Salt helps to re-mineralize the skin, revitalize the skin, balance moisture content, relieves aches and pains, improves circulation, draw out toxins from the skin, and may heal skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Olive oil has many bene?cial antioxidant properties, thus it protects the skin from harmful free radicals and helps to reduce the signs of aging. Olive oil is high in Vitamin E, which makes it incredibly moisturizing and nourishing. Almond Oil is extremely moisturizing and nourishing, it soothes skin irritation, is a natural anti-in?ammatory, and delays the aging process.

Sencha Mask

3 tsp. Green Tea Powder
2 tsp. honey
2 tsp. water
2 egg whites

Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth. Place in an airtight jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. To use: Cleanse the skin with a mild cleanser; dry. Spread a thin layer of the cold mask all over face and neck. Allow mask to sit for 15 minutes; rinse well with warm water.

Green Tea contains signi?cant amounts of polyphenols and antioxidants which repair damaged skin and ?ght free radicals. It contains tannic acid which helps to reduce swelling, thereby shrinking pimples. Green Tea is an amazing detoxi?er for the skin. Honey's natural antioxidant properties help to reduce free radicals. Because of its anti-microbial properties, honey helps to rid the skin of impurities. It is very hydrating so it rejuvenates and refreshes dry skin. Egg whites are known to tighten and lift the skin. Masks made with egg whites will lift the top layer of dead skin cells, making skin smoother. Egg whites also help to reduce pores and help minimize breakouts.

Ginger Grapefruit Elixir

1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
2 oz. vodka
1 tsp. fresh ginger, ?nely grated
1 Tbs. honey

Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until well combined. Transfer to a small glass or plastic spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To use: Shake and spray entire face 2 or 3 times with Elixir (or make a martini with the leftovers. Put the remaining Elixir into a cocktail shaker ?lled with ice. Shake hard and serve up!).

Grapefruit is full of anti-oxidants and Vitamin C, which ?ght free radicals, reducing damage to the skin. It stimulates collagen production and detoxi?es the skin leaving it soft and smooth. Vodka is a natural astringent, which removes oil, dirt, and toxins from the skin, leaving it glowing. It ?rms the skin and tightens pores. Ginger is an antioxidant, so it ?ghts against free radicals that cause premature aging and skin damage. Ginger increases skin's radiance, decreases in?ammation, and stimulates circulation. Honey's natural antioxidant properties help to reduce free radicals. Because of its anti-microbial properties, honey helps to rid the skin of impurities. It is very hydrating so it rejuvenates and refreshes dry skin.

For more information:
Yolanda Banks
www.freshisfabulous.net
Special thanks to Central Market: www.centralmarket.com