By: Stephanie BernsteinIf you have an electric coffee grinder, odds are you love it for the wonderful cup of fresh morning radiance it provides you. But this little appliance can be used to give you another healthy glow when used in a different capacity.
A coffee grinder can unlock the beauty power of your pantry, used to grind grains, beans, herbs and flowers to create an endless array of fun (and affordable!) homemade skincare. However, as coffee is very overpowering, I do recommend you invest in a second grinder for skin care recipes so your scrubs don't take on coffee aroma or debris (I actually own three).
A little bean called adzuki has been the secret of Japanese women for over 1,000 years. Touted as the secret to their porcelain-like skin, a powder made from these beans proves to be a wonderful exfoliant as well as being highly rejuvenate due to the beans' enzyme content. Adzuki beans can generally be found in bulk at a natural foods store, and usually cost less then $2 a pound. Simply fill the coffee grinder about three-quarters full with whole beans, and grind into a fine consistency. To use, mix 1-2 teaspoons of the bean powder with water, stir into a paste, and gently massage onto your face. Rinse off with warm water. Keep the powder in a jar by your bathroom sink and use up to 3-4 times a week.
Oats are another great choice for all skin types. They are extremely moisturizing and are especially good for eczema (home remedy). Their calming, soothing quality may take you back to childhood chicken pox (home remedy), and your mom placing you in an oatmeal bath.
A wonderful daily cleanser can be made from oats and honey. Using your trusty grinder, grind oats to a fine powder. Combine 4
tablespoons of the oat powder with 2 1/2 tablespoons raw honey. (It's important that the honey is raw, as heating the honey destroys its healing enzymes.) Combine ingredients in a bowl and stir until well mixed. Apply to your face and neck using gentle circular motions.
You can leave the mix on for several minutes or simply rinse it off with warm water. This mixture keeps in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Stephanie Bernstein is the Founder and CEO of To-Go Ware. She has been practicing and teaching yoga for 12 years and currently resides in Oakland, CA.
