Healthy Hollywood: DIY Blueberry Facial

We all know (at least we should) that blueberries pack a health-boosting cocktail of antioxidants.

Now, there is another reason to enjoy these little fruits. Blueberries can help rejuvenate and hydrate your skin. The folks over at Equinox Spa in New York City even launched a Blueberry Facial, which reportedly helps to tone the skin and prevent wrinkles.

“The blueberry mask helps to hydrate the skin through the infusion of essential antioxidants which to work neutralize free radicals,” adds Nicole Vitale, senior spa director at Equinox.

For those of us who are not lucky enough to have an Equinox in our neighborhood, the spa shared two DIY recipes to try at home.

Blueberry Mask:

Ingredients

10 blueberries

1 tbsp. Greek yogurt

This treatment is great for repairing and exfoliating the skin. The lactic acid in yogurt helps remove old layers of skin, while the high concentrations of antioxidants in blueberries offer hydration. To create this mask, mash up the blueberries in a blender or with a spoon and mix in the yogurt. Spread the mask over your face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove with warm water and towel. The skin should feel refreshed, smooth and regenerated.

Blueberries & Honey Mask:

.25 cup blueberries

1 tbsp. raw organic honey

1 tbsp. organic olive oil

1 tsp. sugar

Blend all of these ingredients together in a blender until blended well. The high concentrations of antioxidants in blueberries offer hydration, while olive oil offers key benefits including anti-aging and moisturizing components. Olive oil can deeply penetrate the skin to infuse it with its moisturizing properties. Honey, another ingredient in this mask, also acts a as a moisturizing agent. Honey attracts water to the skin, and helps with elasticity. If your skin is in need of an exfoliation, simply add a teaspoon of sugar to this mix. With this mask, apply the mask to your face and let sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove with warm water and a towel. This mask will help the skin feel smooth, soft, revived, and give more youthful appearance.

For more wellness tips, check out Equinox’s Q blog at www.equinox.com

— Terri MacLeod