Flaxseeds or “rejuvenation of life” seeds are all the rage today when it comes to superfoods that help to provide nutrients to our bodies from both the inside and the outside. These tiny seeds are replete with important nutrients and offer several health and beauty benefits.
Flaxseeds are power-packed with a lot of advantages for the skin. They can be an excellent source of the Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants that help in skin tightening and preventing the sagging of the skin, keeping it nourished, hydrated, and moisturised.
They can also boost skin glow, prevent acne and breakouts, tighten pores, reduce skin allergies, and provide anti-ageing benefits. They have quickly become a part of many skincare and haircare routines that aim for flawless results.
Flaxseeds are available in two varieties: brown and golden, both of which contain almost similar nutritional characteristics and fatty acids. The only exception to this rule is one golden or yellow flax seed, linola, that boasts of a completely different oil profile. This variety is exceptionally low in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Include these easy home-made flaxseed recipes in your beauty routine for glowing skin.
Anti-wrinkle mask:
This natural collagen-boosting pack will not only help your skin fight wrinkles and fine lines, but it will also tighten your skin and make it radiant. Mix well two teaspoons of flaxseed powder, two teaspoons of natural yoghurt, one egg white, and one teaspoon of sweet almond or olive oil, or you can add a Vitamin E capsule as an alternative. Apply a thick layer of this paste to the entire face using your hands. Leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water and then with cold water. Repeat three times a week for a wrinkle-free skin.
Exfoliating mask:
In a glass bowl, mix one tablespoon ground flaxseeds, a quarter of a cup of grated coconut, and one tablespoon of yoghurt. Add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and stir well to make a thick paste without any lumps. Apply the paste to your face and let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Rub your face gently for two minutes before rinsing it off. Layer on your regular moisturiser.
Acne-control mask:
Grind one tablespoon of flaxseeds that have been soaked overnight into a paste. Add one tablespoon of honey and two teaspoons of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your face and massage it for a few minutes using your fingertips. Let it dry for 30 minutes. Wash off and pat dry and follow up with moisturiser. Repeat twice a week for acne-free skin.
Skin-rejuvenating mask:
In a glass bowl, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds, one tablespoon of yoghurt, and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Add five drops of rose water and mix well. Make a fine, smooth paste and apply it evenly on your freshly washed face and neck. Keep it on for 15 minutes. Wash it off with regular water and pat dry. Repeat once or twice a week for a younger-looking skin.
Skin-cleansing mask:
Beat an egg well and add one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds to form a smooth paste. Apply the paste to your face and neck and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Wash off using regular water and pat dry and apply a moisturiser. Repeat twice a month to get the best results.
Skin-firming mask:
In a pan, bring a third of a cup of water to the boil and add one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds to it. Stir well and pour into a bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rest for three to four hours. Apply the paste evenly on your freshly washed face and neck. Let the first layer dry and then apply a second layer. Repeat the process until your mask is four layers thick and then let it dry out completely. Wash off using regular water and pat dry. Repeat once a week for firm and glowing skin.
Hair mask:
This mask can help keep your hair soft and shiny and protect it from any unwanted frizz or loss. Mix a quarter of a cup of flaxseed gel, two tablespoons of hot coconut oil, and a few drops of your favourite oil together. Apply this mask to your hair roots and ends for one to two hours and massage it thoroughly all over your head. Wash using a mild shampoo and conditioner.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 17 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.
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