Honey Cilantro Cleanser Best for: Dull skin Fresh cilantro helps brighten skin in this exfoliating facial cleanser, while brown rice flour gently scrubs away dead cells, and a spoonful of honey softens. (Detoxify yourself from the inside out with the 12-day Heal Your Whole Body cleanse.) 1 Tbsp brown rice flour ½ c fresh cilantro 1 tsp honey 1 tsp liquid castile soap like Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Mild Castile Liquid Soap ($3, drbronner.com) Make it: Puree fresh cilantro in a food processor with just enough water to help it blend easily (start with two tablespoons and add more if needed). Combine 2 teaspoons of the cilantro puree with the brown rice flour, honey, and liquid castile soap in a small bowl and whisk together. Use it: Wash the same way you would with any cleanser. It can be used daily on all skin types and will keep in the fridge for up to seven days. MORE: 9 Genius Ways To Use Vinegar For Prettier Hair And Skin Yogurt Cilantro Mask Best for: Acne-prone skin The combo of cooling cilantro, cucumber, and anti-inflammatory oats will calm acne-inflamed skin, while fresh yogurt, with its lactic acid content, gives the mask exfoliating and brightening power. 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt 2 Tbsp oatmeal or oat flour ¼ c fresh cilantro ⅛ c chopped fresh cucumber Make it: Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth. Use it: Apply liberally to dry skin of the face, neck, and décolletage, avoiding sensitive areas like the eyes and mouth, and allow to set for 20 minutes (it won’t dry completely but may become a little tacky). Rinse with tepid water and follow with moisturizer. Bonus: pop a couple leftover slices of fresh cucumber over your lids to get into full spa mode. MORE: 16 Skin Care Tips Derms Do Themselves Cilantro Lime Body Scrub Best for: Rough skin Cilantro andcoconut oil are both astringents, which means they constrict the skin so pores tighten and look smoother, while the lime juice’s acidity helps exfoliate dead cells. ¼ c fresh cilantro 1 lime, juiced ¼ c virgin coconut oil ½ c fine sea salt Make it: Combine the cilantro, lime juice, and coconut oil in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth, then toss the mixture with the sea salt in a small bowl, using a spoon. Use it: Apply to arms, legs, and torso, massaging the scrub into the skin in a slow, circular motion. Rinse with tepid water and follow with a cleanser or body soap, if necessary. Any leftover scrub will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. MORE: 10 Smoothies For Prettier Skin Cilantro Buttermilk Bath Best for: Dry skin The natural lactic acids in dairy products like buttermilk help loosen dead cells, making skin soft and supple. Emollient honey helps keep skin moisturized, and cilantro soothes. 1 c fresh cilantro 2 c buttermilk 1 Tbsp honey Make it: Combine cilantro, buttermilk, and honey in a blender and blend for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to catch any large pieces of cilantro, so they don’t get stuck in your drain. Use it: You can add the entire batch to warm bath water or freeze portions in an ice cube tray to use during multiple soaks (you’ll need to use at least two per bath). Soak for up to 30 minutes.
