Photo: Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
Your skin goes through a lot. Every day, hormones, stress and fatigue wreak havoc on your skin's overall health and appearance. As if that's not enough, your skin constantly absorbs damaging pollutants, free radicals and other environmental toxins. After facing down these powerful foes, your skin needs some extra love and attention to look its best. For quality skin care, skip the expensive beauty products and head for the refrigerator. Egg yolks provide a simple and affordable way to restore your skin's natural silky smoothness.
Incredible Edible Egg Yolks
Skin needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and whole. Egg yolks contain essential nutrients that work wonders for your skin. Vitamin A repairs torn tissue, hastens wound recovery and diminishes wrinkles. Zinc fights inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, and antioxidant selenium shields your vulnerable skin from cancer-causing chemicals called free radicals. Together, this superhero squad of supplements can make your skin shine.
Put Some Egg on Your Face
Use egg yolks to whip up healing topical skin treatments. For a quick and easy cleanser, whisk one egg in a small bowl and add 1 tsp. of baking soda. Apply the mixture to your face with a clean sponge and allow 10 minutes for your skin to absorb its many benefits. Rinse your face with warm water and gently pat your skin dry. Repeat once or twice a week to moisturize and refresh your skin.
Hydrating Face Masque
Egg yolks are especially great for nourishing dry skin. Mix one egg yolk with 1 tbsp. of whiskey, 1 oz. of dry non-fat milk powder and the juice of one lemon. Spread the mixture evenly across your face; when the mask dries, gently remove it with a damp face cloth. Use it weekly and store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Oatmeal Egg Facial
Combine 1 tsp. of cooked rolled oats and one beaten egg yolk. Stir in 1 tbsp. each of skin-softening vegetable oil, soothing honey and slightly astringent apple cider vinegar. Apply the mixture to your entire face; the rolled oats gently scrub away dead skin cells, and the yolk helps soothe irritated skin. Rinse your face clean with warm water.
Intoxicating Cognac Masque
Combine one yolk with 1 tbsp. of cottage cheese, 1 tsp. of honey and 1 tsp. of cognac. Protein from the egg yolks and cottage cheese will encourage collagen formation, which increases skin's strength and elasticity. Apply to your skin, wait 20 minutes and then rinse. Follow with a light moisturizer.
Skin-Cleansing Energy Drink
Lotions and potions are hardly the only way for your skin to absorb an egg yolk's nutrients. For a sweetly skin-satisfying smoothie, blend 1/2 oz. of low-fat milk with one organic free-range egg, one banana and 2 tsp. of honey. Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a refreshing treat that's truly skinsational!
