DIY Banana Beauty Recipes

The banana is included in a wide range of skin masks used to address all types of problems. The fruit is rich in many important nutrients that revitalize the skin. Used as a conditioner, it can do wonders for your hair.

Bananas contain large quantities of vitamin B, vitamin C, and potassium. These microelements and other nutrients turn the banana into the perfect remedy for dry skin or brittle hair. On top of that, banana masks are incredibly easy to make – you simply have to mash the fruit and add a medley of additional ingredients to it.

Skin and Hair Care Benefits of Bananas
The vitamins and antioxidants that bananas contain soothe the skin and protect it against irritation. In addition, bananas have anti-inflammatory properties that turn them into the perfect beauty mask ingredient for sensitive skin. These properties determine the efficiency of banana masks in dealing with bug bites and other types of irritation.

Bananas are an excellent source of an essential amino acid known as tryptophan. It acts as a precursor of serotonin. It is also used in the body for the production of niacin – a vitamin from the B group that plays a vital role in skin health.

All parts of the banana, including the peel, can be used in skincare regiments. Many masks and conditioners designed to address problems like dryness or flakiness rely on the nourishing powers of bananas. The fruit can be used for the creation of an incredibly wide range of beauty products and they can be combined with countless other ingredients.

1Hydrating Hair Conditioner

• 1/2 Ripe banana
• 1/2 Ripe avocado
• 2 Teaspoons of plain yogurt
• 1 Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• Wide tooth comb
• Disposable shower cap

Mash the banana and avocado together in a bowl until smooth and stir in the yogurt and extra virgin olive oil. Wash your hair with shampoo and towel dry.

Apply the conditioning mask into your hair thoroughly (avoiding the scalp area) and use a wide tooth comb to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Wrap your hair in a bun and cover your head with a disposable shower cap. Leave it on for 20-25 minutes, rinse out the in the shower, and follow up with a shampoo to wash the conditioner completely out.

2Moisturizing Body Exfoliator

• 1 Ripe banana
• 4 Large strawberries
• 2 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 Cup of raw or processed sugar

Mash the banana and strawberries together in a bowl until smooth and stir in the extra virgin olive oil and sugar. Mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth consistency.

In the shower, apply this mixture in circular motions all over your body and let it sit for 3 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, pat dry, and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.

3Brightening Mask

• 1/2 Ripe banana
• 1/4 Cup of oatmeal

Mash the banana until smooth and mix in the oatmeal. On a clean face, pat the mixture on your skin, avoiding the eye area, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow up with your favorite toner (optional) and moisturizer.

Tips and Suggestions
Though bananas are suitable for all skin types, it is always a good idea to do a patch test and establish your sensitivity in advance. Try the masks you created on a small part of your skin. Make sure you are not feeling discomfort, itchiness or pain. If so, you will have to modify the recipe and test the mask again before applying it to your face or scalp.

Bananas are always available at the grocery store – make sure you buy a few the next time you go shopping. Whether you have dry skin or hair that needs a little bit of extra shine, a banana mask will do a lot that traditional cosmetics will be incapable of achieving.