Beauty Secret From Squash

It is known that vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin, teeth, soft tissues, mucus membranes and skin. Retinol, which is one of the animal forms of vitamin A, is an active ingredient in cosmetic products against wrinkles and acne.

The counterpart in plant-based or preformed vitamin A in animal products is the beta-carotene.  And among the rich sources beta-carotene is squash or kalabasa.  Although the word kalabasa implies the negative connotation of poor performance, this orange vegetable is rich with vitamin A which is rich in phosphorous and calciums, squash can make your skin look radiant and beautiful. And you can produce your own beauty secrets with squash- from cleanser to facial and eye mask –without breaking the bank.  So save your skin from harsh (chemical) ingredients of commercial beauty products.

CLEANSER (normal – to oily skin) -  You need one slice of squash and ¼ cup of milk.  Preparation: Remove the skin, seeds and cut squash into cubes. Put in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave the squash cubes until they are soft and mash it.  In another small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the mashed squash with the milk.  Add ¼ cup of water and mix well.

Application: Pour a small amount of the mixture onto a clean, wet washcloth or sponge. Wash your face gently with mashed squash with the milk in the morning and evening and rinse it with warm water.

FACIAL MASK  (dry skin) - You need one squash wedge and one tablespoon olive oil.  Preparation:  Remove the rind and chop up the squash into 10 cubes.  Boil the cubes in water for 10 minutes, drain, mash them and allow to cool.  Combine 2 tablespoons of mashed with the oil and mix well.

Application:  Gently apply this for 20 minutes to your face and neck and relax. Rinse it off with warm water and then apply your moisturizer. 

EYE MASK - You need one squash, slice and one teaspoon honey. 

Preparation:  Peel and seed a slice of squash. Cook it until soft in 2 cups of water, mash it add 1 teaspoon of honey and mash it.

Application:  Use the clean gauze and put the mixture inside, place over your eyes and relax for 20 minutes.