Try This Avocado Mask at Home for Naturally Nourished Skin

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Welcome to Esther Tested, where surfer and Racked SF associate editor Esther Hahn shares her best tips for fitness and beauty in the Bay.

At the start of the year, I resolved to take better care of my skin. My established routine of daily washing and moisturizing suffices for a clear complexion (with the odd blemish or breakout). But what I'm aiming for this year is skin that positively glows. My first plan of attack is to up the amount of facials—both at spas and at home. I've bookmarked these five to try outside my house, but in the meantime, I mixed one up in my kitchen to test in the comfort of my home.

The honey avocado face mask from Nutrition Stripped looked the most promising based on the combination of ingredients. Other variations of the treatment that I found included one or another of the avocado's supplemental components, but this one seemed to combined them all. I couldn't help but figure, "More is more, right?"

I applied the concoction to my face using one of my Sonia Kashuk for Target buffing brushes (a tip that Nutrition Stripped's McKel Hill supplies along with the recipe). Resting on my couch with the cool green goop on my face felt both relaxing and satisfying. I especially enjoyed knowing the exact ingredients that touched my skin. After 20 minutes, I washed off the mask with warm water at my kitchen sink (in case the oatmeal granules needed a push down the drain). My sensitive skin felt nourished and moisturized and without any signs of irritation.

This treatment feels suitable for a couple of applications per month to add natural vitamins and nutrients. It's also the perfect use for an over-ripe avocado that may not make its way into a last-minute guacamole. I plan to use this recipe for those dry, winter days that leave my skin thirsting for nutrients. Combined with another, more purifying home mask option —any recs?— my first new year's resolution feels easily within reach.

Sweet Avocado Face Mask
From McKel Hill and Nutrition Stripped

Ingredients
½ avocado
¼ cup uncooked oatmeal
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions
Mash and combine the ingredients in a small bowl and apply to your face, taking
care around your eyes.
Leave the mask on your face for about 20 minutes.
Rinse with warm water.
Follow with your favorite moisturizer.

· Honey Avocado Face Mask [Nutrition Stripped]
· Esther Tested [Racked SF]