How and why you should wash your face with quinoa and 3 recipes to start doing it

Quinoa also hides fundamental properties for our skin. Here's how to use it in DIY recipes.

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Quinoa is a great natural exfoliant. Here are 3 DIY recipes to use it on your face





Quinoa, ever thought of spreading it on your face? That's right! Rich in protein, beneficial for the intestine, antioxidant and excellent for those with celiac disease and for those allergic to nickel, quinoa also hides other fundamental properties: it is a valid exfoliant, calms irritation and prevents skin aging. But how to use quinoa as a cosmetic?

Quinoa has the right texture to exfoliate skin - it's rough enough to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, but it's not so hard that it damages the skin's protective barrier like some commercial exfoliants can.

Read also: Quinoa, all scientifically proven properties

In any case, even a natural exfoliant such as the one made at home with quinoa should not be used more than once or twice a week, because an excess of exfoliant can damage the outer layers of the skin especially if it is already dry.

How and why quinoa is good for the skin

Many of the qualities that make quinoa such a nutritious and versatile food also make it an excellent natural skin care ingredient. Here are some of the main reasons why quinoa makes a great face wash (and general skin care product):

Quinoa promotes the production of collagen

Our collagen production steadily decreases as we age. Some bioactive compounds in quinoa inhibit an enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase, which breaks down collagen and elastin (a protein produced to ensure skin elasticity). The researchers noted that "the phytochemicals in quinoa may play a role in the treatment and prevention of skin aging through a variety of effects."


More quinoa means more collagen and subsequently smoother, firmer skin. Accelerates the cell regeneration process e mitigates the aggressions of the sun and toxins, thanks to the high content of proteins and antioxidants.


Quinoa tones the skin and eliminates dark spots

It blocks another enzyme, called tyrosinase - which is known to cause skin pigmentation. And the same one who demonstrated the pro-collagen potential of quinoa also indicated that topical application of quinoa would be able to significantly lower the pigmentation-promoting action of tyrosinase.

This means that simply rubbing quinoa on the skin can reduce ugly dark spots or brighten the skin suffering from hyper-pigmentation. It also imparts healthier skin tones, giving a touch of freshness.

Quinoa is a natural exfoliant and eliminates acne

Quinoa is "abrasiveJust enough to remove dead skin cells that tend to clog pores and eliminate pimples and other skin problems. On the other hand, quinoa is a relatively soft seed, which means it won't damage the skin's protective outer barrier.

Quinoa calms irritated skin

In fact, it provides vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, ideal for soothe irritation and redness in sensitive or allergy-prone skin.

Quinoa prevents premature aging

It inhibits the effects of free radicals, so it is a great ally to avoid all the signs of premature aging. Furthermore, her phytochemicals create a protective barrier, reducing external aggressions.

How and why you should wash your face with quinoa and 3 recipes to start doing it

How to wash your face with quinoa, three recipes

Here's how to easily create a natural exfoliant at home with quinoa and a few other common ingredients. For all recipes, before using quinoa, remember to rinse it with hot water to soften and clean it.


Quinoa and extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 cup of cooked quinoa
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

To cook quinoa, simply place it in a pan with two cups of water and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Next, place the cooked quinoa in a bowl and pour in the olive oil. Mix until a thick paste is formed, then massage gently on the face. Rinse with warm water and repeat once or twice a week (more often it may dry out the skin).


Quinoa and argan oil

  • 2 tablespoons of quinoa
  • 2 tablespoons of argan oil

Mix the quinoa with the argan oil until you get a thick and grainy mixture and proceed in the same way as described above.

Quinoa and honey

  • half a cup of water
  • 5 tablespoons of quinoa
  • About 75 grams of honey

Boil half a cup of water, chop the quinoa until you get a fine powder. Remove the water from the heat once it boils and add the quinoa. Let it rest for 20 minutes, only then add the honey and apply all over the face.

Leave it on for 20 minutes and massage with light circular movements to make it absorb well. Then rinse off.

Read also

  • 10 Do-it-yourself face scrubs
  • Do-it-yourself face masks: 10 recipes with natural ingredients
  • 7 ways to heal skin and hair… from the fridge and pantry

Germana Carillo

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