Orange peel is loaded with anti-oxidants and vitamin C – more than in the fruit or juice. It’s naturally anti-microbial and cleansing too. Here’s how to harness that goodness for your skin.
Make Ahead: Orange Peel Powder
In order to work with the orange peel, you’ll need to turn it into powder. For both methods:
- You’ll need two or three oranges.
- Wash the peel thoroughly with water.
- Using a very sharp knife, cut away only the colored part of the peel, leaving as much of the white pith as possible.
Method #1
- Lay the pieces flat on a baking sheet and leave at room temperature – preferably in the sun – until dry.
- It takes about two days until thoroughly dry, and no longer tacky.
- Grind into a powder with a mortar and pestle.
Method #2
- Preheat the oven to 200 °F
- Place the pieces in a glass baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until thoroughly dried.
- Use a food processor to grind into a fine powder.
The powder can be stored in a container with a lid in the fridge for 3 to 6 months, ready for use at any time.
Orange Facials
Exfoliating Mask
1 tablespoon orange peel powder
2 tablespoons walnut powder
3 drops lemon juice
2 tablespoons rose water
- Make a paste with the ingredients.
- Apply to the face with gentle circular motions.
- Leave it on for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Nourishing Orange-Turmeric-Yogurt Mask
1 1/2 tablespoons orange peel powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon yogurt
- Mix ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Apply to your face with fingers or a make-up brush.
- Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Ultra-Hydrating Citrus Coconut Wash
1 tablespoon orange peel powder
1 cup coconut water
1 tablespoon rose water
- Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Soak a clean washcloth in the mixture, and use it to massage your face for 2 or 3 minutes, saturating the skin with the solution.
- Rinse off with warm water.
