It happens suddenly--I feel an itching under my eyes or on my neck and I just know… “Crap, I’m about to have an allergic reaction.” 2 years ago I got bitten by a tick which gave me a meat allergy-- yes you read that correctly. It’s called Alpha-gal syndrome, and it’s a real thing! Luckily it goes away after a few months, but in that time anything that had even touched meat gave me facial swelling like crazy. It became a super messed up game of “let’s see if this gives me a reaction.” So much so, that being the green bruja that I am, I had to get creative and find remedios at home that would help with my symptoms.
And as I always say: Nature can heal us so along with benadryl and activated charcoal pills I started experimenting with different topical skin allergy relief treatments that would help soothe my chapped face and neck. I came up with a calming mask that is perfect for face flare ups. It’s also worth noting that it works best for an external skin allergy irritant as opposed to one that is internal-- but it helps with both.
For me the simple combination of honey, banana, and avocado oil is just right because the ingredients calm, moisten, and protect skin. Moisture is super important because the itching sucks but it’s really stretching from the swelling that left my face dry and cracked for days afterward.
Honey is antibacterial and antiseptic, it is also a natural humectant, so it helps keep the skin moist.
Banana is calming and is packed with potassium, and vitamins E and C.
Avocado oil is super moisturizing and is also antioxidant, emollient, and anti-inflammatory.
To make the Banana Honey Allergy Calming Mask You’ll Need:
- ½ of a medium ripe banana
- A tablespoon of honey
- A teaspoon of avocado oil
- A fork
- A bowl
- A cold wet towel
Combine all ingredients into a small bowl and mash with the fork until it’s a gooey paste. Try to get the lumps out with the fork. When you’re done apply to your face and affected areas. Put the cool wet towel on your face and lie down for 20 minutes then remove mask gently with wet towel. Repeat as needed.
Always do a patch test before you apply to your face.