DIY Mung Bean Anti-Acne/Blemish Face Mask

Mung Beans aka Green Beans are best known to the Chinese for its detoxifying, cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also effective against acne and blemishes. If you suffer from acne scarring or hyperpigmentation, a homemade mung bean scrub or mask recipe comes in really helpful. Research has shown that mung beans work better than Vitamins C and E in improving skin pigmentation, spots and freckles. Mung beans are often used in Asian cooking to make soups and desserts during hot summer months. If a heaty body constitution (i.e. your "internal heat" predominates) is the cause of your acne problem, drinking mung bean soup daily can really help you clear up those pimples and scars. Black bean soup is even "cooler" but might be too "cooling" for some people.

Because of its detoxifying quality and ability to soothe irritation while supplying protein-rich moisture, mung bean has been used in commercial masks, cleansing foam and other beauty products. Face Shop's top-seller Mung Bean Sheet Mask has received raves about how effective it is in clearing up blemishes and pimple scars.

Or you can try DIY a simple mung bean anti-acne/blemish mask. All you need is 1 heaped teaspoon of mung bean powder (available in supermart, or grind it yourself is even better) and 2 teaspoons of natural non-flavoured yogurt (which contains lactic acid to help soothe and smooth your skin). Mix together until you get a thick paste. Then apply on your clean face and leave it on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off with water. Your skin will feel instantly clean, soft and smooth, and look radiant too! This natural homemade facial calms and soothes acne prone skin and is really great for oily skin. 3 times a week is recommended.