Khush & OJ Glow Mask: Our Sexy 10 Year Tribute to Wiz Khalifa

This week, whilst getting stoned to Wiz Khalifa’s Kush and OJ mixtape (congrats to 10 years, Wiz!), I sat around smoking a fatty in my weekly haldi (turmeric) face mask- an age old (not to mention stinky) Ayurvedic beauty secret made of powdered turmeric and pungent mustard oil, sworn to give the wearer a goddess like glow while fighting impurities in the skin. Mid-toke, I wondered if Wiz was onto something - is there nothing better than the powerhouse combo of kush and orange juice? I put my joint out, and put my high-pot-hesis to the test.

Thus, lo and behold, ancient Ayurvedic secrets meet present day wiz-dom to manifest the KHUSH & OJ Face (and body) Mask. (A play on words, khush means happy in Hindi.) This yummy mask is a skin saver and gives the skin a natural, juicy glow. It's a beauty must-have for times like these when we are stuck in the house! Our recipe unites natural elements of orange juice, turmeric (my family’s not-so-secret secret ingredient) and cannabis (my personal cure all) to work synergistically boosting both mood and skin health. Like the Wiz Khalifa mixtape, this mask is a wake and bake classic.

Superfoods:

Orange: The citrus punch of orange (we used blood orange) invigorates the senses to get your day started on a high note. Orange juice is an astringent, pulling congested dirt that’s trapped beneath the pores to the surface of your skin. Vitamin C enhances the skin’s natural luster, promoting cell production and collagen synthesis, while simultaneously buffing away the skin cells damaged by scarring, blemishes, and spotting.

Honey: Honey is a humectant with natural enzymes that moisturize and gently exfoliate the skin. Most of the honey on the market is saturated with refined sugar, so opt for raw or manuka honey. The golden amber is a natural antibacterial that helps keep the skin free of acne and soothes irritated skin. It’s warming properties open up pores to lift dirt from underneath the surface, while prebiotic enzymes gently revive the skin’s natural aura.

Turmeric (Powdered): Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years through the teachings of Ayurveda to preserve skin health, while providing a gorgeous, golden glow. In Ayurveda, turmeric is said to carry the property of heat and is abundant in curcurmin, a bright yellow substance that regulates imbalances (particularly inflammation) in the skin such as acne, rosacea, aging etc. Turmeric is a root that looks like ginger, but when broken in half it reveals a vivid golden flesh. For this recipe, we will be using powdered turmeric which is easier to find at local multicultural grocery stores or Trader Joe’s.

Bentonite Clay: This clay is nutrient rich in volcanic ash. It absorbs excess oil from the skin and manages sebum production. When washing off, the clay acts as a biodegradable exfoliant, polishing away dead skins cells to reveal healthy, dewy skin. Bentonite clay draws out toxins and heavy metals out of the body, so be very cautious NOT to use a metal bowl or spoon when preparing this mask. I used a martini glass and silicone brush (tip: the shape of the martini glass makes it easy to smooth out any lumps in the mask.)

Cannabis: Similar to turmeric, cannabinoids found in cannabis have anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it the ideal addition to your skincare routine. In India, cannabis has been used medicinally as early as 1400 BCE. According to Dr. Uma Dhanabalan, cannabis was first mentioned as “one of the five essential plants in the vedas. In Ayurveda, it was used … against leprosy, amongst other things.” Also classified as a medicine with heat properties (like turmeric), cannabis activates the skin cells’ defense system.

KHUSH & OJ FACE MASK:

3-5 drops cannabis infused oil (preferably avocado or coconut!)

½ tsp powdered turmeric

1 tsp of honey

1 tbsp bentonite clay

2 tsp orange juice (we used blood oranges)

1.) Combine all the ingredients in a non-metal bowl. Using a non-metal spoon (preferably silicone or compostable plastic).

2.) Apply a thin, even layer on to dry skin. Allow 25-30 minutes for the mask to harden.

3.) Wash with lukewarm water, gently exfoliating the skin. Pat dry and moisturize with a non-comodogenic moisturizer. Skin will have a slightly golden glow that fades after 2-3 days.