Beer Spa

Forget those fancy spas....cheers to beer for skin care!

Sure, you may know that wine has some health benefits like antioxidants, namely, resveratrol. Perhaps you even knew that wine is good for your skin, with age-fighting and damage-restoring properties. But, did you also know that other alcohols besides wine have a whole range of benefits for skin and hair that go beyond just simple (even though they aren’t!) antioxidants!

Beer, for one, is a good source of Vitamin B, plus other skin-nourishing nutrients like proteins and acids that contribute to healthy, soft skin.  It has been used for centuries as a skin care product (you can even find beer spas in various locations around the globe), so before you wave your hands in worry of waste, read on. Beer has been shown to have antibacterial properties that can help kill acne-causing bacteria on the surface of skin. It can also be helpful for acne by helping to naturally slow down the production of sebum, your skin’s natural oil, so reducing excess surface debris and preventing acne triggers. The yeasts in brewed beer are said to help balance pH for both skin and hair, so don’t just give your face the goods. Might as well go all in! Yeasts and hops have a wide variety of nutrients like biotin and pantothenic acid, both of which promote strength in hair and skin

For your own beer spa, you might find it a bit difficult to get your hands on a tub full of froth, but not to worry! There's an easier way to get the same benefits than filling your own tub with beer. To use beer for skin, just apply to your face or body with a soft cotton wipe and leave on 10-15 minutes. This is the easiest method for a beer facial, but you can add a few other ingredients if you'd like to get more of a specific treatment. For a super-antioxidant, acne-crushing fresh face mask, try our Strawberry Basil Fresh Mask mixed with just a few teaspoons of some freshly-opened ale, or you can make your own mask at home using ingredients fresh from your fridge.

Strawberry Ale Mask
1 small strawberry
2-3 teaspoons of beer 
2-3 teaspoons of bentonite clay

Blend or puree strawberry so that it is mixable with other ingredients. If you do not have a blender or other method to puree, use the strawberry as a facial wipe right before your mask. This applies the strawberry juice directly to skin and allows time to soak in benefits. Mix clay with beer using a whisk for best results, apply to a cleaned face, and leave on for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse clean and follow with a moisturizer if needed.

To use beer in your hair, apply throughout and onto scalp to encourage healthy hair growth, prevent damage, soften, and smooth cuticle. It can also help with dry, itchy scalp and dandruff!