Skin Face Masks Recipes

How do face masks help the skin

Basically all face masks have some sort of a cleansing action. Various ingredients are used in the masks, depending on the skin type and to some extent on the availability of materials. Clays form an important constituent of many face masks as they are excellent absorbing agents. Gums and polymers are added to lend sticking properties to the clays. They help to remove dirt, sebum, and dead skin so that the skin looks clean, soft and youthful.

Fuller's earth is a special kind of clay often used in face packs. It contains aluminium silicate. As it dries on the skin, it absorbs the superficial dead cells and blots up any excessive oil on the skin. It is therefore excellent for an oily skin but should not be used on a dry skin.

Kaolin is also a fine clay which has long been used for tummy upsets because it absorbs toxins from the system. When used on the skin it removes grime, oils and dead cells. Kaolin is again best suited for oily skins and best avoided on dry skins.

Another ingredient of some of the masks is the peeling or the exfoliating agent - these remove the top layer of dead cells from the skin, leaving behind fresh youthful skin. They are usually well tolerated and really brighten up a dull complexion. Oatmeal and bran are the commonly used peelers.

Oatmeal is obtained from oats. It is rich in vitamin B and vitamin E. For the last named content, it has been attributed with anti-aging qualities. However, even if vitamin E does have any magical anti-aging properties, it is quite unlikely that the contact for a short time, as during the application of the face pack, would benefit the skin. The rather youthful appearance of the skin after use of oatmeal containing masks is due to the removal of the superficial dead skin and the appearance of the younger skin on the surface. This effect is similar to the effect of epidermabrasion, a technique which we have already discussed.

Also added to many masks are natural ingredients - cucumbers, curds, lemon juice and Brewer's yeast. There are claims of several advantages of these additives; the one effect that has been scientifically established is the restoration of the acid/alkali balance of the skin by these agents as all of them have an acidic pH.

Some effective face masks recipes for your skin type

Use the mask to suit your skin: identify your skin type before you apply the mask. It is best to try out a few of the masks suited to your skin type and discover far yourself, which of them is the most beneficial to you.

1. For oily skin: Mix 2 teaspoons of Fuller's earth with 2 teaspoons of chilled rose-water to make a thick paste. Apply on your face with a brush, avoiding the delicate areas around the eyes. Leave it on for about 20 minutes or till completely dry. Rinse with warm water. The result is a clear pinkish youthful skin - all the excess grease and dead cells have been cleared away. The treatment should be used for oily skins once a week but if your skin is really very oily then you can apply it even twice a week.

2. For sallow looking oily complexions with blemishes: Mix 3 teaspoons of kaolin with half a teaspoon each of rose-water, glycerine and tincture of benzoin; both kaolin and tincture of benzoin can easily be procured at the drug shop. Apply the mask with a brush, leave it on for 30 minutes and wash it off with warm water. Your skin will appear soft and smooth with a glowing colour.

3. Tonic for oily skin: Whisk one egg white until it thickens, then whisk in 1 teaspoon of honey. Finally add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to your face and neck avoiding the delicate eye and lip areas. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash with warm water.

4. Facial scrub for oily skin: This is an invigorating way of cleansing the face, as the coarse texture of the scrub helps to get rid of the dirt and the superficial dead skin. It should not be used more than once a week and never on a dry skin. Mix 1 teaspoon of fine bran with a quarter teaspoon of dried yeast and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice along with a tablespoon of water. Gently massage the thick paste so formed into the'skin, particularly on and around the nose and the chin area, using a soft brush; avoid applying around the eyes. Wash off after 1-2 minutes, using warm water.

5. A moisturising pack for normal skin: Mash or liquidise half an avocado pear with 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil. Apply the mixture to the face and neck avoiding the eye and lip area. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off with warm water.

6. Toner for normal skin: This is a refreshing toner for normal skins. Chop up a small sized fresh cucumber and liquidize it with half a cup of yoghurt. Apply the mixture for 5-10 minutes, and wash it off. The remainder can be stored in the fridge for future use.

7. Anti-aging mask for blotchy wrinkled skin: This should be applied every other day. Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with half cup of milk and cook gently till it becomes soft. Stir in 2 teaspoons of olive oil and beat together. Allow to cool, then spread it over the face and neck. Leave it on, for about 25 minutes and then rinse away with lukewarm water.

8. Rich pack for dry skin: Whisk 1 egg white till it thickens, add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil. Apply on the face for 20 minutes and wash off with warm Water.

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