Facial masks are some of the oldest known beauty treatments. The ancient Egyptians used mud and clay to remove dead skin cells and heal blemishes. During the 1600s many European women experimented with milk and egg masks. Many other ingredients have been used since, such as fresh foods, flowers, and herbs, to cleanse and nourish the skin. They can be really fun, and they are REALLY easy. You can use a facial mask every day, once a week, or just whenever you feel like it. :-)
A facial can also be really relaxing because it requires you to stay quiet and calm for 10 to 20 minutes. With as busy as most of us are, that can be a welcome break! So take a look at the following guidelines for a great facial, and then try out one of the following easy do-it-yourself facial mask recipes, and relax!
Step 1. Wash your face thoroughly using a mild soap or cleansing cream.
2. Clean your face, using and astringent to remove any dead skin, soap, or cleansing cream residue ( try Witchazel )
3. Nourish your face using a cleansing facial mask. Cover the skin with a light, even coat, avoiding the area around your eyes; now relax. Leave the mask on for 15 or 20 minutes. Try not to talk or move your face too much. Maybe you can lay down and listen to some good music! Or read a book! :-)
4. Rinse your face thoroughly, using luke warm water, and pat dry.
5. Steam your face to clean out your pores, using a large bowl or sink full of hot water. If you want to add herbs to the water, you can. Try Chamomile for normal skin, Peppermint for oily, and Rosemary for dry skin. Make a ten, using a large bath towel, and lean over the water for 10 to 15 minutes to open your pores. Adding essential oils to the water can be very enjoyable too. Try Lavender Essential Oil to relieve stress. Since you're head is under a towel, you could still listen to good music, or this could be a great time to talk to the Lord, think about all the reasons why you love your husband, or other happy wonderful things like that! This is a STRESS FREE ZONE. :-)
6. Rinse thoroughly, starting with warm water, and slowly changing to cold water to slowly clean and close the pores. This is VERY important. You don't want your pores to be open and exposed to impurities in the air, your hands or anything else. That would undo everything you have just been doing!
7. Moisturize your face with an all natural light moisturizer. Massage the cream or lotion into your face and allow it to soak in.
8. Enjoy a beautiful, clean, fresh face!! :-)
If you are in a hurry, try giving yourself a Minifacial ~ Clean your face. Put on a simple, one ingredient mask (plain yogurt or avocado always works) for 5 to 10 minutes. Jump (or just step like a normal person) into the shower and rinse off the mask while opening your pores. Rinse your face with cool, clear water and moisturize.
And now for the fun part, I have picked a couple facial mask recipes that you might like to try, or come up with your own. There's thousands of different ingredients you could use!
Apricot Mask
1/2 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup warm water
1 tablespoon dry milk powder (or substitute water for milk)
1 tablespoon honey
This mask will revitalize a colorless and dull complexion. Apricots are rich in Vitamin A, which is important for healthy skin. Combined with milk and honey, they return moisture to the skin.
Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Salsa Mask
1/2 small tomato
1/2 cup chopped cucumber (with peel)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 egg white (optional)
This recipe is perfect for stressed out, oily skin! Tomato, parsley, and cucumber are combined to make a mildly acidic and astringent mask.
Do NOT use a commercial salsa, as it will have peppers and spices that will burn your skin!
Combine all ingredients except the egg white in a blender and puree. Stir in the egg white if you want.
Summer Watermelon Mask
1/4 cup watermelon, removed from the rind.
Watermelon makes a great toning facial mask. It contains high amounts of vitamins A, B, and C, all of which keep skin healthy and glowing. You may want to use a damp piece of cheesecloth or gauze over the mask to keep it on your face as it is a little thin.
Mash the fruit in a bowl using a spoon or fork until smooth.
Swiss Milkmaid Mask
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup powdered milk or powdered buttermilk
In Switzerland, dairy products are well known for creating healthy skin and hair because they are rich in protein and vitamins. This mask is very simple, with noticeable results- it leaves your skin smooth and glowing. You can also use this mask on your hands and body for an allober conditioning.
Mix together the buttermilk and powdered milk to make a smooth paste. Spread and even layer over your face and neck ( a small pastry brush or paintbrush will make this less messy!) Leave the mask on until dry, 15 to 20 minutes.
Fruit Gel Masks
1 packet unflavored Gelatin
1/2 cup fruit juice
Juices to try: for normal to dry skin- Apple, Pear, Peach, Raspberry
For Oily skin- Tomato, Grapefruit, Lemon, White Grape
Gelatin masks are smooth and cool. They can be peeled off the face or easily rinsed away, removing dead skin cells. After using one of these masks your face feels fresh and cool.
Combine the gelatin and fruit juice in a clean, oven proof glass container. Heat gently over a double boiler to dissolve the gelatin completely. Place the gelatin in the refrigerator and cool until almost set (about 30 minutes). Spread a thin layer of the gelatin over your face and allow to dry. Peel off and rinse your face thoroughly with cool, clear water.
Have Fun! ♥
