Caring For Your Skin: Masks

For part 2 in this series, go here.

What's a Facial Mask? 

It's those things that people either buy or make and then plaster on to their face, making them look like all kinds of strange and weird. The good ones are really good for you and help in improving the general health and look of your skin. 

They come in all kinds of forms. Exfoliating, soothing, lotion types, colorful types, clay, natural, packaged with ingredient lists two miles long, and so on. I highly recommend making your own. It's easy, cheap, and most of all, you control the ingredients so it can be healthy.

Why You Should Give it a Try

Chances are if you're female above the age of 12 you've already tried some kind of facial mask. Masks are great for many reasons: they can moisturize, even out pH balance, fight acne, clean, help with dry or over oily spots, exfoliate and get rid of dead skin cells, and give your skin a healthy, bright glow. 

They can also be very relaxing after a long day. Once you've got it on you have to leave it on for at least 10 minutes anyway, so sit somewhere and read, watch a film, or do something else calm and relaxing that you enjoy (that won't interfere with the stuff on your face). 

Do It Yourself 

I always recommend making your own facials. I still see no point in buying them, as the cheap ones are horrific as far as content and the good ones will cost you your house, car and dog before you know it. Plus, there are literally thousands of fantastic homemade facials out there. Do your research, know your skin type and the problem you want to treat, and find a recipe to try. Here are some of my favorites: 

Egg Facial

Wait. Don't run just yet (sissies)! This facial is great for all skin types, but especially oily. It's moisturizing, brightening, soothing, repairing, tightening, and very healthy for your skin. Be sure to use fresh, organic, high quality eggs.

Yogurt & Honey

Also good for all skin types, but especially dry (yogurt is super moisturizing) this one is soothing, moisturizing and good for acne prone skin. Use only real honey; preferably raw.

1 tablespoons plain yogurt

1 teaspoon honey

Mix together and leave on face for 10-30 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Coffee & Cocoa

via

There are lots of different versions of the coffee mask out there. This one is exfoliating, firming and moisturizing. I never measure when it make it; make just enough to use. Don't be wasteful. Did you know that coffee is commonly used in anti-aging products? 

Oh, and try not to use this at night if you're sensitive to caffeine. Skin absorbs whatever you put on it, so yes, you'll be getting a dose of caffeine.

2 tablespoons coffee grounds (used or fresh)

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 teaspoon olive or melted coconut oil

2 teaspoons milk, yogurt or cream, as needed

Mix all ingredients together except dairy. Add dairy until a thick, but spreadable consistency is reached.  Spread onto face and leave on for 10-30 minutes. Wash off in warm water using gentle circular motions to exfoliate. 

Whenever you do a mask treatment, use a moisturizer afterwards if you see the need for it, as well as common sense and avoid your eyes. 

And that concludes my 3 part series on basic skin care! (Go to the Tasty Bites & DIYs page to see the others). But I haven't even given you my favorite mask recipe yet. You'll have to watch and wait for that one.

Will you be trying any of these recipes? Which one and why?