Got problems with acne, oily skin, wrinkles, or age spots? Having great skin isn't only a matter of genes. It also involves adopting a good skin care routine which consists of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing your face.
Some people visit spas to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance, yet these trips can be costly over time. The benefits are undeniable, but what if you can get the same results with a homemade face mask?
Well, you can.
Using many ingredients in your kitchen — like avocado, oatmeal, honey, turmeric, or banana — you can mix up a DIY face mask. From blemishes to dull skin, here's a look at simple recipes to solve common skin problems.
Acne is considered the most common skin problem in the United States.
Zits develop when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog pores, and acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, nodules, and cysts.
The protein in egg whites, however, may help kill bacteria on the skin and help stop blemishes.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation refers to darkened areas of skin often due to acne, age, or sun damage.
Dermatological treatments can help reduce hyperpigmentation, but they tend to be expensive. You can save money and even out your skin tone with a DIY turmeric mask, which also lessens inflammation.
Oatmeal and baking soda have exfoliating properties, which can remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Oily skin occurs when your pores produce too much sebum, a natural skin oil.
Oils can clog pores, triggering acne and inflammation. Bananas can help absorb oil on the skin, while lemons help cleanse pores.
A hydrating facial mask can help your skin retain moisture and alleviate dullness and itching.
Regular facial treatments can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote tighter, firmer skin.
Use avocados and cocoa powder to stimulate collagen production, and honey to moisturize and soften skin.
A facial mask can replenish and moisturize your skin. These are effective treatments because the ingredients are able to sit on your skin for about 10 to 30 minutes.
The nutrients and vitamins penetrate your skin, deep cleaning your pores and removing the outermost layer of dead skin. Facial masks can cleanse, tighten, exfoliate, soften, and brighten the skin.
If you don't have ingredients (or the time) to whip up a homemade mask, an over-the-counter rinse-off or peel-off mask is cheaper than visiting a spa, too.
A rinse-off mask involves removal with a warm or cool cloth once the mask dries. Peel-off masks are gel-based for deep cleansing and exfoliating. You'll apply the mask, wait for it to harden, and then peel it off.
There's also the option of a sheet mask. Rather than applying a cream or gel, you'll place a facial sheet (containing nutrients and minerals) over your face.
Here are a few do's and don'ts to maximize the effectiveness of a facial mask.
A regular skin care routine can improve your complexion, fight acne, and control oiliness. But don't think you need a fancy spa to get great results.
Using ingredients in your kitchen, you can make a homemade facial mask and give your face the nourishment and hydration it needs.