Home Remedy Masks

Commercial cosmetic masks often contain artificial preservatives, fragrances and colors that may be hazardous, according to information gathered by the Environmental Working Group, a consumer watchdog group that studies the ingredients used in cosmetics. When you make your own facial masks at home, using fresh ingredients, you know exactly what you're putting on your face, and can avoid harmful ingredients such as parabens and polyethylene glycol.

History

Long before cosmetics companies, Egyptian men and women used masks of oil and meal to moisturize and rejuvenate their skin. The Roman poet, Ovid, included a homemade facial mask recipe in "The Art of Love," written about 1 B.C.

During the Renaissance, women mixed herbs and minerals with fats or clay to make facial masks intended to whiten their skin and keep it young and wrinkle-free. When the Spaniards came to the New World, they found the Mayans applying cosmetic masks made with sugar cane to their faces.

Ingredients

Many common pantry items contain compounds that make their way--after much chemical refinement--into commercial cosmetic masks. Other ingredients are just naturally good for your skin. Olive oil, for instance, is a natural emollient, good for softening and moisturizing. Avocado is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as emollient fatty acids that help hydrate skin.

Honey, often used in combination with wheat-germ oil or almonds, has anti-bacterial properties when applied to the skin, and was often used to prevent wounds from becoming infected in ancient times. Fruits, such as berries, peaches and melons, and dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, contain mild acids similar to those used in commercial facial "peel" products.

Benefits

If you have oily skin, says Dr. David Leffell in his book, "Total Skin," an occasional antibacterial mask can help minimize oil on your skin. As for claims about reducing pores, tightening skin or reducing redness, Leffell adds, there's no real proof that masks do those things. If it makes you feel good, though, he says, that's a good enough reason to indulge yourself.

Procedure

Mix the ingredients for your mask together using clean utensils. Clean your face with your usual cleanser and pat it dry. Apply the mask to your face, avoiding the area around your eyes. Leave it on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse the mask away with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Warning

Use common sense when choosing ingredients for a facial mask. If you break out in hives when you eat strawberries, it's probably not a good idea to smear mashed berries on your face.

Don't apply a mask to broken skin or open wounds. If you have acne or a chronic skin condition, consult your doctor before attempting any home remedies. Don't use a facial mask more often than once or twice a week.

Before using a mask on your face, test it by applying it to your inner arm, then waiting 24 hours to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction to the ingredients.