A Face Pack for Blemishes

Face packs aren't just for the barber's chair. More akin to facial steaming than to face masks, the face pack cleans and tones the skin. Face packs work on normal and dry skin, but they can also treat oily and pimply complexions. The key is to suit the face pack to your skin type. Several herbs and essential oils address acne-prone skin and make good additions to weekly face packs for blemishes. especially when followed by face masks.

Description

Face packs are best employed as hot compresses, according to natural beauty expert Dina Falconi. Clean cloths are dipped in plain hot water or water infused with herbs and essential oils. They are then placed over the face for up to 20 minutes. In spas and dermatology offices, a technician performs this duty, but you can do it at home by yourself, or ask a partner to apply the compresses.

Theory

Facial packs appear to treat blemishes effectively because the warmth of the hot pack opens pores, while the water and the healing properties of the herbs and essential oils cleanse and tone your skin. The pore-opening action also allows for mild exfoliation because dead skin cells and grime are loosened, Falconi notes. Face packs or steams also prepare the skin for deep-cleansing masks through this pore-opening action.

Ingredients and Equipment

Use 32 oz. of distilled water or tapwater, a few large clean cloths or towels, and two pots large enough to hold the liquid. One or more dried herbs or one or more essential oils are recommended but not required. Falconi suggests dried sage, thyme and oregano for pimples, with the additions of lemon peel, sweet fern, oak bark and mugwort to address oily skin. Dried chamomile and calendula make good additions or replacements for skin which is irritated as well as pimply. Essential oils known for helping acne when applied topically include lavender and tea tree essential oils, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Method

Put two handfuls, or about 1 cup, of dried herbs in 32 oz. water, then bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for one hour. Pour the infusion into a pot or heatproof bowl and add one to three drops of optional essential oils. Place the pot or bowl and two face cloths next to a bed or chair in which you can recline. When the water is still very hot but not scalding, dip the towel into the pot and wring gently. Put the second towel into the pot to steep while you apply the first. Place the first towel over your face and rest until the cloth cools. For ease of breathing during the treatment, Falconi recommends twisting the towel into a U-shape that comes together at the forehead. Spread the towel over all of your face except for your mouth and nostrils. When the first cloth cools, remove it and add the second cloth. You may repeat the process with more clean cloths, but don't exceed 20 minutes for the entire process. For best results, follow with a face mask.

Considerations

Facial hot packs and facial steams shouldn't be used more than once a week, Falconi notes. UMMC notes that, while herbs and essential oils can be effective at treating acne, consistent use and patience is required. It can take more than six weeks before you see consistent results. Combine face pack treatments with daily cleansing, water-based makeup and moisturizer and medicated spot treatments, if your dermatologist recommends them.