No matter what type of skin you have, you can benefit from a face mask. Numerous face mask products are available on store shelves, but they may contain harsh chemicals that can actually irritate your skin as easily as they refresh it. Fortunately, you can find many items to benefit the skin right in your kitchen. Once you narrow down your skin type, making a homemade face mask requires nothing more than following a few simple steps.
For Dry Skin
Step 1
Squeeze the juice from one fresh lemon into a bowl. Lemon has well-known astringent properties that help to slough off dry, dead skin cells.
Step 2
Add 1 tbsp. of honey to the lemon juice. The June 1, 2008, issue of "Clinical Infectious Diseases" reports that honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The study, from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, was conducted using medical grade honey. To reap the most benefits from honey, use pure, raw honey, which you can find in a natural health food store.
Step 3
Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil, which will act as a skin moisturizer, to the honey and lemon and whisk well.
Step 4
Apply the mixture to the face and leave on for 10 minutes.
Step 5
Rinse your skin well with lukewarm water and pat dry.
For Oily Skin
Step 1
Crack open a fresh egg and separate the egg white from the egg yolk. Leave the egg white in a bowl and discard the yolk if you wish.
Step 2
Add 1 tbsp. of honey to the egg white and whisk well.
Step 3
Apply the mixture to your face and neck and leave on for 10 minutes.
Step 4
Rinse off with lukewarm water, and do a final rinse with cool water to close your pores.
For Acne-Prone Skin
Step 1
Crack open an egg and separate the white from the yolk, and put the white into a bowl.
Step 2
Whisk the egg white until it is frothy.
Step 3
Apply the egg white to the face as thick as you can get it.
Step 4
Leave the egg white on your face for 15 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. According to the March 2008 issue of "British Poultry Science," egg white proteins contain antimicrobial properties, which may account for the egg white's use as an acne fighter.
For Normal Skin
Step 1
Peel one apple and cut it into chunks. Place the chunks in a blender. Apples are loaded with antioxidant vitamins, and the August 12, 2008, issue of "Cosmetics and Toiletries" reports that many cosmetic products incorporate apple extracts for their anti-aging benefits.
Step 2
Add 2 tsp. of honey to the blender, and blend for two minutes.
Step 3
Pour the blended apple/honey paste into a bowl, and apply it to your face.
Step 4
Leave the mixture on your face for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Make your final rinse with cool water, and then pat the skin dry.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a strainer in the sink when rinsing your face. This will help prevent thick products such as honey and apple from going down the drain.
- Do not use any products in a face mask that you are allergic to if taken internally. Never use a face mask more than twice a week or you risk irritating your skin.
Things You'll Need
- Lemon
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Whisk
- Eggs
- Knife
- Apple
- Blender
References
- Home Remedies and Natural Herbal Treatments Guide: Homemade Astringent
- PubMed: Abstract: Clinical Infectious Diseases: Medical Grade Honey and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
- PubMed: Abstract: Comparative Antibacterial Activity of Avian Egg White Protein Extracts
- Beauty Den: Honey-Lemon Face Mask
- Cosmetics and Toiletries: Apple Fruit, Juice and Seed Extract in Skin Care
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