Thursday, October 31, 2013

i'MASKing about Masks: A Short List of Homemade Mask Recipes

Is the title driving you nuts like it did to me? No pun intended but creating that was just so fun! Livelier than seeing a person with a fask mask on, right? Well, I dunno but I hope so (^.^)v 

Now that I've cheered you up, I hope that giving this article a short read will spark your curiosity about what the deal is about face masks. Of course for the short introduction, I thank efacialmasks.com for their wonderful video. Truth is, if you go to their website, you'll find tons of useful information about commercial facial masks. For this blog, however, I'll be placing homemade masks for most common types of skin and their problems.
As a general rule, asian skin care regimen goes around this order:
1. Cleanse - Cleaning means to pretty much remove any make-up and dirt that accumulated.
2. Tone - Toning is to clean off any excess dirt that might still be left after cleansing.
3. Exfoliate - Removes old skin cells but some facial masks. Not to be done everyday as it can be too harsh. This depends on the product you're applying but even then, some of these natural masks exfoliate.
3. Facial Mask - Use once or twice a week. Some of these already moisturize & exfoliate.
4. Moisturize - Locks in everything & makes the skin less dry.

Note that for all these items, the fresher, more organic is the safest way to go.

Dry Skin or Dull Texture
Dry skin is often associated with flakiness & lack of moisture. Dull texture may be part of it because of the buildup of dead cells on the surface of your skin.
What to do:
  • Banana Mask: Mash up a banana and leaving it on for 10-15 minutes. If preferred, add honey for moisture. Rinse it off. (TFP)
  • Egg Yolk Mask: Use the egg yolks, beat them and leave it on for 15-30 minutes. (RD)

Oily Skin
Oily skin can be seen when, after thirty minutes right after cleaning our face, we already have that oily sheen. Some other signs can be large pores, wet appearance & easily running make-up. When skin dries out, it produces more oil so these masks shouldn't dry out the skin completely.
What to do:
  • Oatmeal Honey Mask: Cook some plain oats (instant is fine as long as there's no additives & flavoring). You can use it slightly warm but not hot - basically, allow it to cool. After that, add honey (for moisture) and create a paste that will stick to your face. Leave it on 10-15 minutes or until it dries. Rinse with tepid water. (TFS & About.com)
  • Egg White Mask: If egg yolks are for dry skin then egg whites are for oily skin. Add a bit of honey if preferred. (RD)
  • Chocolate Truffle Mask: Mix together 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 4 tablespoons of whole milk. It should look like thick pudding. Leave it on for 20 minutes then rinse it off. (HelloBeautiful.com)

Combination Skin
Combination skin is usually dry and oily in different areas of the skin.
What to do:
  • Potato and Milk Mask: Boil and mash two tablespoons of potatoes. Mix together with one tablespoon of whole milk and leave it on the face for 20 minutes. Wash it off with cool water. (Eva Tornado)

Normal Skin
Normal skin says it all. Perfect skin with no blemishes.
What to do:
  • Egg Mask: If egg yolk is to dry skin, egg white is to oily skin then you guessed it right! Beat the whole egg together then leave it on for 30 minutes. (RD)
  • Chocolate Truffle Mask: Mix together 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 4 tablespoons of whole milk. It should look like thick pudding. Leave it on for 10 minutes then rinse it off. (HelloBeautiful.com)

Huge Pores
Huge pores may have a lot of contributing factors such as oily skin, age, genetic disposition and sex. Large pores cannot actually shrink so the aim here is to keep them clean.
What to do:
  • Yoghurt Mask: Yoghurt has lactic acid that tightens pores and dissolves impurities. Take a tablespoon of plain yoghurt & leave it on your face for ten minutes. Rinse it off. (7BeautyTips.com)


Uneven Skin Tone
Hyperpigmentation, sun spots and uneven shades on the skin are signs of uneven skin tone.
What to do:
  • Papaya & Honey Mask: Mash or blend a half cup of papaya and add two tablespoons of honey. Leave it on for 15 minutes or when you feel a tingly sensation. Rinse it off. (TFS)

    Acne Prone Skin
    Pimples can usually caused by internal problems such as Polcystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), hormones or external factors such as pollution. Better to ask your dermatologist for these things
    What to do:
    • Green Tea Mask: Open up a tea bag and pour the contents in a container. Add 1 teaspoon of honey. Leave it on for 15 minutes then rinse it off with warm water. (Acne.org)
    • Chocolate Truffle Mask: Mix together 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 4 tablespoons of whole milk. It should look like thick pudding. Leave it on for 20 minutes then rinse it off. (HelloBeautiful.com)

    Wrinkly Skin
    Aging is inevitable but we can slow down the signs. One thing's for sure however, smiling and having a happy lifestyle can be the best age buster.
    What to do:
    •  Yoghurt Mask: Yoghurt has lactic acid that tightens pores, lessens fine lines and dissolves impurities. Take a tablespoon of plain yoghurt & leave it on your face for ten minutes. Rinse it off. (7BeautyTips.com)

    There you have it! My rundown of homemade masks. Of course each person has their own unique qualities and skin so best to explore masks on your own. As far as this list goes, I tried to write down those that have the cheapest ingredients that are readily available here in the Philippines.

    If you're too busy to run to the grocery & mash up some gooey stuff, feel free to purchase commercially or visit my online shop and browse through the facial masks.

    Sources: