Go Ahead and Mask the Problem

It all started when my aunt bought me a plant called lovage. “It’s an herb,” she explained. Kooky Aunt Pat and her “herbs”. Being the inquisitive type, I decided to do some research on herbs….and never looked back. Soon I learned that herbs had uses other than culinary. I could make stuff with them! Before long I was combining chamomile and calendula to make a hair rinse, green tea, oatmeal and lavender to make bath bags and ultimately yarrow, peppermint and bay to make our now famous Herbal Aftershave.

Working with basic natural ingredients that can be found in your kitchen is my true love. There’s no reason to drop big bucks at a beauty store or trendy spa, when all you need for beautiful skin is at the supermarket.

Homemade skin treatments aren’t a new idea. Thousands of years before commercial products were available, ancient Egyptians made powders, ointments and lotions by combining plant extracts with natural oils. In China, a combination of ground orange seeds and honey was used to help keep skin clear [source: National Honey Board]. And in the 2nd century, ancient Romans combined animal fats with starches to make facial creams.

When making your own facial mask, it’s important to know your skin type so you can choose the most beneficial ingredients for that type.

Normal skin does not feel dry or oily. At midday it still looks fresh and clean. Only occasionally does it have dry patches or break out. Oatmeal, fabulous as a bath soak, also makes a great face mask for normal skin. Grind it a bit in the food processor, add water to create a paste, and then allow it to sit on your face for a few minutes. Liquid face masks are also very simple and great for normal skin. Many celebrities swear by olive oil. Use extra-virgin, and spread it on your skin. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Skin is left feeling luxuriously smooth, and fine wrinkles are less noticeable. You can also try a honey- olive oil combination. Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply to your face and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with water water. Gently pat the face dry. Unflavored plain yogurt is also great for toning any type of skin. Apply a thin layer and let sit for ten minutes. Rinse and pat dry.

Dry skin has a thin texture and can feel dry to touch. It can feel tight after being washed, and by midday flaky patches may appear. Honey is the number one ingredient, in my opinion, for dry skin. It’s a humectant, meaning that it will help skin retain moisture. One of my personal favorite facial remedies involves applying raw honey to my face. I apply it in a thin layer, and leave it on for about 15 minutes. My dog Ginger used to love when I made this mask; so I’d have to make sure she was in another room or else I wouldn’t have any honey left on my face. Rinse with warm water and enjoy how very soft your skin feels. Flax seeds also make a wonderful one-ingredient mask. Flax seeds provide powerful, good-for-your-health omega-3 fatty acids. In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of flax seeds and just enough water to cover. The seeds will swell and the water will become gelatinous. Spread the gel on your face. When dry, rinse off with warm water.

Oily skin often feels greasy. After washing it feels fine, but by midday it looks shiny. Break out spots can be frequent. Combat oiliness while firming your pores with an egg white mask. Whip the whites of two eggs into a light foam. Spread a thin layer of the foam to your face. Allow the foam to become firm, then simply rinse the mask away. Your skin will feel tighter and pores will be diminished. Oily skin can benefit from occasional gentle exfoliation. Try a tomato facial. Puree one ripe tomato with a teaspoon each of lemon juice and instant oatmeal. Spread the mixture across your face, allowing it to set for about 15 minutes. Then rinse away to reveal fresh skin. Other natural exfoliators include papaya and pineapple which both contain an enzyme called bromelain which removes dead cells and cleanses pores.

Combination skin is normal with a few dry patches and a few oily patches. Dryness is usually on the cheeks and oiliness is usually on the T-zone. Most women have combination skin. Green tea is great for combination skin, and has long been touted for its anti-aging and wrinkle fighting properties. Dissolve a single teaspoon of green tea powder (matcha) into a half teaspoon of water so you’re left with a thin, smooth paste. Spread the paste across your face, allow it to sit for about 10 minutes and then rinse away, revealing radiant skin. Sweet smelling roses are perfect for balancing out the oily and dry areas of your skin. Mix together 2 tbsps of rosewater, 1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat), 1 tbsp honey. Apply mixture to skin and allow to remain for ten minutes. Rinse with warm water. I found the following recipe on line. It was created by facialist Chanel Jenae of Santa Monica. In the article, Jenae says pumpkin is loaded with natural exfoliating acids and antioxidants. She uses pumpkin pulp in her facial peels at her salon “to brighten, calm breakouts, and soften the appearance of fine lines and sun damage.”

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh pumpkin pulp
2 eggs
2 teaspoon almond milk

Preparation:

Purée the fresh pumpkin pulp into a thick paste. Add the egg (this acts as a binder). Stir in a splash of omega-rich almond milk. Mix well. Apply the mask, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes, depending on your skin sensitivity. Rinse with cool water and moisturize as usual.

Most face masks, whether homemade or bought, seem straightforward: Simply smooth the mask onto your face, then rinse off after a period of time. But properly applying the mask can make a big difference.

Gently rub the face mask into your skin. The massaging motions will help increase blood flow, improving your skin’s appearance. To get the most of your massage, apply light pressure to your jaw line with your fingertips. Slowly move upward until you reach your forehead, then start again.

Other benefits of massage include a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol, which can in turn lower blood pressure and boost your immune system, although this is more likely to occur if the massage covers more than your face.

After the massage, let the mask set for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the specific recipe instructions. Set a timer. When the appropriate time period has passed, rinse the mask off with warm water using a washcloth.

Don’t be afraid to add other spa-like experiences to your home beauty regimen. In addition to facial massage, set the tone for your face mask by changing your surroundings. Dim the lights, gather a few candles and play some soft music. Relaxing in the tub for a warm soak while your mask is doing its magic can help you unwind by providing a stress-busting experience without the hefty price tag.

Or consider having a natural beauty ritual party. Each guest can bring their favorite natural mask recipe, while the hostess provides basic ingredients like oatmeal, honey, eggs, yogurt, tea and some herbs from the garden. Play some cool music, whip up your own masks and kick back with some girl talk. Just don’t let anyone bring a camera!!