Facial Mask
The skin is by far the largest organ of the human body. It is extremely sensitive to external factors, such as ultraviolet radiation, dirt and cold weather as well as to emotional influences like stress. All these conditions have adverse effects on the skin. The good news 1s that most problems can be prevented by proper maintenance and care. The skin produces millions of new cells a day, regenerating itself completely within 30-40 days, depending on the person’s age. Around the age of 35, however, the skin’s natural rejuvenating processes begin to slow considerably. At this time, the skin can greatly benefit from a facial mask. There are two basic types of masks: relaxing and stimulating. Relaxing masks moisturize the skin and refresh the complexion: stimulating masks promote blood flow and smooth and firm the skin. Before applymg a mask, cleanse the skin with a facial toner that contains lemon balm or witch hazel
THE PROPER APPLICATION
Begin by covering the chin area with the mask then move up to the cheeks and forehead. Apply it to the nose next, moving outward toward the cheeks. Always leave space around the mouth, eyes and eyebrows. Lastly, spread it on the throat, moving from bottom to top.
FACIAL MASKS
Application: Treat yourself to a facial mask once or hwice a week. Apply a stimulating mask before going out or a relaxing mask at bedtime, and leave it on for 20 minutes. Always use fresh igredients. You can prepare the mask on demand or in advance and keep it refrigerated.
🙤 Strawberries stimulate the skin
Strawberries are an invaluable addition to a stimulating facial mask. They are rich in vitamin C, which perks up tired skin, giving it a fresh, healthy look. They also contain sulfur, which has cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties that help to remove impurities from the skin’s surface and reduce redness and swelling. Strawberries gently refresh and exfoliate the skin via natural fruit acids and enzymes, producing a radiant complexion.
🙤 Honey relaxes the skin
Because of its antibacterial action, honey is often used in cosmetics, helping to disinfect and heal minor blemishes. Rich in natural sugars, enzymes and acids, honey is effective _ against inflamed and swollen skin, renewing it and promoting healing. It can also freshen dry, stressed and sensitive skin.
🙤 Whole-wheat flour protects and renews skin
Fresh whole-wheat flour contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that binds environmental toxins, promotes cell respiration, stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory compounds and slows the aging process of the skin. It has also been suggested that the vitamin may help to lower the risk of skin cancer. It is not surprising, then, that many suntan lotions and after-sun products contain vitamin E. Facial masks containing flour made from whole wheat can likewise help to protect and renew the skin. Whole-wheat flour, which contains extra fiber, may provide additional exfoliating benefits, sloughing off dead skin cells.
Extra Tip
Try to use soft or distilled water when preparing facial masks. Hard water contains high concentrations of minerals and other substances that may provoke an allergic reaction. If you use tap water, boiling or filtering it is also a good idea.
✽ Strawberry Mask ✽
4-5 very ripe, medium-sized strawberries
2 tsp. heavy cream
1tsp. honey
- Carefully rinse strawberries in lukewarm water, and dry with a clean cloth or towel.
- In a small bowl, mash the fruit with a fork.
- Add the cream and honey, and mix well.
- Apply the paste generously to the face and throat, keeping it away from the eyes.
- Leave the mask on for 20-30 min. ~ Contraindications: People with sensitive or sunburned skin could have an adverse reaction to strawberries. Test on a small area first to assess your skin reaction.
✽ Whole-Wheat-Flour Mask ✽
1 gt. water
4 tsp. dried or 8 tsp. fresh rose petals peels from 1-2 organic oranges
2-3 tbSp. milk
2tbsp. rose water
2tsp.honey
4tbsp whole-wheat flour
- Boil the water and remove from the heat. Add the rose petals and orange peels, cover, and allow to steep until lukewarm or cool.
- In a separate pan, heat the milk, floral water and honey; remove from the heat. Add the 4 tbsp. whole-wheat flourflour and whisk into a thick paste.
- Apply the warm paste uniformly to the face and neck. Leave on for 15-20 min.
- Carefully wash off the dried mask – with the fragrant rose-orange water. Pat dry
- Apply your favorite moisturizing cream to
the skin.
Extra Tip
Try to use soft or distilled water when preparing facial masks. Hard water contains high concentrations of minerals and other substances that may provoke an allergic reaction. If you use tap water, boiling or filtering it is also a good idea.