36) HOMEMADE MASK AND SCRUB FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

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Did you know that you can make your own face mask that only cost a fraction of what you pay to get one from the stores? The answer is, by using basic ingredients found in your home to make simple, hydrating masks and scrubs!



Mud or clay-based masks are great for balancing out oily or acne-prone skin. Dry skin requires hydrating masks made from glycerin, honey and oils. Sensitive skin will benefit from ginseng or great tea masks which are very soothing. Before applying a face mask, use a scrub to get rid of dead skin. To get the best out of a mask, leave it on your face for at least 10 to 15 minutes. 


These are some of the homemade masks that I found online for you to try. Let me know how it works for you.

For All Skin Types

Egg White Face Mask

This mask not only softens but also tightens and soothes the skin.

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 egg whites, separated from the yolk and placed in a bowl
• 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (I like Greek yogurt)

Preparation:

Separate the egg whites from a couple eggs and place them in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt (do not use flavored yogurt!). Mix them up and apply to face. Leave on face for a few minutes then rinse face in warm water, followed by a warm washcloth.

English: Oatmeal Русский: Овсяныехлопья (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Oatmeal and Yogurt Mask

This mask used 3 basic ingredients and is very simple to prepare. Use it to cleanse and rejuvenate your skin.

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oatmeal, finely ground
• 1 tbsp live, organic yogurt (skip the flavored stuff)
• A few drops of honey

Preparation:

Add the yogurt to the oatmeal in a small bowl and mix together.

English: Nonfat Yogurt (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Warm a few drop of honey. To do this, warm a spoon under hot water for a minute, then add a few drops of honey to the spoon.

Stir the honey into the yogurt and oatmeal mixture.

Apply the mask to the face. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse off with several splashes of warm water. Follow with a warm washcloth.

Apply moisturizer.

White Sugar Scrub

Sugar is an excellent exfoliant compared to salt as it does not tear at the skin.

It is important to scrub and remove dead skin that collects on the surface of the skin.

This will help to prevent clogging and dull appearance of the skin.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp warm water

Preparation:

Stir sugar into warm water so that it melts.

Make sure granules are dissolved, otherwise they could tear your skin.

Apply to the face.

Gently massage around the skin.

Rinse with warm water OR take a warm washcloth that's steamed in the microwave. Make sure the washcloth is not too hot.

Coffee and Cocoa Facial Mask

Coffee Beans

Cocoa Powder

Now, you know that coffee and cocoa is not only a tasty beverage but it can also  be an effective mask. Combine both to decrease puffiness in the face and the eye area, wake up a dull-ish complexion and brightens up the skin. Caffeine to the rescue!

An average person's kitchen will bound to have these two ingredients.  All you need to know is what are the substitutes to add and tailor it to your skin type.

For Dry Skin-Add yogurt or cream and honey.

For Oily Skin-Add Lemon Juice.

For very dehydrated skin-Add oils instead of dairy.

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp. finely ground espresso or coffee beans.(You can grind it into powder with a miller.)
• 4 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder.(Get the loose form from specialty bakery shops or wholesalers will be more economical). 
• 8 Tbsp. dairy product. Choose whole milk, heavy cream, yogurt (must be unflavored!), almond milk or coconut milk. Use less dairy if you like a thicker paste. Substitutions are allowed: Try an egg instead of dairy if you are an egg mask lover, or substitute oils, such as olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil or almond oil if you have dehydrated skin. If using oils, halve the amount or it will be too runny.
• 2 Tbsp. honey (if you have dry skin) or lemon juice (if you have oily skin)

Preparation:

If you have whole beans, finely grind beans in a grinder or miller. Beans should be finely ground so they don't scratch your face. If you just made coffee, you can use the freshly brewed coffee grounds, although they won't contain as much caffeine but you'll be killing two birds with one stone....Getting your morning fix into your system as well as on to your face!

Mix coffee and cocoa powder in a bowl.

Add the dairy product and stir until a smooth paste forms. You can use less dairy if you like a thicker paste.

Stir in the honey. Warm up the honey in a warm water bath or  melt it in the microwave so it mixes better).

Apply the paste to your clean face and neck.

Let the mask dry.

Wet a washcloth and press it to your face to loosen the mask, then rinse with warm water. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid rubbing your face because the coffee grounds could potentially scratch your skin. It's really up to you, you'll get a feel for what your skin can take and how finely ground the coffee is.

You can store the leftover paste in the refrigerator for several days.

Rejuvenating Pumpkin Mask

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is loaded with natural exfoliating acids and antioxidants. Use it to brighten, calm breakouts, and soften the appearance of fine lines and sun damage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh pumpkin pulp
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoon almond milk (for dry or combo skin)
• 1 teaspoon honey (for dry skin)
• 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or cranberry juice (if you have oily skin)

Preparation:

Purée the fresh pumpkin pulp into a thick paste. Add the egg (this acts as a binder). If your skin is dry, stir in a splash of omega-rich almond milk and the honey. For oilier complexions, instead stir in apple cider vinegar or cranberry juice. 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.

"Cat Litter" Mask?

Clay Mask

Believe or not, cat litter which is made of natural clay that has been formed into tiny pellets and dried.

One beauty expert swore that cat litter is made of the exact ingredients as special clays found in RM300+ spa facials!  When shopping for a natural cat litter, make sure that it is 100% natural clay or check the ingredients for 'sodium betonite clay'.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag cat litter (must be marked properly, see above)
• Water
• Drops of your favorite essential oil

Preparation:

Mix in a couple tablespoons of the cat litter with water and drops of oil (we find the oil helps make the experience somehow less kitty litter-ish)

Apply mask to face

Wash off after 15 minutes.

Yogurt Face Mask

This refreshing face mask is made up of only 2 ingredients.

Prep Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat)
• 1 tsp runny honey (microwave for a few minutes to soften hardened honey)

Preparation:

Combine mixture, then apply to face.
Let sit for 15 minutes.
Wash face with steaming washcloth.
For dry skin, use an extra tsp of honey.
Oily skin? Add a few drops of fresh lime juice.

Natural skin brightener 

Mix a tablespoon of turmeric powder in 1 cup of plain yogurt. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off.

Hope you will have fun trying out all the homemade masks and scrub. Drop me a line with your results.

My next topic for discussion is, " 37) Homemade Masks For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin".

You may also like to read:

30) THE SPICES OF LIFE-TURMERIC.
35B) HOW TO LOOK 10 POUNDS SLIMMER IN PHOTOGRAPHS.
39) HOMEMADE MASK FOR COMBINATION OR SENSITIVE SKIN.

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Thanks for looking and taking the time to read my blog.  I welcome feedback and please feel free to share your experiences in relation to today's topic.

Until my next post, "Here's to your health!"

Picture credit: StockFreeImages.com

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