By Sara Piccola |
Most of us enjoy a little self-pampering. We often venture out to a spa for this luxury, but sometimes you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home to enjoy a relaxing and stress relieving self-indulgence. One way to do this is through homemade facial masks.
Dehydration, UV rays and aging all lead to the loss of elasticity in the face, especially in this dry, high-desert climate. Facial masks are much thicker and remain on the skin longer than your average moisturizer. This generates more inner heat opening up the pores and resulting in a quick and efficient passage of nutrients directly into the skin.
Not only do masks cleanse, detoxify, and tone the skin, homemade masks can save you money and leave you looking young. You might not know that many of your average household items can be mixed together to make an effective deep cleanser for your face. A wide variety of facial masks make it easy for anyone to use for multiple benefits. Try some of these easy homemade recipes:
For a quick skin tightening mask, beat an egg white until it is frothy, apply to the face and leave on for five minutes. Once the mask has tightened, rinse off thoroughly with warm water following with a cold water rinse.
The ingredients found in this mask are potent in a variety of nutrients for the skin. To improve your skin texture, diminish age spots and rebuild skin collagen, use the following recipe regularly. Heavy cream is high in calcium and protein while carrots contain a significant amount of beta-carotene and anti-oxidant vitamins, and the avocado is rich with vitamin E.
You will need:
• ½ cup of heavy cream
• 1 carrot-cooked and mashed
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and mashed
• 3 tablespoons of honey
Combine ingredients in a bowl and spread over the face and neck. Relax for 15 minutes then rinse with cool water.
To benefit from anti-inflammatory properties, to counteract histamines and help rid the skin of dead cells and dirt try this pineapple and olive oil mask.
You will need:
• 4 large pineapple chunks or ½ cup canned, drained pineapple
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
Blend ingredients using a blender until almost smooth. Apply the mixture to the face using your fingers and leave on for 15 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
An alternative to the traditional face mask is a peel. Peels are great for removing dead skin cells, reducing pore size, and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Face peels can also stimulate collagen while reducing hyper pigmentation. Try this easy Papaya peel.
You will need:
• 1 packet of unflavored gelatin
• 3 tablespoons distilled water
• 1 papaya, peeled and seeded
Combine gelatin and water and dissolve over low heat in a saucepan. Place papaya in a blender and blend thoroughly. Strain and save the liquid. In a small bowl, combine gelatin and papaya juice. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes or until the gelatin is just beginning to set. Spread the gelatin over the face and neck and relax for 15 minutes. Rinse off with a soft sponge or cloth dipped in warm water.
Next time you need a moment of relaxation don’t stress about fitting a spa session into your busy day. Pamper your skin, body and soul with a refreshing, convenient, and beneficial homemade facial mask.
