Women have always strived to be beautiful and invented a variety of ways to emphasize their natural attractiveness. And for a long time, it was face masks that were the main thing when it came to personal care. They were made by themselves from herbs and other natural ingredients.
Many girls still prefer to make natural face masks at home. After all, it's the only way to know exactly what you're applying to the skin and not worry about possible allergies or testing cosmetics on animals.
And in this article we want to tell you how to make homemade face masks from improvised products and inexpensive ingredients.
How to decide on the composition
Before proceeding to the direct preparation of recipes, it is necessary to know what ingredients to choose so that the homemade face mask will be the most effective.
And for this you need to determine your skin type. You can do it in a beauty salon or on your own. First, you need to remove makeup and let your face rest for several hours. Then examine the face in daylight with a magnifying mirror.
If the skin is translucent, there is a feeling of tightness and peeling - this is a dry type. It can be both congenital and acquired. It is especially negatively affected by external factors: regular ultraviolet irradiation, low relative humidity, wind. Such a dermis needs constant and abundant hydration and nutrition. This is where homemade face masks can help.
If the dermis appears oily, thickened and large pores are visible, it is an oily type. In this type of skin, the production of sebum is increased, which, combined with dust and dead particles of the epidermis, forms plugs - the familiar "blackheads".
On oily skin, acne and rashes often appear, which can then flare up. Possible causes of oily skin:
- heredity;
- hormonal disturbances;
- disruption of the endocrine system;
- improper hygienic care;
If there is a feeling of tightness on the cheeks and enlarged pores are visible on the nose, it is a combined type. Such skin combines normal and dry or oily skin types in different areas of the face. As a result, blackheads may appear on the forehead, nose and chin, and peeling on the temples or cheeks after washing. To determine this type of dermis, you need to wash yourself thoroughly, and after two hours pat your face with a towel. If an oily trace is printed on a towel in the T-zone, then the skin is mixed.
In the summer it looks oilier, in the winter it flakes more. The cause of increased fat content is often an excess of the hormone testosterone at a young age, heredity, bad habits, an unbalanced diet.
And the last type is normal. Such skin does not peel off and does not have excessive sebum. There are almost no rashes on it and it looks smooth. Such a face needs regular cleansing and moisturizing.
After determining your skin type, it's time to start choosing the composition of your future face mask from homemade ingredients. They are of three types:
- Nourishing, moisturizing, toning and cleansing - designed for constant care and maintenance of the skin in perfect condition. Such masks are used for all skin types, the differences are only in the compositions, since each type needs its own active ingredients.
- Anti-inflammatory, whitening, anti-rosacea - this group of masks successfully fights obvious skin imperfections. They are used to treat various inflammations and rashes.
- Anti-aging and lifting masks belong to the anti-aging group and help firm the skin of the face. But you won't need it anytime soon.
To find out exactly which masks you need, it is best to contact a beautician beforehand.
The best at-home face masks
Cleansing and toning
With gelatin and activated charcoal
Compound:
- 1 tablespoon of gelatin;
- 2-3 activated charcoal tablets;
- 2 tablespoons of water.
This is the best composition for a mask that will help get rid of blackheads and sebaceous filaments. Before you start kneading and applying the composition to your face, you must first clean it well and spray it. If everything is done correctly, the effect will be maximum.
After washing and steaming, when your face is ready for the mask, start mixing the ingredients. First, combine the gelatin with water, stir and leave the base for 2-3 minutes to swell the gelatin. Meanwhile, grind the activated charcoal into a powder. Now you need to add it to gelatin, mix again and put in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to check if the temperature of the composition is comfortable before applying it to your face.
As soon as the mask begins to stretch the skin and pull away at the edges, peel it off from top to bottom. You will notice how all the deep dirt has remained on the film.
At the end, be sure to apply a nourishing cream to the skin to restore its balance!
Use for oily or combination skin 1-2 times per week.
Clay
It is a great alternative to the previous mask. It not only cleanses the skin, but also has an additional beneficial effect. After that, you won't need another remedy.
Compound:
- black clay;
- lemon juice;
- tea tree essential oil.
In the same way, prepare the skin for the mask - remove makeup and spray your face. Then, mix the clay as directed on the package. Now add a teaspoon of lemon juice and 5-7 drops of essential oil to the mixture.
Apply the finished composition to the face and wait until it dries slightly. After 10-20 minutes you can go wash up.
Such a mask will not only cleanse the skin of impurities, but also narrow the pores due to lemon juice and clay, and tea tree essential oil will make the skin soft and velvety. Regular use of the mask also helps fight age-related changes and improve the shape of the face thanks to its lifting effect.
Suitable for all skin types except dry. You can use it once a week.
Classic Herbal Cleansing Mask
Cleansing masks can be beneficial and as natural as possible. You can choose in the pharmacy medicinal herbs that can be used in facial care. It was these means that the girls used before, because the herbs were everywhere.
Different herbs are suitable for different skin types:
- for oily and combined - calendula, twine, oak bark, lingonberry leaf;
- for dry - wild rose, linden, rose petals, mint, St. John's wort, coltsfoot;
- for sensitive and problematic - chamomile, aloe, celandine, burdock root, horsetail.
It is not necessary to be limited to one component - you can make a mixture of herbs. Make sure you're not allergic to it first!
How to prepare a mask:
Grind the mixture of dry herbs into a powder, pour boiling water over it, leave to infuse for 20-30 minutes. Then the liquid should be drained, and the remaining warm herbal gruel should be wrapped in thin gauze and applied to the cleansed skin of the face.
Such a mixture will very carefully, quickly and effectively remove impurities from the pores, and its beneficial properties will actively tone the skin and give pleasant bonuses in the form of radiance and freshness. The herbs will help with pimples and inflammation. And the smells of herbs will soothe and transform cleaning into a real spa treatment!
This mask can be done 1-2 times a week.
Moisturizing face masks at home
For dry skin
Quick oatmeal mask recipe
Ingredients:
- yolk of an egg;
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil;
- a tablespoon of oatmeal;
- a teaspoon of honey;
- a teaspoon of lemon juice.
Oatmeal is the best natural home care ingredient.
Wash your face and prepare your skin for the mask. Mix all the ingredients until you get a semi-liquid porridge. Apply the mixture on your face and wait for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse with cold water.
Such a composition will help restore the structure of the skin and nourish it, because it contains many useful substances. Honey and yolk normalize metabolic processes, lemon tones and stimulate the skin, help eliminate age spots, oatmeal will give the face the necessary collagen and fill the bumps. And if you use it as a scrub, you get very gentle cleansing and moisturizing at the same time.
Quick cottage cheese recipe
Compound:
- 1 tablespoon of cottage cheese;
- 1 tablespoon of heavy cream;
- 1 to 2 drops of B vitamins.
Cleanse skin, mix all ingredients until smooth, apply on face and wait 10-15 minutes. After - rinse thoroughly.
Vitamin B and proteins, which will go into the composition, will give the face instant natural hydration and the necessary nutrition. The best time to use this mask is winter. Farm products are best for preparing the composition, but if they are not available, store-bought ones will also do an excellent job.
For oily skin
For oily dermis, light moisturizing, normalization of sebaceous glands and narrowing of pores are relevant. By the way, the cause of excessive fat content can be improper maintenance and the use of drying agents. Simple tonics with alcohol can aggravate oily skin. Before applying the mask, remember to carefully study the composition of your skincare products!
With sufficient hydration and avoiding procedures that cause dryness, excess oil can be removed fairly quickly. The main ingredient for oily skin is honey. You can also use various effective cosmetic oils as a supplement.
Oat Protein Mask
Compound:
- a teaspoon of honey;
- a protein;
- a tablespoon of oatmeal;
- rosemary ether.
Mix everything and apply on the face with a brush. Then let the mixture dry a little and add a second layer, after which we hold it for at least 15-20 minutes and wash it off.
Oatmeal will help cleanse the skin and fill it with useful substances, proteins will give vitamins, and honey and rosemary will soften the skin and give it the necessary instant moisture.
honey mask
This mask is incredibly easy to prepare. Just take a tablespoon of honey and mix everything in a glass of warm water. Apply the resulting composition to a cotton napkin and place it on your face. Wait 5 minutes and repeat the procedure. Two or three times will suffice. Honey perfectly nourishes and moisturizes the skin of the face and normalizes sebum production.
The same masks can be used for mixed and normal dermis. But first, check the composition for allergies! To do this, apply the mixture to the inner side of the wrist or the crease of the forearm and hold it for 15 minutes. If there is no redness and burning sensation, feel free to use it on the face.
For normal skin
halva moisturizing mask
To make such a mask, you need to have halva and water at home. Properly grind the halva and mix it with water to make a porridge. Apply the composition to cleansed facial skin and hold for 10-15 minutes. To enhance the effect, you can cover your face with a plastic bag, then the beneficial components will penetrate deeper into the dermis.
This mask perfectly nourishes and moisturizes dry and normal skin, promotes instant cell regeneration and collagen synthesis, because halva contains a lot of healthy oils and fats. It also has a rejuvenating effect. But be sure to check before using that you are not allergic to nuts!
"Masks can be applied in different ways, choosing the right one depends on the texture of the mixture and your preferences. You can use your fingers, a special applicator, a spatula or a brush. Gels are applied with the hands, creams with a sponge, liquid formulations with a brush.
Simple nourishing masks at home
For dry skin
Avocado Mask
Compound:
- a ripe avocado;
- olive, peach or almond oil - two tablespoons.
Crush the pulp of the avocado to a puree state, add the oil heated to no more than forty degrees, mix thoroughly. Apply the mixture to cleansed skin. Keep the mask on your face for 15-20 minutes.
Avocado pulp is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and contains many vitamins (groups A, C, E, K, B, folic and pantothenic acids) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, selenium). This mask will make the skin smooth and supple, provide the necessary hydration and nutrition, thanks to natural ingredients.
For oily skin
Powerful starch mask
Compound:
- a tablespoon of potato starch;
- a tablespoon of cranberry juice;
- a chicken protein.
Combine all ingredients and mix until muddy. Then, using a brush or fingers, spread on a previously steamed face. Keep the composition on your face for 20-25 minutes and wash off with warm water.
Starch contributes to the regulation of the sebaceous glands and natural proteins provide the necessary nutrition. Cranberry juice tightens pores and tones the skin.
For normal skin
Banana Oat Exfoliating Mask
Compound:
- a tablespoon of oatmeal;
- a tablespoon of chopped banana pulp;
- three tablespoons of water.
Pour boiling water over the flakes and let them swell. Grind the banana until it is pureed. Mix the prepared ingredients until you get a homogeneous porridge. Now use a brush or your fingers to spread the mixture on your face. Hold 10-15, massage your face to exfoliate dead skin particles and rinse.
Such a mask will give your face a gentle and effective cleansing, moisturize and nourish it with the necessary micro and macro elements, improve the complexion.
For combination skin
Sour cream mask
- Compound:
- two tablespoons of oatmeal;
- a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar;
- a tablespoon of sour cream;
- five drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Mix all the ingredients together to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Apply the mixture to the skin with your fingers or a special brush. Hold the position for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
Flakes cleanse the skin and even out the structure, vinegar normalizes sebum production in the T-zone and tones the skin, lemon lightens pigmentation, and sour cream gives the face the necessary vitamins and minerals. All components of the mask will give an instant effect and give elasticity. This mask is perfect as an evening treatment.
Lightweight Folk Anti-Aging Masks
After 30, the aging process begins and the first wrinkles appear on the face. Don't be discouraged, just include rejuvenating masks in your regular facials. Regular use of rejuvenating collagen masks will delay the appearance of new age-related changes on the face and keep youthful for longer. Cosmetics and folk recipes will help you with this.
Aloe Rejuvenating Facial Mask
The recipe is very simple. Combine a tablespoon of plant juice with the same amount of nourishing cosmetic face cream and the highest quality vegetable oil (preferably olive oil). Stir and apply the mask a little warm, keep it on your face for 10 minutes.
Aloe juice is a long-established folk remedy that is used everywhere. After all, its fortifying and toning properties are universal for the health of the body.
plantain mask
In summer, you can make a mask from fresh plantain leaves. This plant is popular not only for its healing and strengthening properties - its leaves have rejuvenating properties.
Grind the leaves into a pulp and mix with honey in equal parts. If the mixture is too thick, dilute it slightly with water. Keep this paste on your face for at least 15 minutes. First remove with a damp cotton swab, then rinse your face with cold water. Suitable for all skin types.
"Masks can be an important part of home care. But here you need to pay special attention to the ingredients. Some of them are in conflict with each other. For example, acids cannot be combined with vitamin C, although individually they are very useful and effective remedies for the skin. When trying new products, watch out for allergens. Even the safest and most natural ingredients can cause individual allergic reactions. Ideally, care should be systematic and planned.
Rules for applying masks at home
Much of facial skincare is an evening ritual. And in order for everything to go smoothly and you get not only benefits, but also pleasure, follow simple rules.
Start your preparations by cleansing your face of decorative cosmetics with a mild makeup remover.
Preliminary exfoliation of dead cells is desirable for good penetration into the skin of the face of all useful firming substances, this will ensure its greatest effectiveness. The scrub can also be used at home.
- The evening procedure for applying the mask cannot be done on the go. Put aside the household chores and spend half an hour just for yourself.
- Any face mask is important to prepare immediately before use. The remaining mass is not stored.
- All components of the mask should be of good quality, and ingredients such as sour cream, fruit, kefir, etc. must be fresh, preferably if they have not been kept for more than a day.
- Before applying the mask, it should be cleaned in the usual way. Owners of oily and combination skin will probably also need a prior exfoliating peel. After cleansing the skin, open the pores as much as possible, they can be steamed over the bath or a warm, moist compress can be made. This will allow all ingredients to be better absorbed and to have maximum effect.
- So that the hair does not interfere with the face, collect it in a bun and fix it with something.
- The mask should be applied depending on the consistency with clean hands, a brush, a gauze pad or a cotton ball.
- Most masks should be applied not only to the face, but also to the neck and décolletage. An exception will be drying masks for oily facial skin, since in the décolleté the dermis is even drier and more sensitive.
- Apply a homemade mask along the massage lines, making movements from the middle of the face to the temples. The exception is the area directly around the eyes - it is not necessary to apply a mask on it.
- Rinse the mask thoroughly with clear water. It is better not to take it from the tap, but to prepare a jug of boiled water in advance, cooled to body temperature.
- After washing off the mask, do not wipe your face, gently pat excess moisture with a clean towel. On a damp face, apply a cream suited to your skin type.
- Do not expect an instant effect from the first intervention, because it is not possible in all cases.