Make a face mask and spend some time for yourself

In about ten minutes, a mask gives the skin all the benefits of a complete cosmetic treatment. The secret is to choose the most suitable for each type of skin.

Cucumber, oatmeal, chamomile … face masks are authentic vitamin cocktails that have been used since ancient times to take care of the skin , especially to deep clean and nourish it.

A facial mask is nothing more than a mixture of certain active ingredients of more or less thick consistency that is applied to the skin of the face and neck in order to cleanse, hydrate, nourish, relax or firm the skin .

THE BENEFITS OF SKIN MASKS

Periodically applying a mask is not only a pleasant way to take care of yourself and spend a moment, but it also has benefits for the skin:

• They prepare the skin for other cosmetics: The masks form an insulating layer on the skin that produces a slight congestion. This effect is accompanied by vasodilation, an increase in local temperature and an increase in the hydration of the horny layer. In this way, the epidermis is repaired to optimally absorb the nutrients provided to it.
• They clean the skin: when the temperature increases, sweating also increases, so the sebaceous secretion, when fused and dragged, uncovers the pilosebaceous holes. In this way, their impurities are released , which are absorbed by the mask itself.
• They have a revitalizing effect: Normal and healthy skin is pink, shiny, smooth and soft. When it is dull, worn, pale, or wrinkled, it is because you experience some form of imbalance and premature aging from bad habits, exposure to environmental pollutants, or stress.

These symptoms are due to the deterioration of the main functions of the skin, such as the growth of new cells or the production of elastin and collagen.The masks provide antioxidants to repair and rejuvenate damaged tissue and improve blood flow, and provide moisture and nutrients to replace damaged layers. In short, to restore the splendor of the skin.

HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY A MASK

The masks clean in depth and provide nutrients to the deepest layers of the skin, in order to achieve a clean, fresh and relaxed face, but we must choose the most suitable for our skin type and apply them well.

Today there is a wide variety of masks, with highly specific functions. You can use them as a complement to daily treatments .

The frequency of application will depend on the type of mask you choose and your skin type.

• Moisturizing masks. Its function is to provide water. In addition, the skin is soft and with a brighter tone. Smooth and fill wrinkles leaving skin juicier. They can be applied twice a week on dry and mature skin , or once a week on young and combination skin .
• Purifying masks. They thoroughly clean excess oil accumulated in sebaceous pores and impurities that turn off skin tone and prevent the penetration of other treatments. They are also known as descalers and their main component is clay. They are highly recommended for oily and combination skin , with a frequency of once or twice a week. The results are spectacular. They are also useful when the skin is rough and dull. Then apply a slightly astringent tonic and a facial cream suitable for oily or combination skin.
• Relaxing masks. They work by relaxing the skin and smoothing out wrinkles, and exert a tightening effect. They are applied on tired faces and it is important to do it in a relaxing moment , while enjoying a bath or lying on the sofa. Its main assets are relaxing plants such as orange blossom, lavender, yarrow or chamomile oil.
• Firming masks . They fill the skin and leave an invisible tension film that stretches and leaves the skin smoother. They are also called stimulants and contain vegetable oils from wheat germ, rose hip, gotu kola or horsetail. Its application is recommended on mature skin from the age of 40, once a week.

Below you will find information on the best mask ingredients for each skin type and you can hone even more in choosing your mask. Once you have it, follow these steps to apply it:

1. You must apply the mask on a clean face, with open pores. Ideally, perform a light exfoliation prior to applying the mask. In this way, the penetration of assets is easier.
2. Spread the mask with a brush or with your fingers, forming a uniform layer approximately 2 mm thick, covering the face and neck, but avoiding the eyes and lips.
3. Once extended, it is advisable to lay down lying down or in the bathtub , giving yourself a hot water bath.
4. Remove the mask after 30 or 40 minutes with a damp sponge or warm water.
5. Finally, apply a tonic to help close the pores.

THE BEST MASKS BY SKIN TYPE

Although there are many products on the market, you can prepare your own personalized mask depending on the type of skin you want to treat. Let’s see below some suitable ingredients to treat different skin types, equally applicable to men and women as long as they have the type of skin indicated in each case.

FOR DRY SKIN

• Apple. It is rich in mucilages that act as softeners and moisturizers. In addition, it provides water, vitamin C and potassium, an essential mineral in skin regeneration processes.
• Orange blossom. The orange blossom and its distillation water or its essential oil act as relaxants of the epithelial tissues, refreshing and softening the skin.
• Avocado. It provides an oil rich in essential monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A, E and some of group B, which help to eliminate wrinkles and keep the skin hydrated.
• Wheat germ oil. It is the most notable source of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that prevents premature aging and regenerates the skin.

FOR NORMAL OR COMBINATION SKIN

• Carrot. It is rich especially in carotenes, precursors of vitamin A. It is especially indicated in people with dermatological problems.
• Citrus. The orange or lemon juice incorporated into any mask favors blood circulation and the supply of nutrients to the epidermis.
• Almonds oil. It is hydrating, nourishing and protective. It contributes to give more elasticity to the skin and is suitable for all skin types except those with an oily tendency.

FOR OILY SKIN

• Nettle. The nettle leaves prepared in infusion and included in a mask act as an astringent and promote the elimination of toxic substances from the skin.
• Burdock. The infusion of burdock regulates the fatty secretion of the skin and prevents the appearance of pimples and blackheads.
• Witch hazel Witch hazel water has an astringent effect, as it slightly tightens the pores and reduces fatty secretion. It also favors blood flow and tones the skin.
• Thyme. Thyme tea works as a natural antibiotic and disinfectant. It is indicated for oily skin with a tendency to form pimples and blackheads that can become infected.
• Clay. The white clay or kaolin absorbs the most embedded impurities in the sebaceous pores and also exerts an astringent effect, thereby reducing fatty secretion.

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

• Chamomile. The oil or infusion of sweet chamomile relaxes and calms the skin. Above all, they reduce redness, inflammation and stinging.
• Mallow. Due to its mucilage content, the mallow flower hydrates and prevents the skin from losing its water content. In addition, it softens the skin.
• Oats. It is one of the most complete cereals from a nutritional point of view. Rich in polysaccharides that provide softness and protection to the skin, especially indicated in cases of eczema, atopic dermatitis and urticaria.
• Calendula. The oil marinated marigold flower softens and improves redness, peeling, itching and dry skin.
• Jojoba oil. Rich in antioxidant substances, it is recommended for sensitive or mature skin.

HOMEMADE CHAMOMILE, OATMEAL AND ORANGE BLOSSOM MASK

This homemade mask is especially recommended for sensitive or dry skin :

1. Previously you will need to have macerated some chamomile flowers in a vegetable oil of your choice, for example an almond oil.
2. Mix 3 tablespoons of your chamomile oil with 3 tablespoons of wheat germ oil, half a glass of orange blossom water and a sufficient amount of oatmeal to achieve the proper consistency.
3. Apply it to clean skin.