Face masks: how to choose, how to make at home, how to use

Every girl needs homemade masks. If a girl doesn’t make her own masks at home from available ingredients, then she spends a lot more money on purchased facial care and concealing products. In addition, according to the results obtained, many homemade masks are much more effective than store-bought ones.

How to choose a face mask according to your skin type

On every women's forum you will find many positive reviews about this or that mask. All of them are very diverse in composition and have completely different effects on the skin of the face and neck. The main thing is to choose the most suitable recipe for you and observe the positive results.

The main criterion for choosing a mask is, of course, your skin type. This is a natural skin condition that can only be corrected with home remedies.

You need to choose a mask according to your skin type. This is really important to consider. If you have dry skin, then masks with a “tightening” effect will cause you discomfort and maybe even redness. Applying a moisturizer will not relieve you of irritation, but properly selected masks will give you a comfortable feeling after the procedure and beautiful skin.

Each mask has one effect or another, but there is no such mask that would be universal.

If you want to try a mask, you need to do this for 2-5 weeks, otherwise any of them will be ineffective. It is allowed to carry out 2 courses of masks with different effects simultaneously.

If you have sensitive skin, you need to use “hot” ingredients carefully so as not to cause irritation. Also be careful with masks that contain aspirin and activated charcoal. These ingredients are half chemical. They may not suit your skin. In addition, such masks also have scrubbing effect, since aspirin and charcoal tablets do not completely dissolve in liquid. They need to be applied with gentle movements and stirred very thoroughly beforehand.

Sensitive skin requires masks that can provide it with a barrier from harmful environmental factors. Therefore, special emphasis should be placed on nourishing and anti-inflammatory masks.

Dry skin requires maximum hydration. Therefore, avoid masks that may cause your skin to feel “tight.” For dry skin, masks based on olive and coconut oils, dairy products, and egg yolk are recommended.

If your facial skin is oily, then you need masks that regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Soda, aspirin, etc. are often added to such masks. Since oily skin usually has enlarged pores, masks to combat this deficiency will suit you. The ingredients of masks for oily skin are often starch, oatmeal, and egg white.

Problem skin, of course, needs cleansing and, above all, anti-inflammatory masks. Not all recipes really help effectively fight inflammation, so you will need to try several masks. Many of them even add alcohol, lemon and citrus fruits. In such cases, follow the proportions, mix exactly the volume of the product as written in the recipe.

All types of masks are suitable for combination and normal skin, but be sure to first check any mask to see how your body reacts. No one is immune from allergies. We'll tell you how to test your skin's reaction to ingredients at the end of the article.

Types of Face Masks

Masks are divided according to several criteria.
Firstly, masks have different effects. They are:

• nourishing (give your skin the necessary nutrition in a short period of time);
• anti-inflammatory;
• moisturizing;
• cleansing;
• lifting (tightening the skin);
• regenerating (help the skin recover through cell renewal);
• toning (increase skin elasticity);
• moisturizing;
• drainage (relieve swelling).

Many masks have a “double” or “triple” effect. They combine several similar directions. Almost any homemade mask can be made moisturizing by adding oils or full-fat dairy products.

Of course, masks also differ in how they are washed off. They can be washed off with running water, they can be absorbent, woven (when the fabric or napkin is soaked in advance with the necessary solution) and hardened, which after some time turn into a film and are removed with one movement of the hand.

Anti-aging face masks

Aging skin first of all requires rejuvenation. And, as we know, the cause of skin aging is lack of moisture. Therefore, all “age” masks have a moisturizing-rejuvenating effect.

The recipes for such masks are varied.  One of the most basic in preparation, but effective, is a mask made from cucumber and sour cream. The ingredients must be mixed in equal proportions; first grate the cucumber. Apply a thick layer to the face.

Fruit masks also have anti-aging properties. For example, a banana-milk mask is popular.

A couple of spoons of milk are mixed with 20 g of banana. It is better to take a banana that is slightly overripe, so that it can easily be reduced to a pulp state. It is better to take milk with maximum fat content. This mask is applied to the face for 20 minutes and then washed off with a cotton pad soaked in cold milk.

Anti-aging masks especially require regular application. Fighting wrinkles is more difficult than pimples. And with irregular application, the skin of the face will gradually return to its previous state.

To combat wrinkles around the eyes, it is necessary to use separate masks that will not scratch the delicate skin of the eyelids. These masks are usually made from oils and dairy products. We will tell you how to properly apply masks to the skin around the eyes at the end of this article.

Moisturizing face masks

For skin hydration At home, tomatoes are often used. It needs to be grated, add half a teaspoon of olive oil and starch until it reaches a viscous consistency. This mask should be kept on the face for 20 minutes and then washed off with warm water. 

Any fruit and vegetable puree can serve as a universal moisturizing mask. In order to bring the mask to a comfortable consistency, you can always add ground or steamed oatmeal to it. This natural product is very popular in home beauty salons.

After the procedure, you can lubricate your face with olive oil. Therefore, it is better to make masks at night so that the olive oil is absorbed. It is better not to apply such masks before leaving the house, as moisturized skin will shine and makeup will not adhere well to it. And if you rush and wash your face with soap after the mask, this will prevent your skin from retaining the nutrients it took from the mask.

A grapefruit-egg mask is also prepared to moisturize the skin.

An egg yolk, which contains many nutritional elements, is added to a tablespoon of grapefruit pulp. This mask must be mixed thoroughly so that the grapefruit pulp combines with the egg. Before application, wipe the face with a slice of grapefruit, then apply the mask to the skin for 20 minutes. Use masks with citrus if you are absolutely sure that you are not allergic to these products.

Masks for cleansing the face from acne and blackheads

Here the active component of the masks is soda. It can be mixed with banana or olive oil. Or you can dilute it with plain water. Apply to face for 15 minutes.

It is important to understand that acne on the face is a problem from the inside. Most often, inflammation on the skin is a reflection of the improper functioning of internal organs. Often, the appearance of acne is attributed to poor nutrition, poor bowel function, and insufficient hygiene. Therefore, in order for your skin to look healthy and beautiful, you need to monitor your diet. Various herbal decoctions and other methods of cleansing the body also help. Only in this case will acne become a temporary phenomenon for you. By continuing to eat spicy and fried foods, you are unlikely to relieve your skin of inflammation with homemade masks.

Blackheads are already the consequences of pollution and enlarged pores.   More precisely, first, enlarged pores appear on your skin, and then dirt and dust become clogged with them. To get rid of this problem, you need to be especially careful when cleansing your skin. You should not leave makeup on overnight - this is one of the most common causes of blackheads and minor inflammations! After all, the pores need to breathe, and leaving makeup on overnight or for a longer period of time, you cause them to suffocate.

You can get rid of blackheads, and in a relatively short time. Some people go to a cosmetologist, while others, thanks to home care, make their skin really clean and healthy.

In addition to baking soda, egg whites are also used to combat blackheads. It is whipped until foamy and applied to a clean face in several layers as it dries. This mask forms a film and is believed to remove impurities from the skin and pores along with the protein.

This mask dries out the face and should be applied carefully to those with sensitive skin.

Skin smoothing masks

It should be understood that under masks that even out the skin of the face, it is assumed that the solution has a positive effect on the complexion. An even complexion is the most important element of flawless makeup and appearance. Skin that has an even matte color looks beautiful, fresh and youthful.

Vegetables, such as carrots, are often used for such masks.

Ingredients for the mask:   carrots;

• half an egg yolk;
• a small spoon of oatmeal;
• lemon juice
• First grate the carrots, add the rest of the ingredients and apply to the face for 15-20 minutes. After the required time has passed, rinse off the mask with cool water.

Other vegetables used include cucumber, parsley, and cabbage. Moreover, when preparing such masks, your skin type is also taken into account. If you have dry or sensitive skin, then you can add sour cream or butter to the vegetable. If your skin is oily, you can mix cucumber with a small amount of vodka or alcohol and apply it to your face through gauze.

It is worth understanding that an even complexion means the absence of inflammation, redness, and acne marks. Therefore, achieving an even complexion is possible only with constant care, because even a few small pimples in a visible place already make your skin uneven for a long time. Constantly, especially thoroughly cleanse your skin and nourish it with homemade masks.

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Nourishing masks

There are a lot of nourishing masks. They may include 5 or more ingredients. But for home preparation, they still choose simpler masks. A nutritious mixture is egg yolk, honey and cottage cheese in equal proportions. This composition is applied to the face for 20 minutes, and then, please note, it is recommended to wash off with cold milk.

Dairy products are also used to nourish the skin.

Two tablespoons of fresh cottage cheese (of course, the higher the fat content, the better) are ground with raw yolk. Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the resulting slurry. This mask is applied to the face in a thick layer. After this procedure, the skin of the face becomes a little lighter due to the cottage cheese, and “more alive”. This mask can even be applied around the eyes, but only with gentle movements, and the solution itself should be free of lumps.

You can also add honey to cottage cheese. It is better to preheat the latter so that it is easier to mix with the curd mass. This recipe is also harmless to the skin of the eyelids. It is recommended to wash off such a mask with cold milk.

Lifting masks

Many people believe that lifting at home is a myth. But this opinion is not objective! Homemade masks with a “lifting” effect exist and are even popular. By choosing the right natural ingredients, you can get your skin in order without using store-bought products. Of course, the main guarantee of a good result is regularity: you need to apply such masks to your face 1-2 times a week, otherwise the tightening effect will gradually disappear.

For the lifting mask you will need:

• clay;
• milk.

The ingredients are mixed to a viscous consistency and applied to the skin several times as it dries. You need to constantly moisturize the mask so as not to dry out your skin. After such a mask, be sure to apply moisturizer or olive oil to your face.
Clay masks are never allowed to dry completely so as not to dry out the skin.

How and when to apply masks correctly on the face, eye area and neck

It's not just the mask that helps you keep your skin looking great, but also the way you apply it. After all, during application you are doing a kind of facial massage, and if applied incorrectly, you stretch and deform the skin.

Remember that there are some massage lines on the face. You need to apply masks along them, from the middle of the face to the outer corners of the eyes, along the eyebrows to the temples. These instructions are very easy to follow. Over time, you will get used to applying not only masks, but also creams along the massage lines. This will keep your skin healthy and looking good.

Before applying the mask, you need to remove your hair so that it does not stick to your face and does not interfere.

Then be sure to cleanse your skin with toner or micellar water. If the mask tightens the skin, you can use a moisturizer before applying it to prevent the skin from drying out.

Applying a mask to an uncleaned face may cause irritation.

In order for masks to have the most effective effect on the skin, it is necessary to peeling. Getting rid of dead skin cells will make your skin more receptive to the beneficial substances of homemade masks.

Face masks should not be applied to the lips and eyes, as homemade mask solutions can scratch the delicate skin of the eyelids. For these places there are separate, “lighter” masks, which can also be prepared at home.

Eye masks are usually made from cucumbers, potatoes and dairy products. Sometimes it is allowed to add 1-2 drops of lemon juice to eye masks if there is no allergic reactions. Lemon has a brightening effect, gives the skin an even color and helps fight fine wrinkles. Always apply masks especially carefully on the eyelids from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner. Do not use force to avoid stretching the skin. Movements should be very soft.

You need to keep the mask on your face exactly as long as indicated in the instructions. Typically, the time the mask remains on the face does not exceed 30 minutes.

It is best to take a horizontal position during the procedure, but if the consistency of the mask is thick, then you can do other household chores.

How to test a mask for an allergic reaction

Each new mask must be tested on a small area of ​​skin. Usually they choose the wrist or the bend of the elbow (from the inside), since the skin in these places is delicate, as similar as possible to the skin of the face.

It is necessary to apply the solution to your wrist or elbow in exactly the same proportions as you will apply the mask to your face. Leave for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. After this, wait a while, do not apply the mask to your face right away. Some allergic reactions may appear 2-3 hours after exposure.

Of course, homemade masks rarely cause allergic reactions, since all the components in them are natural. But remember: if you are allergic to some edible product, then you should not apply it to your skin. These can also be food groups: dairy, citrus fruits, etc.

Those with dry and sensitive facial skin are especially prone to allergic reactions. For such girls, neutral mask ingredients are needed.

How to Buy the Right Face Mask

Cosmetic stores offer a huge range of masks. Choosing a store-bought face mask is very similar to preparing a mask at home. You should definitely consider your skin type. The composition should not contain a large number of artificial ingredients.

In addition, you must take into account your rhythm of life and choose those masks that match it. If you don’t have time for wash-off masks, then it’s better to take a closer look at absorbent ones so that lack of time does not lead to you performing these procedures irregularly.

Taking the choice of a mask seriously means turning to professional cosmetic stores. Consultants of such showrooms usually have a very good understanding of their products and know the real results that can be achieved using this or that product. You just need to know your skin type and the problem you want to get rid of. Be sure to describe the desired result to the consultant in detail and ask about new products.

Technology now allows us to produce more effective masks than 10 years ago. This especially applies to anti-aging masks, which really change women’s skin for the better and cope not only with small, but also with medium wrinkles.

How to make a face mask at home

Homemade masks should be made from 100% natural ingredients. This is the key to their effectiveness and safety. Therefore, all the ingredients you choose to prepare the mask must be clean and environmentally friendly. To do this, you need to take into account the seasons: in the summer, focus on vegetable, fruit and berry masks, in the winter, switch to more neutral products.

If you decide to make a cucumber mask, but the vegetables were bought in a supermarket, then the quality of such a mask becomes questionable, since cucumbers from stores also contain chemicals, and this will only harm your skin.

For your comfort, you need to prepare in advance the necessary dishes in which it will be convenient for you to stir the resulting solution.

Masks have different consistencies, so if your mask turns out to be liquid, keep a towel or napkins handy so that after the required time the mask does not stain your clothes.

Masks containing products such as honey, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are best heated before applying to the skin. This can be done in a water bath or simply by lowering a cup of solution into hot water.

By the way, it is also better to use homemade honey.

As for oils, it is recommended to use olive oil as the most nutritious and beneficial for the skin. It is better to choose an expensive bottle of olive oil for home treatments. It will last you a long time, and the quality of this oil will have a good effect on your skin if you regularly apply masks with olive oil to your face. In addition, olive oil can be added to any mask.

Homemade face masks vs. masks at the pharmacy: which to prefer?

Homemade masks are a very popular way to combat skin imperfections. You always know what the mask is made of. You are always confident in the naturalness of the ingredients. Homemade masks are no less effective than store-bought ones. For these reasons, many girls do not use store-bought masks at all.

After all, when buying a mask in a store, you are guided only by the inscriptions on the label. For some reason, we easily trust a store or brand, although no one said that the chosen mask is really necessary and useful.

Girls who actively use homemade masks easily understand what ingredients can be mixed with what, how to achieve the desired consistency so that the mask does not leak, and how much of the mask is needed for one procedure.

Speaking of volume.  The mask is prepared for only one procedure each time. You should not use the same composition several times. Many homemade masks tend to turn sour, and the freshness of the ingredients is of great importance. Therefore, remember how much mask you need to apply one thick layer to your face. This will save you food and time.

Using homemade masks saves your budget, and the condition of your skin only gets better. Homemade masks have long been considered the most effective way to improve skin condition.

Of course, the beauty industry today is mastering all new technologies. This makes it possible to produce masks that are very rich in composition and extremely effective, although chemical elements are present in the compositions. Basically, special attention is paid to anti-aging masks. Many women use similar products. But such cosmetics, which actually contain a large amount of collagen, pearl extracts, etc., cost a lot of money. Mass-market masks cannot have a complex and nutritious composition with the same ingredients as elite cosmetics.