With all the craziness in the world, mental health is finally in the forefront as it should be. People are taking back their power and fiercely protecting their mental health and I love to see it. The rebellious act of reclaiming oneself as a priority is crucial to one's well-being as it helps one cope with everyday stresses.
I didn't realize how much I was neglecting myself. When the weekend finally arrived after a long work week, all I wanted to do was sleep. My sister inspired me to take steps toward self care, and I haven't turned back since. Saturdays are the days I like to take time out for myself by having a mini spa day. I light my favorite candle, cook a good meal, and of course, prepare my favorite beauty mask. Here are a few staples I keep on hand that you can use to make skin-nourishing beauty masks. These items have tons of benefits, so I'm highlighting just a few of them for the sake of this article.
1. Clay Powder
Clay powders are a common ingredient in most DIY beauty masks. Using clay powders as the foundation of your mask will allow you to add other ingredients and compound their positive effects. Clay powders provide deep pore cleaning, helps to rejuvenate and detox the skin while allowing your other ingredients to penetrate deeply. The 2 most popular types of clay are Kaolin and Bentonite.
Kaolin Clay is the more gentler option of the two. It is fine grained with medium absorption which makes it better for those with dry, normal or sensitive skin. This clay is also best for mature skin.
Bentonite Clay is derived from volcanic ash and has stronger absorption properties making it a good fit for oily skin. One of the hallmarks of bentonite clay is how it tightens the skin.
2. Activated Charcoal
Remember when activated charcoal was in everything from toothpaste to shampoo? Well here's why. Activated charcoal has antibacterial properties and is great for detoxing the skin by pulling out dirt and oil from pores and is great for overall skin complexion. A regular skin care regimen that includes activated charcoal masks will leave you with smooth even toned skin.
3. Lemon Peel Powder
Ah, the all powerful lemon. Lemon peel powder is rich in antioxidants and is great for detoxing the skin. With an abundance of vitamin C, it is an excellent addition to your anti-aging regimen as it helps to reduce wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, and dark spots, resulting in a more radiant complexion.
4. Turmeric Powder
Turmeric is a spice used commonly in Indian cuisine but also has a host of great topical benefits for the skin. This brightly colored spice can help reduce acne scarring, brighten dark circles and give you glowing skin. Turmeric has powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to bring about healthy clear skin.
5. Oh, Honey!
Did you know that honey was used in ancient Egypt as an offering to the gods and was considered a symbol of royal status? Honey was an important part of Cleopatra's and Nefertiti's daily beauty rituals. Cleopatra was known to add it to her milk baths to keep her skin smooth and firm. I'm a queen in my own right, so if it's good enough for the gods and queens of Egypt, it's certainly good enough for me! Honey is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, making it a good natural alternative to cough syrup. Honey is also rich with antioxidants and is a natural humectant so it is great for moisturizing the skin. In addition to softening the skin, honey helps remove impurities from the pores. Opt for raw unpasteurized honey for the most benefit. Fun Fact: Honey never spoils, never!
6. Coffee
It's not just for drinking. There are many uses for coffee in cosmetics, such as eye creams and body scrubs because of its great benefits for the skin. For example, caffeine helps to increase blood flow and tighten the skin. In addition to its caffeine content, coffee also contains antioxidants that boost collagen levels and slows down premature aging. It also has antimicrobial properties that help protect the skin against germs. The use of coffee in your beauty mask can help you achieve a glowing complexion. In my beauty masks, I use instant coffee. It blends smoothly into my face masks without the hassle of brewing a pot of coffee.
7. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is quite underrated in my opinion. I like to mix it with peanut butter and honey for a healthy snack but also in my facial masks for it skin loving benefits. Greek yogurt contains lactic acid that is great for exfoliating your skin and tightening pores. It helps to reduce signs of aging by delivering brighter skin, reducing fine lines & wrinkles, increases skin's elasticity (skin's ability to snap back) and helps to lock in moisture. Don't pass the dairy section next time you're on a grocery run without picking up some greek yogurt!
8. Cocoa Powder
Oh chocolate, how I love thee! Not only does it smell delicious, it provides a suite of skin benefits. Get it? "suite" ((rimshot)). There is a reason spas all over the world offer chocolate beauty treatments. Cocoa powder is packed with antioxidants that can help prevent signs of aging. Additionally, it helps to soften, clear, and detoxify the skin, as well as reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring. A healthier and more radiant complexion is achieved thanks to cocoa powder's ability to increase blood flow to the skin. Look for pure cocoa powder without any sugars or added ingredients.
While there are a variety of ingredients you can use as part of your beauty mask, these are the ones I have personally tested and currently use. Whether you're looking to detox, brighten or tighten your skin, incorporating one or more of these ingredients into your beauty mask is a good place to start and should deliver results with consistent use. The items mentioned should be available at your local grocery store or amazon if they do not carry clay powder. Lastly, opt for filtered or bottled water when making your masks.
There are boundless options available to pamper and nourish your skin. My rule is if I can't eat, it don't put in on my face when it comes to beauty masks. I am not a dermatologist so I invite you to research what works best for you and your skin. There are a number of great masks recipes around these ingredients that will have you looking simply marvelous darling. As always, stay R'Bellious and Beautiful!
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