Masks and exfoliators cleanse and remove dead skin cells, revealing the lustrous skin beneath.
The right way to apply a mask
one Apply a facial mask only to freshly cleaned skin, leaving space around the eyes and mouth.
two Leave the mask on for 15–30 minutes. During that time, relax.
three Carefully wash off the mask with warm water before applying a moisturizing cream, gel or skin oil.
• Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) plain yogurt, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black tea and 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) lemon juice. Apply, cover with a warm, moist cloth and leave on for 15–30 minutes.
• Mix and apply 1 tablespoon (15 ml) plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sunflower oil, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice.
• Dissolve 1 tablespoon (15 ml) gelatin in 1/2 cup (125 ml) apple juice in a pan over warm water. Cool until it forms a gel. Apply, let dry, and rinse off with warm water. Pear or peach juice works just as well.
• Mix an egg yolk with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey and a few drops of olive oil and apply to the face. After 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.
• Beat one egg white until stiff and mix with half a carrot, finely grated. Stir in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) each chamomile tea and anti-inflammatory yarrow tea.
• For pimples and blackheads: Mix 3 tablespoons (45 ml) oat flour, 3 drops of antiseptic tea tree oil, 2 drops of sage oil and an equal amount of warm water. Apply thickly.
• Mix 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fuller’s earth (see “here”) with water to create a spreadable paste to calm inflamed skin.
• Mix 2 teaspoons (10 ml) brewer’s yeast, 4 teaspoons (20 ml) yogurt and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey.
• Mix 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey, 3 tablespoons (45 ml) ground almonds and juice of half an orange for a gentle, exfoliating scrub. Avoid the eyes. It will keep for a week in the refrigerator.
Fruit masks can help to firm and smooth saggy skin.
• Peel and purée a ripe peach and mix with a little facial cream to make a thick paste.
• Grate an unpeeled apple and stir together with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cornstarch for a wrinkle-defying mask.
• Mix half puréed banana, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey, 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) wheat flakes, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) yogurt. Apply for 15 minutes.
• Soak 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fine oat flakes in 1/2 cup (125 ml) buttermilk for 30 minutes. Apply thickly.
• Mix 2 teaspoons (10 ml) honey, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) yogurt and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) wheat bran.
• Improve skin tone: Spread on a thick mask of 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fuller’s earth (see here), 5 drops rosehip oil and an equal amount rosewater.
• Promote circulation for clearer skin: Stir together 2 tablespoons (30 ml) oats with 3 drops peppermint oil and an equal amount of hot water. Spread the mask on thickly.
• Make a mask with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fuller’s earth mixed with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lukewarm chamomile tea.