- they are very advantageous beauty treatments since the skin benefits on several fronts:
- The chemical-physical properties of the functional ingredients contained within the product are exploited.
- The superficial mechanical action exerted during the removal of the face mask favors the elimination of superficial horny cells, thus making the skin more luminous, purified and smooth.
- These beauty treatments favor the absorption of other active ingredients and nutrients applied immediately after the face mask.
- They give a pleasant regenerating perception to the skin.
In addition to what has just been stated, do-it-yourself face masks have another advantage compared to face masks that can be purchased in perfumery or those made in beauty centers, that is, they are inexpensive, since few and simple ingredients are enough to make them, easily available and at a cost. relatively contained.
blackheads and / or acne-prone points;
Cleaning can be performed with special make-up removers, delicate face cleansers, or with micellar water.
After carefully drying your face with a soft cloth (compresses with cotton towels are recommended), it is a good idea to relax and eliminate daily stress in order to fully enjoy the feeling of relaxation and well-being promoted by this beauty treatment.
The mask must be applied to the face with a brush with soft bristles, or with fingertips, taking care to gently massage the skin.
After the exposure time (usually, variable from 5 to 15 minutes), the mask must be removed with warm water. If desired, this operation can be carried out with the aid of a soft sponge.
After removing the product from the face, to prolong the purifying, moisturizing, emollient or lightening effect of the DIY mask, it is advisable to apply a generous layer of cream (nourishing, anti-wrinkle, emollient, anti-aging, etc.) to maintain what soft, hydrated and radiant skin for longer.
Eg:
- The application of an acne cream formulated with active ingredients with a purifying and astringent action is indicated after a do-it-yourself clay mask to improve the appearance of oily and impure skin;
- A hyaluronic acid cream is particularly effective after applying a do-it-yourself anti-aging mask to deeply hydrate mature skin, while contrasting the formation of small wrinkles;
- A glycolic acid cream is indicated in the treatment of spots on the skin after the application of a do-it-yourself mask with a lightening action (prepared for example with strawberries, grapes or other fruits particularly rich in malic acid).
Vehicle choice
As mentioned, the choice of the vehicle in which to disperse the active ingredients depends on your skin type. A face mask made with a base that is incompatible with your skin type, in fact, could lead to counterproductive results, as well as prove to be completely useless.
As a basis for a DIY face mask, we can choose between:
- Clay (white, red, green): it is particularly suitable for the treatment of oily and acne-prone skin. White clays can also be used for sensitive skin. In addition to being a vehicle in which to dissolve the active substances, in some cases, clay can itself constitute the main active ingredient. To learn more, consult the "Clay Mask" article.
- Yogurt: the do-it-yourself face masks with yogurt are undoubtedly the most suitable for sensitive and delicate skin. Often, yoghurt masks are enriched with honey (softening) and / or olive oil (protective and sebum-restoring properties).
- Fruit: fruit acids revitalize the skin while acting as excellent lighteners to eliminate or lighten hyperpigmented spots. Generally, fruit pulp (strawberries, grapes, apples, etc.) is associated with oat flour or muesli, useful both for "drying" the fruit liquid, and for enhancing the exfoliating action exerted by alpha-hydroxy acids contained in the pulp.
Choice of active ingredients and functional substances
The active ingredients to be incorporated into the vehicle vary according to the desired effect.
The natural products that can be used are really many: rose water, orange flower water, essential oil of lavender, rose, bitter orange, liquid jojoba wax, chamomile, black tea, aloe vera gel, etc.You need imagination and a general knowledge of the therapeutic virtues of plant extracts to make do-it-yourself face masks.
For further information: Examples of DIY Face Masks
