Facial Mask

Still on the topic of face treatments I'd like to share with you another cost-effective and all natural facial care tips!

As I've said in my previous post, exfoliation and a good moisturizer are keys to a healthy and beautifully glowing skin which we can achieve through facial scrubs and facial mask.

You may ask what is a facial mask and how different is it from a facial scrub. Well as I've explained in my previous post facial scrub exfoliates. By rubbing the formula against the skin it cleans the skin thoroughly by unclogging dirt from the pores and remove dead skin. Facial mask is applied differently. For one, the formula will just be put on the face and has to stay for a few minutes. Facial mask can tighten your pores, remove excess oil from the skin, or moisturize and replenish dry skin.

Though I love going to the spa, face treatments are something I love to do in my free time at home.

Here is a general procedure to do a facial scrub --

1. Pull hair back into a ponytail, or just tie it anyway you want.
   
2. Wash face thoroughly.
   
3. Scrubs are most effective when the skin is soft and exfoliated.
   
4. Apply the MASK you just prepared to face avoiding the eye area and let it stay for 20 minutes.
   
5. Rinse off with warm water.
6. Enjoy and be proud of the results!

MASK Preparation - Homemade Fruity Mask

I am one person who do not run out of fruit thus this recipe is quite convenient for me. I either use banana or avocado for this recipe. Just mash them and use them as mask. If the mashed fruit is too dry blend it with a little honey. Apply as step # 4 in the above described general procedure for facial mask.

Other options...

Since face treatments are self-pampering activities some of you may opt for ready to use yet cost-effective and all natural facial mask. I'm ALL for that too! In fact I alternate them with my fruity formula above.

As an alternative to my fruity facial mask you may get facial mask with Vit. A and E. You may also try the mud mask which is good for detoxifying. There are available formulas in the market and the nice thing is, most of them are just home fragrance! Meaning they're friendly to the nostrils and are soothing and refreshing. Awesome, isn't it?!

So what are you waiting for? Get the right facial mask for you! It can do you wonders!

Homemade Facial Scrub

In my post Treating Enlarged Pores I mentioned there that one key to help keep the pores clear and less apparent is a mild exfoliation. So to continue with our topic on face treatments I'd like to share with you homemade facial scrubs recipes. These are cost-effective and all natural. More than anything they are easy to prepare and are available in your kitchen!

Here is a general procedure to do a facial scrub --

1. Pull hair back into a ponytail, or just tie it anyway you want.
   
2. Wash face thoroughly.
   
3. Scrubs are most effective when the skin is soft and its pores are open. To do this, steam face over hot water (if you do not have a face steamer) or simply press a warm cloth to skin for a few minutes.
4. Apply the SCRUB you just prepared to face avoiding the eye area. (You may include the neck ares if you want.)
   
5. Optional: Use a facial loofah, sponge, or brush to maximize exfoliation.
6. Rinse off with warm water.
7. Savor the results!
   

SCRUB Preparation - Sugar Honey Scrub

If you have tried a body sugar scrub, you know how amazing they are. Work the same magic on your face!



1 tsp. of honey (I use olive oil when I run out of honey!)
1/2 tsp. of brown sugar

Blend honey and sugar in a bowl. Apply as step # 4 in the above described general procedure for facial scrub. Rinse very thoroughly, as this recipe can be slightly sticky.

Another variation which I also love is using mashed papaya instead of honey.

Mash a piece of papaya, then add 1/2 tsp brown sugar and rub your face with it. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse well. It leaves skin fresh and glowing!

Treating Enlarged Pores

Tired of seeing those large pores around your nose area? Whether you are having those large pores concentrated on a limited area of your face...fact remains that larger pores in the skin most especially in the face are unsightly and gives an appearance of premature aging!

Most people try to remedy this by using a very good foundation and makeup primer and while it may address the issue by temporarily covering the enlarged pores it does not take them away. And it might get worst and get clogged giving in to more skin problems.

I personally don't believe that there are people born with it (though some people's skin type makes them inclined/ susceptible to having enlarged pores) as we all have beautiful skin when we're still babies. As we grow up however our lifestyle defines us and well our skin. More than anything our food plays a major role with it. As I keep saying here, we are what we eat.

One major cause of enlarged pores is using nicotine in any form. (So stop believing those ads which shows beautiful people smoking.)

Other factors could be any but not limited to the following --

• Sun damage
• Hormonal changes
• Acne
• Blackheads
• Skin dehydration
• Trapped dirt, oil, dead skin cells
• Improper cleansing
• Excessive oil production
• Overuse of makeup
• Improper diet
• Puberty, menopause

So just exactly how can we treat enlarged pores you may ask. It will not be a short easy trip getting there. I'd say we first make sure those pores don't get any larger than they already are. Then we can slowly work our way to getting rid of them. And it takes a lot of patience and commitment to healthy living to achiever beautiful and healthy skin.

To start looking better --

• Quit all tobacco products and stop breathing side stream (secondhand) smoke.

• Avoid soft drinks, sugar. chocolates, potato chips and other junk foods.

• Begin a nutritious program with exercise and rest.

• Take vitamin-mineral supplements including Vitamins A, C and the entire B Complex.

• Drink lots of water everyday to keep your body hydrated.
  

A good hygiene paired with a regular facial moisturizer is also necessary in maintaining a healthy beautiful skin. So make sure you wash your face before going to bed. A mild exfoliation will also help keep the pores clear and less apparent. And while astringent works with some people in shrinking enlarged pores these are still forms of chemicals which the skin my react to and if one would opt for this treatment I suggest you go see a dermatologist to check what formula is best for you.

One may also try to avoid any of the following factors enumerated above which cause enlarged pores. Stay away from harsh chemicals and don't apply just anything to you face as skin irritations can worsen enlarged pores.

Tomorrow I will share another homemade formula for facial scrub. Nothing beats the natural way!