Archive for August, 2010

Mud Masks for Pimples

Mud masks for pimples can be very effective in removing not just pimples, but also blackheads and other types of blemish on the skin. These masks are very easy to create and the ingredients are obtainable in health stores.

Tea Tree Oil

Mix 3 drops of undiluted tea tree oil with a couple of tablespoons of clay mask. Combine the mixture well. Spread on the skin. Leave it there for 15 minutes. Use warm water when you are about to rinse.

Tea tree oil can be used not just for masks but also for toners and spot treatments. By using tea tree oil, the bacteria that produces acne will be eliminated.

Oatmeal

Mix ¼ cup of hot water with half a cup of oatmeal. Let this cool down before putting it on your face. Leave it there for 15 minutes. Wash the mask off using warm water. This treatment is also effective in removing the inflammation that acne can cause. This mask can be used as is or after applying another face mask.

Baking Soda

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a couple of tablespoons of clay mask. Combine the mixture and put it on your face. Leave this on your face for ten minutes. Afterwards, wash it off with warm water.

Tomato Mask

This mud mask for pimples requires the following ingredients.

Instant oatmeal
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 chopped tomato, ripe

Step 1

Put water in a pot and boil it. Allow it to rest for a couple of seconds.

Step 2

Put a towel around your head and position your face over the steaming water. Do this for five minutes. This step should be performed before applying the face mask. This will help unclog those pores and make the mask’s job easier.

Step 3

Gather all the ingredients and place them in the blender. Remove it from the blender and put in a bowl. Spread it on your face. Make sure the mixture you apply is thick enough it does not slip off. If necessary, put on more oatmeal to thicken the mixture.

Step 4

Keep the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes. When it is time to remove, use warm water.

These mud masks for pimples can get rid of those blemishes if applied regularly. They are also cheaper compared with buying products from the store. The ingredients are also safe, so there is little to fear with regards to skin irritations.

Acne Free Face Wash

If you have acne-prone skin, it is important that you use a face wash that will not trigger acne development or worsen the condition of existing acnes. One of the first things that you have to remember is to never use regular soap to wash your face with.

Regular soaps may have potent ingredients that are not safe for the face. Acne Free Face Wash that you may find in health and beauty sections in malls or drugstores are made from special components that will help reduce acne development and get rid of them altogether.

Recommended Acne Facial Wash Products

1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash – The oil-free component of this face wash makes it ideal for people with oily skin. It helps control oil which is one of the trigger factors for acne.

This product contains salicylic acid which is a known chemical compound that helps clear acne. With only two percent salicylic acid, you will find that this low percentage is just right to get rid of acne without drying your skin.

Approximate cost is US$ 6.00.

2. ProNexin – This product comes highly recommended by those who have struggled with acne problems for most of their lives. You may see positive results in as little as three days and with continuous usage, your acne marks will have disappeared altogether.

Made from natural ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil and green tea; this product not only helps fight acne but it also rejuvenates your skin.

Approximate cost starts at US$ 29.99.

3. Acnetix 1-Step Acne Solution – Consumers who have used this product attest that you can see positive results within seven days. This is an all-natural face wash, boasting of using only organic ingredients so right off the bat; you know that there are no toxic chemicals here that may harm the skin.
Ingredients include aloe vera, liquid glycerin soap, white willow extracts, green tea, flax meal, jojoba oil, among others.

Approximate cost starts at US$ 39.99.

4. Oxycerin Acne Serum – This product boasts of using 5% tea tree oil, known to be an effective antibacterial ingredient. It likewise has natural ingredients such as organic aloe vera, white willow bark and licorice root.

Other than fighting-off acne, Oxycerin also reduces pore size and clears away blackheads. Positive results will start to show within seven days.

Approximate cost is US$29.99.

5. Épuri Purifying Foam Cleanser – This facial wash exfoliates the skin to get rid of deep-seated dirt and dead skin cells. It contains organic vegetables, minerals and vitamins that help clear away acne.

After seven days of continuous usage, you will notice that your acne has healed and have slowly started to reduce its appearance.

Approximate cost is US$ 19.99.

Spa Facial Mask Recipes

Beauty treatments need not be expensive. You can have your own facial spa treatment at home and you can even make a spa party out of it by inviting friends over.

Spa Facial Mask Recipes are the cost-effective way of taking care of your skin right in the comforts of your home.

Homemade Spa Facial Recipes

As a precautionary measure, make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients before trying out the recipes.

1. Chocolate Cream Mask – This spa facial treatment is a great moisturizing agent. You will need about one-third cup of cocoa powder, three tablespoonfuls of cream, two teaspoonfuls of cottage cheese, three teaspoonfuls of oatmeal and about one-fourth cup of honey.

Put ingredients in a blender to mix everything well. Wait until you come-up with a pasty substance and then apply on entire face. Leave on for approximately ten minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.

2. Coconut and Honey Mask – This recipe works great on dry skin. You will need one egg, half a cup of coconut oil and one tablespoon of honey. Melt the coconut oil and beat egg until it becomes fluffy.

Mix coconut oil and egg. Make sure not to pour the coconut oil all at once. Add in honey and mix until you get a smooth paste. Freeze the mixture and use the following day.

Apply on face and leave on for a good ten minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

3. Mayo-Almond Exfoliant – This is a basic face mask recipe that helps get rid of dead skin cells. Take about one-fourth cup of almonds and one-eighth teaspoon of mayonnaise.

Blend almonds until you get a god finely-crushed consistency and then add in the mayonnaise. Apply on face using soft, circular motions and then leave on for ten minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.

4. Papaya Mask – This recipe is also excellent for exfoliating your skin for a smooth and healthy glow. You will need about two-thirds cup of ripe papaya, seeded and cut into small portions; a fifteen-ounce can of pumpkin puree and one egg.

Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until you get a smooth paste. Apply mask on face using gentle circular motions and leave on for about ten minutes. Wash off mask with warm water.

5. Carrot and Avocado Mask – This is an excellent recipe to refresh your tired face. Take one egg; one carrot, cooked; one-half cup of cream; one avocado and three tablespoons of honey.

Put all ingredients in a blender and mix until you get a pasty substance. Apply on face and leave on for a good fifteen minutes. Wash off with cold water.

Prescription Acne Face Wash

There are a lot of different prescription medications today that are used for the treatment of acne. Some types are applied to the skin others either taken in orally or in the form of an injection. Still another form of such prescriptions is that of acne face washes. Take note that dermatologists will usually use and combine various forms of treatment in order to achieve long term resolution and control.

Acne Face Washes

You may classify face washes used to treat acne into two categories. First are non-prescription face wash which can be used by anyone and the second are prescription acne face washes. Obviously, you can get the non-prescription face washes from any skin care store. However, if you’re looking for a more intensive treatment then you will have to visit your dermatologist in order to get prescription washes.

Antimicrobial Face Wash

Prescription face washes used to treat acne act as a form of topical antimicrobial. The effect of face washes that are of this form is the same as other topical treatments prescribed by doctors. They act as inhibitors to the growth of P. acne populations. Dermatologists will often prescribe them for the treatment of mild and even moderately severe acne.

Some of these topical treatments have anti inflammatory properties while others don’t. It would be best to check with your doctor regarding which type of face wash you should purchase. It wouldn’t be uncommon for dermatologists to combine other forms of treatment other than using a face wash for treating acne. For more severe cases, doctors will also have patients take in oral medications along with the use of a face wash.

Some of the prescription medications that are used as topical treatment include azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, erythromycin, and sodium sulfacetamide. Azelaic acid is naturally found on human skin. It can be used to treat both non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. It is also believed to be able to decrease the amount of abnormal shedding of a patient’s skin. It is also found to be effective for the treatment of black spots.

Benzoyl peroxide comes in the form of an acne facial wash and cream. Some manufacturers also manufacture lotions, gels, and cleansers using benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient. It is often used along with other medications, such as erythromycin and clindamycin, since it can increase the effectiveness of such prescription medications.

Using Acne Face Washes

Remember to use prescription medications such as acne face washes as instructed by your dermatologist. As a form of safe practice, remember to wash your face only two times in any given day. Some prefer to do it once during the morning and another time in the evening. Remember that excessive washing can cause skin irritation. Use your bare hands and wash an area for only about ten seconds. Pat your face dry and avoid rubbing your skin.

Cucumber Facial Mask Recipes

Cucumber is a good hydrating agent, facial cleanser, skin rejuvenating agent and helps tighten your skin to slow down the process of skin aging. Hasn’t it also been used often enough to help eliminate eye bags?

In a word, cucumber is a good source of skin care agents that will help eliminate skin problems, giving you a healthier glow.

Cucumber Facial Mask Recipes that you can try out at home can give you all the benefits derived from this wonder fruit.

Five Do-It-Yourself Cucumber Facial Masks

1. Simple Cucumber Mask – This recipe actually requires no other ingredient except cucumber. Place the cucumber in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, overnight if possible.

Cut down one medium-sized cucumber into small pieces to make blending easier. Blend until it turns into paste and then apply on entire face. Leave on for about thirty minutes and then rinse off with cold water.

2. Cucumber and Lemon Mask – You will need one medium-sized cucumber, half a teaspoon of lemon extract, one teaspoon witch hazel and one egg white. Beat the egg white until frothy.

Put the cucumber in the blender and then strain the cucumber pulp so you can just get the juice. Mix in the witch hazel and the lemon extract. Stir gently while slowly adding the egg white froth.

Cover your face with the mask and leave on for approximately fifteen minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

3. Cucumber and Mint Mask – This cucumber mask if ideal for those with oily skin. Puree one egg white, one-half cucumber, one teaspoon mint and one tablespoon lemon extract.

Put in the refrigerator for about ten minutes and then apply on face. Leave the mask on for about fifteen minutes and then rinse off with warm water.

4. Cucumber, Yogurt and Parsley Mask – This mask is excellent for rejuvenating your skin, giving you a refreshed feeling after a hard days’ work. Puree one tablespoon yogurt, one tablespoon of finely chopped cucumber and one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley.

Apply mask on face and leave on for a good fifteen minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

5. Cucumber and Aloe Vera Mask – This recipe hydrates the skin and its cooling effect soothes and relaxes your skin, giving you a healthier glow. Put one-half cucumber and two tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a blender and mix until it turns into a smooth paste.

Apply mask on face and neck and then leave on for about thirty minutes. Rinse off mask with cold water and then pat dry.

Acne Facial Mask Recipes

Have ever been frustrated with having acne all your life? Do you have an acne-prone skin that has you constantly worrying that you will develop acne at the slightest trigger?

There are home remedies that you can try out and since these are made from natural ingredients, you do not have to worry about using harmful chemicals on your sensitive skin.

Acne Facial Mask Recipes

These recipes use simple ingredients that you may readily find available in your kitchen. You should however take note of ingredients that you have an allergic reaction to so you can avoid using certain acne facial mask recipes.

1. Baking Soda Mask – This is the simplest homemade facial mask for acne-prone skin. Simply wash your face with your usual facial cleanser and then mix a bit of baking soda – about less than a teaspoon – and water. Apply on your face and leave on until the solution dries or about twenty to thirty minutes.

Rinse off with warm or tap water and then pat dry. You will instantly feel that your skin has turned softer and smoother. You may use this several times a week if you have no reaction to it. The baking soda will also help acne scars fade away.

2. Egg White Mask – This is also very simple to make as you will only need about two egg whites. Beat the egg whites until they turn fluffy and then apply on your face. Leave the mask on for approximately twenty minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

3. Oatmeal Mask – You may use instant or rolled oats for this recipe. Mix oatmeal and water together until you get a smooth solution and then apply on face. Leave the mixture on for about fifteen to twenty minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

4. Tomato and Oatmeal Mask – For this recipe, you will need one chopped ripe tomato, about a teaspoonful of lemon extract and one tablespoon of instant or rolled oats. Using a blender, mix all ingredients together until you get a smooth paste.

Apply mask onto face and leave on for about fifteen minutes. Wipe off mask with a soft face cloth soaked in warm water. This mask may also help reduce the appearance of acne scars.

5. Apple and Honey Mask – Grate one medium-sized apple and mix in about five tablespoons of honey. Cover face with mixture and leave on for about ten minutes. Wash off mask with tap or cold water. This mask is not only excellent for acne-prone skin but also works well for oily skin.

Mud Masks for Acne

There are a lot of different facial masks that anyone can use to take care of their skin. Mud masks in particular have been around for several centuries now. This kind of facial mask has been used many people dating back to ancient times to revive one’s skin. They also have toning properties that aid the skin. Nowadays, they are also used as a form of acne treatment.

Known Effects on the Skin

This type of facial mask is known to be able to remove facial oils. It also takes away other impurities. It also gets rid of your face’s dead skin cells. Other than eradicating the contributors to acne formation, it also acts as a skin toner that works naturally. Some experts believe that mud or clay masks have the capability to draw out toxins and thus restoring the natural balance to your skin.

Using Stuff Found in Your Home

It is reasonably easy to make your own mud mask and use it as an acne treatment. The materials and other things you need can be found in your home. In case you lack a few ingredients, you can readily buy them from a store. Making the mixture will only take a few minutes of your time and applying it on your face isn’t really much of a hassle.

Using Mud Masks as Acne Treatment

The first thin you have to do to make this type of mask is to prepare the required ingredients. You’ll need two ounces of fuller’s clay, two tablespoons of lemon juice, two tablespoons of water, and two drops of tea tree oil. You can get some of these ingredients or materials in specialty stores.

Next, grab a small bowl and in it mix the water and lemon juice. Gradually add the fuller’s clay a little at a time. Keep stirring as you continue to add little bits of clay. The objective is to make a pasty lump of clay. Do this until all the clay is in the bowl and the lump has an even consistency.

The next is to let this mixture sit for a few minutes allowing it to soak up all the remaining liquid. In case more liquid is required, add a little water. Now add the tea tree oil and stir the mixture until everything is thoroughly mixed up. At this point, your mud mask is ready for use.

Applying It to the Face

When you apply the mask to your face, remember to smooth it all over the entire area including your neck. Do so in a gentle manner. Use soothing circular movements as you apply the mask. Leave about a half inch border at the areas surrounding the mouth, eyes, and hairline.

The mud mask should be about a quarter of an inch thick before you let it sit for 15 minutes. Those who have sensitive skin should leave it on for only about five minutes. After that, rinse with warm water. Many folks have found the reviving effects of this acne treatment to be quite effective.

Homemade Face Scrub for Acne

Homemade Face Scrub for Acne can help eliminate your acne problems and reduce the appearance of acne scars. These are simple do-it-yourself recipes that are highly affordable.

You may use any of the recipes listed below to treat your acne problems. Be sure to take note if you develop any allergic reactions to some of the ingredients so you can immediately stop using the scrub.

If you want to test any of the recipes first to ensure that you will not develop any allergies, apply a bit of the mixture behind your ear or your neck.

Homemade Face Scrub For Acne

1. Sunflower Scrub – For this recipe, you will need about a teaspoonful of sunflower oil, one egg yolk and a teaspoonful of brewer’s yeast. Mix all ingredients together until well-blended. Apply on face using gentle circular motions. Leave on for about twenty minutes. Rinse off scrub with lukewarm water.

2. Peach Scrub – Mix two tablespoons of peach pulp, two tablespoons of powdered milk, one teaspoonful of lemon extract and one teaspoonful of honey. Blend all ingredients together until you have thoroughly incorporated all ingredients into the paste. Gently scrub face with mixture, using circular motions. Leave on for about fifteen minutes and then rinse off with warm water.

3. Almond Mask – Soak four almonds in tap water, drain and then grind using two tablespoons of milk as your base. Add a teaspoonful of orange extract and then take a regular Vitamin A capsule, open and pour out contents into the mixture. Gently scrub face with mask using circular motions. Leave on to dry and then rinse off with cold water.

4. Almond Meal and Lemon Scrub – Take two tablespoons of almond meal, mix in one tablespoon of ground lemon rind and about four tablespoonfuls of milk. Mix all ingredients together and then gently scrub face with the paste. Leave on to dry and then rinse off with lukewarm water. This recipe also helps control oily skin.

5. Pineapple Scrub – Take about three tablespoons of pineapple extract, add one to two tablespoons of brown sugar and then mix all ingredients well. Gently scrub the paste onto face and neck and then leave on to dry. Rinse off with cold water. You may substitute the brown sugar with baking soda.

6. Strawberry Scrub – In this recipe, you simply need to mash four strawberries and then add two tablespoons of brown sugar. Mix all ingredients well and then apply on face and neck. Rinse off with cold water. This recipe is also great for controlling oily skin.

Top 10 Face Mask for Acne

Acnes are not only unsightly, they are sometimes painful, too; and they can leave marks that can affect your confidence. Before you despair, there are remedies that you can try out to finally get rid of acnes and keep them away for good.

The Top Ten Face Mask for Acne list below includes both over-the-counter and homemade facial masks, divided into two sections with five options each. See which one works best for you.

Over-The-Counter Face Masks

Instructions on how to apply and rinse are included in the package so be sure to follow the directions carefully.

1. Murad Clarifying Mask – This product sells for approximately US$37. It is a bit expensive but the price is well worth it. It contains 4.0% sulfur for acne treatment plus zinc and licorice extract to reduce inflammation. For best results, use this two times per week.

2. Dermadoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Intensive Skin – Correcting Sulfur Acne Mask – Again, the sulfur component in the mask helps fight-off acne and prevents it from coming back. It has a mild aromatic scent that also soothes your senses. This mask sells for approximately US$45.

3. Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Cooling Masque – This mask dries-up acne and pimples; and reduces scar appearance. It is also great as an exfoliating scrub to get rid of dead skin cells. Its main components are sulfur, eucalyptus oil that works as an anti-bacterial agent; and aloe vera to re-hydrate the skin. This one sells for US$40.

4. Ole Henriksen Blemish Attack Purifying Mask – For this mask, salicylic acid is the main component used to ward-off acne and control oily skin. It also contains African Red Tea to slow down the skin’s aging process and aloe vera to re-hydrate the skin. This mask sells for US$32.

5. Clinique Acne Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask – This mask is the cheapest in the list, selling for only US$19.50. This is a clay-based mask that helps eliminate acne and decrease pore size. Leave it on for five minutes and then rinse off with warm water.

Homemade Facial Masks

1. Orange Peel Mask – Get the peel off one orange fruit, mix it with water and blend until you get a pasty solution. Apply on face and leave on for approximately fifteen minutes and then rinse off with warm water.

2. Honey, Lemon and Yogurt Mask – Take about one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of yogurt and about half a teaspoon of lemon and mix all ingredients together. Once you have a paste, apply on face. Leave on for about fifteen minutes and then rinse off with warm water.

3. Honey and Cinnamon Mask – Take three tablespoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon, one teaspoon of nutmeg and a small amount of lemon extract. Mix all ingredients together until the mixture turns into paste. Apply on face and leave on for about thirty minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

4. Basic Honey Mask – Use pure honey to cover entire face and then leave it on for a good fifteen to twenty minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

5. Turmeric and Mint Juice Mask – Mix equal amounts of turmeric powder and mint juice until you get a smooth paste. Apply on face and leave on for thirty minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

Acne Facial Mask

Acne facial masks are one of the options for those who suffer from acne. It is also quite common to find a lot of advertisements when you’re out looking for one that will work. You’ll get an entire flood of ads just looking for an effective facial mask on the Internet. The same is also true if you check out the products they offer on TV. You can literally find dozens of different products by just checking out home TV shopping.

Types of Acne Facial Masks

You can classify facial masks under two general categories, though you can also add more if you want to. One major category where you can classify facial masks is under peel-off facial masks. The other category is the traditional creamy masks that everyone has grown accustomed to. This basically just categorizes facial masks by how they are applied to the face.

Peeling masks or peel-off masks are usually packaged as gels. The idea behind such products is for users to apply the mask on like any other mask. The difference is in the fact that one peels off the facial mask after it has dried. This type of facial mask forms a thin film on your face as soon as it dries up.

Peeling vs. Traditional Creams

People might wonder whether they should use peeling masks or the regular creamy masks they usually buy. The answer basically lies on the condition of your acne and the type of facial skin you have. People who have oily facial skin should be using peel-off or peeling facial masks rather than the usual creamy masks. Peel-off facial masks are especially designed for such skin conditions.

However, it should also be noted that those who use peel-off masks should still take the necessary precautions when using such products. You should use this kind of acne facial mask according to package instructions. Don’t leave it on your face longer than what the instructions specify. You might do more harm than good if you leave it on for a longer time.

On the other hand, it is perfectly fine to use peel-off masks on other acne prone areas such as your back and shoulders. It isn’t recommended for one to use facial masks on a daily basis. Putting them on once or twice a week will do for most people. An overly frequent use of acne facial masks will tend to make things worse.

Popular Acne Facial Masks

Since facial masks used as skin cleansers as well as acne treatments, some facial masks have become quite popular. Some masks that are sold in stores gain popularity via advertisements. Of course, you should match the mask you use with your skin type. Some of those products sold in stores are even specially formulated for certain skin conditions.

On the other hand, there are also homemade masks that have gained popularity as well. They have come by word of mouth. Their appeal is based on the fact that they are relatively cheaper and can easily be made using the stuff one finds at home. Some of the popular homemade acne facial mask ingredients include baking soda, egg white, egg yolk, basil, sea salt, oatmeal, honey, and apple.

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