The Best Face Masks for Acne

Acne is a common skin condition and there are many ways to treat it. However, some treatments should be used with caution. Acne treatments can be varied from chemical-based peroxides, or acids, to herbal facial masks or even hormones and medication. Many studies have now shown most over the counter acne medication to be harmful to pregnant women - even to the point of causing birth defects!  So, use extreme caution when choosing your acne treatment. When in doubt - go for the most natural or herbal method available; treatments like anti-acne herbal facials and clay-based or herbal based anti-acne facial masks can do wonders without all the abrasive chemicals.

HOW ACNE STARTS

Acne is common in young adults, teens and pre-teens and may cause emotional and self-esteem problems. In severe cases, medical treatment may be needed. There are many over-the-counter products that can help treat acne.

Acne is caused by inflammation of the oily glands in the skin - they are called sebaceous glands - that contain a fatty material called sebum. When the duct of the gland becomes blocked either by layers of skin, fatty secretions or dirt, a mini-cyst or pimple forms. The cyst can become infected with acne bacteria.

Treatment of Acne

Just as acne can range from mild to severe, acne treatments also vary, depending on how serious the problem is. The basic treatment is to remove what is plugging the duct of the gland and, if necessary, kill the acne bacteria. This is done either by applying a product to the skin or by taking medication internally. A treatment applied to the skin is called a topical medication; treatment taken internally is called systemic medication.

Topical medications

The simplest treatment for acne is the daily use of ordinary soap and water. Many topical medications are available over the counter without a prescription. They include:

• medicated soaps;
• salicylic acid ointments and washes; and
• benzoyl peroxide.

Topical prescription products may contain antibiotic ingredients such as erythromycin that help control inflammation associated with acne. Topical prescription products may also contain ingredients derived from vitamin A. These products are designed to clean the area, dry up the oiliness, peel the skin and eliminate the acne bacteria present.

When in doubt, choose a natural facial mask to help heal acne scars and prevent further breakouts.

Counter Aging with Facial Masks

Now who would not want to look as radiant as Madonna? Or who does not envy the natural glow on Angelina Jolie’s face? It is not that difficult to look as beautiful and radiant as your favorite smoldering beauties. Of course, you cannot become a star overnight, but you surely can at least match that glow.

You can get no better way to revitalize yourself than to surrender yourself to the luxury and splendor of beauty spas. Another good and easy way for you to relax is to get a facial mask done either all by yourself at home or from any nearby salon. There is, literally, a tsunami of facial mask flavors or types that are offered in the market today.

Before moving on how to make some good facial masks at home, you must be clear on the benefits of a facial mask. As age appears to show on your face, your facial skin starts to sag. Drooping skin makes one look double the age. That is the reason why eyebrow and face lifting concept is gaining success world over. In a less severe case, facial masks can come to aid making your sagging facial skin firm and tight.

Okay, the best part about facial masks is that they come in varied varieties to fight varied facial problems like wrinkles, dark circles, acne, dull skin, dry skin, lifeless skin, rashes etc.

A facial mask must be applied in a thick coat at least twice or thrice weekly. A facial mask in the form of peel will have to be removed by peeling it off the skin. A mud facial mask or one alike should be washed off with warm water or it may as well be removed using cotton buds. Facial scrubs are equally benefitting.

The crux is that the facial mask must match your skin type.

Treatments to Lighten and Bleach Uneven Skin Tone

Over The Counter and Spa Treatments

One medi-spa option is Microdermabrasion, a skin-care technique that uses tiny rough grains to buff away the surface layer of skin. It can improve many unwanted skin conditions such as; sun-damaged skin, blotchy skin, acne scars and dark spots, or melasma. It also reduces fine lines, wrinkles.

There are also a wide variety of natural and formulated topical skincare products that help remove skin discoloration and even out skin tone. They range from straight bleaching and lightening solutions to cleansers and lotions. Many of these topical creams until recently used an active lightening ingredient called Hydroquinone in varying percentages. Buyers beware if using these chemicals in your facial care. Hydroquinone has been categorized as a toxic chemical and one of the most common active ingredients in skin lightening creams. It is still legal in the US despite having been banned for use in cosmetics in the UK. Hydroquinone has not only been known to irritate skin, but can also cause permanent skin damage and hyperpigmentation in rare cases.

You can also find bleaching creams containing steroids without searching too hard, and some manufacturers even stoop so low as to use mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal.

Straight skin bleaching is designed to turn off melanin production and eliminate unwanted pools of pigment already present in the skin.  As with any chemical-based product, use with caution.

In 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration revoked its previous approval of hydroquinone and proposed a ban on all over-the-counter preparations. (1) The FDA stated that hydroquinone cannot be ruled out as a potential carcinogen.

Consequently, many manufacturers have begun to produce natural alternatives which mimic the skin lightening properties of hydroquinone. Ingredients such as kojic acid and licorice have become quite popular along with more advanced ingredients like Alpha-Arbutin. When combined, these ingredients can often produce results that even surpass hydroquinone but without the associated risks.

Natural Skin Lightening

If you choose to bleach your skin and are concerned about harmful reactions, look for “paraben-free” and “Hydroquinone-free” options for lightening dark discolorations such as age and liver spots.

Natural skin brighteners such as those listed below, can dramatically improve cellular renewal in addition to firming and brightening the skin. Look for products whose main components are:

• Alpha Arbutin
• Beta-Arbutin
• Kojic Acid
• Licorice Extract
• Niacinamide
• Mulberry Extract
• Glycolic Acid
• Lactic Acid
• Lemon Juice Extract
• Vitamin C
• Camellia Sinensis (green tea) Leaf Extract
• Yogurt
• Peucedanum Graveolens (Dill) Extract

Here’s a great natural at-home mask you can make with a green papaya to brighten your skin. Enrich and beautify your skin with honey, yogurt, and papaya.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon raw honey

Tools:

1 large glass or ceramic bowl
1 bath towel
1 small spray bottle

1. One-half cup of unripe, diced papaya. This contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of papain, an enzyme that helps dissolve dead skin cells.

2. One teaspoon of plain yogurt. The yogurt adds lactic acid (another alpha-hydroxy) and gives the mask a creamy texture.

3. One teaspoon of raw honey helps the skin to retain moisture.

4. Blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Apply to clean skin using fingers; leave on for 8 to 10 minutes. When left on, the mask should tingle slightly. If you have sensitive skin or prefer a gentler exfoliation, use ripe papaya, which has less papain. Rinse off using cool water and pat dry. Finish by applying a gentle moisturizer.

You will see some immediate results with skin bleaching/brightening products, but the best results will be achieved after six to 12 months of continued use.

Natural Zinc Oxide moisturizers will also restore hydration and defend against free-radical skin damage, protecting skin from further damaging (and darkening) UVB and UVA rays.

Looking for Something Stronger?

As you can see, there are many ways to naturally lighten or brighten your skin. But what if you have tried them all with little result? Then you may want to consider more advanced options such as micro-dermabrasion, IPL laser treatments Retinoids. Following are some basic explanations of products and procedures currently on the market and how the treatments work.

RETINOIDS

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A but contain a different chemical structure; retinoids may limit oil production, reduce skin oiliness, and prevent acne and pigmentation. In addition, retinoids improve visible wrinkles and dark spots for pigmented skin types, and can even act to prevent further acne outbreaks in oily skin. Dermatologists recommend you start retinoid use slowly, beginning with the lowest strength available, sparingly, especially if you have rosacea, acne or skin redness. Expect two weeks of use before your skin can tolerate the treatment without redness or flaking. Despite the initial reactions, many find the end results to be well worth it.

TIP: HOW TO PROPERLY USE A RETINOID

1.       In your hand, mix a pea-size portion of retinoid with a couple of

drops of Vitamin C serum if desired to smooth the mixture.

2.       Apply to face and neck using upwards strokes – don’t forget the back of your hands.

3.        Place a trace of product on your fingertips and apply gently on the skin area under the eye (never on top of the eyelid or around the eye).

4.       Use once every three days for two weeks or until no redness or dryness is visible.

5.       At the end of two weeks, apply the mixture every other night for another two weeks

6.       After the first two weeks of use, you can use the cream nightly and indefinitely.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Vascular Lasers

Dermatologists use Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL (a combination of different colors of light) to remove the dark spots, broken blood vessels and enlarged oil glands that produce excess oil and cause acne. There are various types of IPL, some more powerful than those used in salons. IPL can also be used in combination with a topical medication called Levulan that makes the skin sensitive to light and intensifies the treatments effect. When used in a combination with Levulan, the light therapy becomes know as Photodynamic Therapy, or PDT. This treatment is effective for dark spots and oiliness and is also a highly effective treatment of flushing, redness, visible blood vessels and other symptoms on the rosaecea spectrum.

The effectiveness of any treatment will vary according to one’s skin type, how often the product is used and in what amount and how often it is applied. It is normally advised to use the same treatment for 4 -6 weeks to determine the effectiveness.

(1)    United States Food and Drug Administration (2006) Skin Bleaching Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Product Use; Proposed Rule. Docket 1978N-0065. (Report).

Author - R. Dupree

Facial Masks - Do Away With Skin Trouble!

Everyone dreams of having a clear and beautiful skin that is devoid any sort of maladies and imperfections, but you know what…..dreaming alone is not enough! You have to work towards making your skin worth praise and appreciation. There are thousands of skincare treatments available in the market; you have to know what is good for your skin.

Facial masks are a very essential part of the skin treatment process. It may look tedious to be sitting with  the application on the face and may seem boring to be waiting till it dries but the results that you get are worth a fortune1 It is noticeable, the difference you see on the face after the application of the correct beauty face mask. Skin is very sensitive and needs to be treated with care and certainty. Hit and trial method won’t work here. You have to be absolutely sure of the results of any product that you think of using on to your facial skin. Acne prone skin can be treated efficiently by using packs that contain herbal products like neem, basil and clove. Best face masks for the dry skin would be the ones made from mineral clay and chickpea flour. Facial masks are very effective as they provide strength and elasticity to the skin. A very remarkable natural face mask is that made from papaya. Papaya is a natural cleanser and the enzyme it contains has the quality of eating the dead cells of the skin to make it fresh, taut, glowing and youthful.

There are masks for all types of skins. There are special masks for dry skin, for the excessively oily skin, for the acne prone skin and for the normal skin and so on. Most of the facial masks available in the market come with an instructions page with it. These instructions should be closely followed to get the best results.

Mango Face Mask - How can it Help?

Mango- Aha! The word itself sets the taste-buds in motion! Mangoes are a treat for the taste-buds but they are no less beneficial for the skin even. Mango is an exotic fruit. The tree is native to Burma and nearby areas.

Mango face masks are really effective in lending a smooth feel to the facial skin. If you think your facial skin has borne the brunt of environmental damage, mango is probably the best thing you can treat your skin with!

Mangoes are really rich in fibrous content. Topical application of mango flesh helps to rejuvenate the skin and make it sparkle! Face masks are otherwise a very good means to replenish the skin with the lost nutrients. When it is a mango face mask, you may expect something really wondrous! The benefits of mangoes are too many to list here.

Here is a rich mango facial mask for all skin types. Mix mango pulp, almond oil, yogurt and starch in a bowl. Mix the ingredients till a homogeneous batter is formed. Apply this thick paste on your facial skin and the surrounding neck area. This mask is especially beneficial for people who have gotten sun burns and tans.

Mango rind may be rubbed on the facial skin as it is. If you want to further enhance the cosmetic properties of the facial mask, you may add some beauty boosting ingredients like olive oil, almond oil, cream, yogurt etc.

You should not have a tough time searching for mango face masks for they are readily available. There is a big bunch of people who have used and benefitted from their use.

You will be amazed by the moisturizing properties of mango. When applied topically, mango enriches the skin almost instantaneously. People with dry and combination skin will find mango face masks really benefitting.

Which Facial Mask Is The Best For You?

There is a good skin and then there is a beautiful skin. Using a facial mask at least twice a month makes your skin look beautiful. Facial masks are everywhere. Facial masks are helpful in facial cleansing, tightening and exfoliating all round the year but they are all the more beneficial during seasonal changes. During this time, the skin faces difficulty in adapting to the new weather conditions. It becomes very important to help the skin settle in this new weather. A skin that has faced the fury of nature may be surrendered to facial masks. Facial masks help the skin appear bright, tauter, smooth and glowing.

All of us need facial masks. The type of facial mask depends on an individual’s skin needs. For example the elderly may want to rehydrate their skin or they may want to tighten their baggy skin. Likewise a young woman may need a facial mask that may help her to exfoliate her skin. Someone with blemishes may want something that works on scars and blemishes.

Hitting the salon to get the best facial mask will burn a hole in your pocket. This is what makes the homemade facial masks ride on the popularity binge. Almost all that you have in your kitchen and refrigerator may be used to enhance your beauty.

The application of facial masks is easy. Most facials come with instructions on the packet. If you are making your own facial at home, still there is nothing to panic. All you need to do is mix the contents to form a paste and put it all over your skin. Remember, it is as important to apply the mask on the neck as it is to apply on the facial skin. Always use a brush to apply the mask. You need to be extra careful while working around the eyes and mouth.

Facial Skin Care with Green Tea

What is Tea?

So How Is Green Tea Good For My Skin?

There have been number studies of skin benefits of green tea. One of these studies show protection from skin cancer by demonstrating topical green tea formulations can reduce sun damage.(1) Another fascinating study in 2003 was conducted by Dr. Stephen Hsu of the Medical College of Georgia Department of Oral Biology. His findings determined green tea was able to rejuvenate old skin cells at the end of their life cycle.

A quote from Dr. Hsu’s paper explained, “…we report here for the first time, that at certain concentrations, EGCG or a mixture of the major green tea polyphenols stimulated aged keratinocytes to generate biological energy and to synthesize DNA, possibly for renewed cell division.

Therefore, green tea constituents may be useful topically for promoting skin regeneration, wound healing, or treatment of certain epithelial conditions such as aphthous ulcers, psoriasis, rosacea, and actinic keratoses.” (2) Dr. Hsu went on to comment he was “so surprised” to discover EGCG actually reactivated cells that had migrated toward the surface of the skin to ‘die’.

Green tea appears to manipulate sun damage protection by fighting free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea enhances sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen. To boost sun protection, apply a green tea formula under your sunscreen to elevate the level of sun protection. It is best to combine green tea with zinc oxide-based sunscreens because zinc oxide is chemically inert and should not react with green tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight). You can also look for green tea in natural soaps, facial masks, and other facial cleansers.

Topical green tea is also very beneficial for sensitive skin types by reducing inflammation and irritation in the skin. Wrinkles, skin sag and other signs of aging have been shown to benefit from Green tea. The tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenols slow down signs of premature of aging

Green Tea and Pimples

A green tea and pimples study suggests it to be as good as benzoyl peroxide cream in treating acne conditions with fewer side effects. Scientific research has shown that green tea fights bacteria, inflammation and reduces stress. Perhaps it would be an excellent candidate for treating acne?

In the study, conducted by Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong from the Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines, 108 participants were divided into two groups. One applied benzoyl peroxide cream and the other green tea extract cream twice daily for 12 weeks. Subjects were examined and photographed each week by dermatologists. The researchers noted the green tea cream seemed to lighten patients’ skin color and improve the overall appearance of their complexion.

The preliminary data suggests that green tea cream causes fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide. Patients in the green tea group reported fewer cases of dry skin, itching and allergic responses.

Use green tea at home to boost your skins health, appearance and reduce signs of aging by freezing freshly brewed green tea as ice cubes and use them as a toner. Let them start thawing first before applying directly to the face to avoid irritation. You can also drink green tea or take green tea extract in capsules to benefit from the anti oxidant properties. The polyphenols will reach your skin via the bloodstream in sufficient amounts.

Using green tea in your skincare routine has definite proven benefits to slow skin aging, reduce acne and protect your skin from cancer among many others. Just be aware of the products you choose. Like most antioxidants, green tea polyphenols are oxidized and can lose their active constituents when exposed to air.

By Tiffany Oney and Rachelle Dupree

References:

(1) Green Tea Polyphenol Treatment to Human Skin Prevents Formation of Ultraviolet Light B-induced Pyrimidine Dimers in DNA (2000). Santosh K. Katiyar, Anaibelith Perez and Hasan Mukhtar. Clinical Cancer Research Vol. 6, 3864-3869, October 2000.

(2) Green Tea Polyphenols Induce Differentiation and Proliferation in Epidermal Keratinocytes (2003). Stephen Hsu, Wendy B. Bollag, Jill Lewis, Qin Huang,Baldev Singh, Mohamed Sharawy, Tetsuya Yamamoto, and George Schuster. Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics. First published on March 27, 2003; DOI: 10.1124/jpet.103.049734

Five Top Ways to Age Gracefully

The biological make-up of our skin begins to show signs of aging as early as our 20s. Age shows not only on our face, neck and chest but all over. There are many ways to care for your skin and prevent premature aging. Following are five ways that you can age gracefully. These are things you can do in your daily life that will dramatically reduce signs of aging.

• Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, quit. We all know that smoking is bad for us and affects our body negatively. Smoking contributes to premature aging and many other health problems. The many chemicals in cigarettes influence the skin’s structure and dehydrate the cells, resulting in increased aging.
  

  smoking causes wrinkles

• Get some sleep. Research has shown that people who sleep regularly seven to eight hours a night are healthier than those who lack sleep or over sleep. Sleeping allows the body to repair cellular damage and recharge. To prevent signs of aging on the face, try sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your stomach or side can damage skin by slowing down circulation and weakening the skin’s elasticity, resulting in wrinkles.
• Sunscreen, use it, wear it, and love it. Wear sunscreen everyday-even on cloudy or rainy days, and even if you are just going to be outside a short time. We all know that the sun has harmful affects to the skin. Sun tanning and burning damage the skin, leading to premature aging. Sun exposure over time leads to wrinkles and ugly pigmentation spots. There is no excuse to not wear sunscreen, it comes in all forms and is formulated now to be lightweight and beneficial to the skin as well as giving sun protection.
• Hydrate and Moisturize the skin from the inside and outside. Hydrated skin is healthy and plump, looks moist and shows few wrinkles and lines. As we age our skin loses elasticity; using moisturizers with ingredients such as vitamins, herbs and minerals that help repair the skin is the best way to restore elasticity and prevent its break down. The best face masks or facial products like herbal masks and toners will also help remove dead skin cells and balance the ph level of your skin. Drink lots of water to hydrate the skin internally and use a good moisturizer. Try intense facial moisturizer or zinc repair by Vivoderm.
  

  healthy foods=good skin

• A healthy lifestyle and healthy diet can dramatically strengthen the skin and prevent premature aging. Fruits, herbs, vegetables, nuts and other nutrient- rich produce give the body strength to fight and repair damage. If you are good to your body from the inside out, you will have less external maintenance. Part of a healthy life style is getting exercise, so get up and get moving. Fit people also tend have less heath problems. Health problems can lead to premature aging of the skin by showing wrinkles and damage earlier than those people who choose to be healthy.

There is no way to prevent aging - it is inevitable, however there are ways to slow it down. Today there is plastic surgery and amazing skin care products to improve the look and feel of skin. But it’s never too late to prevent further damage so you don’t have to take the drastic measures of plastic surgery or spend tons of money on skin care later in life.

By Tiffany Oney

Tiffany Oney is a licensed esthetician, professional makeup artist and natural skincare authority.  She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies California State University, Long Beach and interning with Vivoderm Natural Skincare in Los Angeles, California.

Choosing Natural Facial Masks and Skin Care Products

What is the best facial mask for your skin?

In the last 10 years startling news and information on how our food supplies and products are created have surfaced. And it isn’t pretty. If you have been keeping up with the news and the recent movements back towards more natural and organic products, you should know that is has never been easier or more affordable to choose the natural and organic, especially for your facial and skincare needs.

When you are looking for a natural mask or cleanser to apply to your face and skin, you should know that there are many organic skin care masks on the market. The possibilities are endless when you want to pamper the senses with an organic bath and body product.

Not only are organic facial masks therapeutic, but they are also healthier because they use natural ingredients unspoiled by chemicals or preservatives. Some of the ingredients found in many natural facial skin care masks include organic essential oils, natural and organic vegetable oils, as well as organic herbs from the wild.

When looking for an organic or herbal skin care mask that will suit your needs, you should look for labels that contain phrases, such as 100% Natural or 100% Biodegradable.  Natural facial or organic skin care products should also stay clear of the use of fragrance oils, artificial colors and synthetics.

Just to get an idea of some of the ingredients and choices a customer may look forward to when purchasing organic skin care products, you could exfoliate your skin with the help of organic pumpkin seed oil and fresh pumpkin seeds.  When you want an exotic, natural scent to grace your body, you may prefer a chemical-free, all-natural perfume created from tropical flowers.

When you need help healing your skin from problems, such as scars, dark marks and sun damage, there is a night cream made from tangerines and calendula, which can be used to ease the appearance of blemished skin.  An organic apricot facial scrub can exfoliate, deep clean, as well as moisturize the skin, all at once.

When it comes to matters of the face, this area of skin is considered the most visible. If problems arise concerning skin and acne, natural and organic facial skin care products can correct or treat some of these problems without the harsh chemicals that are used in non-organic products. For example, a toner made from pure lemons, witch hazel and peppermint essential oils can be a great solution for easing problem skin.

When you are in need of an natural facial skin care product that will stimulate circulation, as well as treat open pores, there are toners made from lavender and rosewater that can do the trick.

There are endless websites offering a line of natural, facial skin care products on the Internet. You could purchase a face cream made from rose and chamomile, promoting facial hydration and the unclogging of pores. Just as with this particular product, many organic skin care products are good for those who have sensitive skin.

Other natural product alternative offer Vitamin C as the key ingredient, which is also gentle on the skin. Your skin will also receive the advantages of Vitamin E and A. Also look for daytime hydrating creams made from chardonnay grape seeds, Mediterranean olives and soy just to name a few more options. The result is smoother, toned skin.

The market is booming with plenty of choices to consider, including organic eye gels for reducing puffiness, organic 15 SPF sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, as well as many other organic skin care products for sun damage, cellulite, acne and wrinkles.

Have fun experimenting with the best combinations for your face and skin and watch the dramatic results unfold, naturally!

Some excepts from article Organic Skin Care Products for Your Face and Skin by Stephen Todd
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com

Natural Facial Masks & Skin Type Treatments

Facial Masks are used to help hydrate, purify, exfoliate and promote a youthful complexion. Natural facial masks treat skin with nourishing vitamins and minerals. Skin Care experts recommend using a mask once a week, but even monthly use can be beneficial for your skin.

No matter your skin type, there is a facial mask suited for you. Facial masks can deep down clean your face, tighten your pores, or brighten and exfoliate your face. Masks are not a “one size fits all” product though. There are clay masks, fruit extract masks, yogurt masks, and gel masks, just to name a few. So, take some time to understand your skin type, before you invest in a facial product that won’t work for you.

DULL SKIN

If you’re looking for a boost of radiance, try an exfoliating mask, but be careful to make sure the grain is not too coarse or you could cause skin tissue damage. You could try a peel off mask, which are actually kind of fun – like peeling off glue – this will help exfoliate your skin by removing the dead layers of cells, but again, be careful not to pull too harshly and tear tissue. Many exfoliating masks use fruit extracts such as papaya or pumpkin to naturally exfoliate. These tend to have a slight acidic range to them and may sting your skin just a little when you apply them. The scents are always quite pleasing though. You should see noticeable results within a few applications.

DRY SKIN

People with dry skin use a mask for a very different reason than those with oily skin. You are not looking to reduce oil, but add moisture. Using a moisture mask will rejuvenate and plump your skin. Many masks for dry skin include at least a bit of “sink-in” effect. You leave the mask on your skin for up to 10 minute and then rub it in a bit more before wiping off the excess. You’ll notice immediately smoother, softer skin.

OILY / COMBINATION SKIN

Oily or Combination skin can be particularly challenging and may require the use of two ( yes two) different masks to address the different areas. If you have oily skin alone, you will do best with regular use of a clay mask. Clay is great for removing excess oil, deep cleaning your pores and preventing and clearing up blackheads. Natural clay is a great detoxifying treatment for your face without leaving your skin extra dry. Most clay masks work fine with sensitive skin. Combination skin users can apply the clay mask to the T-zone (where oil accumulates the most) and perhaps use a hydrating or normal cream mask on the rest of your face and neck.

NORMAL SKIN

If dryness or breakouts are of no real concern for you, you have many options when it comes to masks. You can use one that will give you radiance, one for deep cleaning or a gentle one for sensitive skin. Regardless of how “normal” your skin may be, you’ll see benefits from using a weekly mask.

MATURE SKIN

If you’re looking to firm up the skin on your face and neck, chances are good you have dry skin. You can either use a mask meant for dry skin or a mask specified “firming”. A firming mask will boost your skins moisture content which will reduce fine lines caused by your skins dehydration. This will give the appearance of a more youthful, firmer face. Massage onto your face and leave for about 10 minutes before you rinse off.

Next Page »