NATURAL BEAUTY TREATMENTS- 3

MASKS

The fun part of facials! Masks should be used from 1 to 3 times a week. Apply mask to clean, damp skin, and leave on for 20 minutes. Remove with a warm washcloth, then splash face with cold water. Use toner and moisturizer.

STEAMING- This step isn’t necessary but can be very beneficial before applying your mask.
Steam helps open pores and loosens dirt, oils, and blackheads. Steam also prepares your skin
to be more receptive to all the nutrients that the mask has to offer.
Prepare a pot of rapidly boiling water. If you desire the added benefits of herbs, add them
just before taking pot off stove. Place hot pads on counter or table, wherever you can be
situated comfortably over the steaming water, and place pot of boiling water on hot pads.
Place towel over head and hold head over steaming vapours for 3 to 5 minutes or until steam
fades away, whichever you can tolerate the longest.
If you grow herbs, or have cheap access to them, here is a list of beneficial herbs that you
can put in your steam facial. When facial is over, line colander with washcloth and pour water
and herbs from pot into colander. Smooth herbs evenly over washcloth. Carefully pick up
washcloth out of colander and place over face for an instant herbal mask. Leave in place for 5
to 10 minutes. Remove and pat dry.

Helpful to Oily Complexions: Lemon slices, Rose petals, Chamomile, Rosemary

Helpful for Dry Skin: Clover, Elderflowers, Violets, Fennel, Yarrow

Disinfecting and Soothing for Skin: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Sage (also good for
clearing sinus passages when you have a cold.)

FRUIT MASKS - Puree enough fruit to cover face and throat. If you have dry skin, add 1 tsp.
milk, oil, or 1 egg yolk. If skin is oily, add 1 tsp. lemon juice or 1 egg white.

Apples- Gentle tightening qualities drawn from pectin.

Apricots- Nourishing to skin due to vitamin A.

Avocados- Gently astringent and nourishing.

Bananas- Relieves dry skin.

Grapes- Moisturizes all skin types.

Melons- Refreshes and tightens pores.

Oranges- Erases fatigue and slows aging.

Papayas- Heals blemished skin.

Peaches- Refreshes tired skin.

Pears- Astringent qualities, beneficial to oily skin.

Pineapples- Enzymes create good skin texture.

Plums- Good for oily skin.

Strawberries- Cleans and tightens pores.

EGG MASKS - Everyone knows the benefits of eggs as natural skin beautifiers!

Whole Eggs- Beat until frothy and apply to face. Let dry, then rinse. For all skin types.

Egg Whites- Refines pores and draws out impurities. Smooth on with fingertips, let dry and rinse. Good for oily skin.

Egg Yolks- Gentle skin firmer. Beat yolk and apply to face. Let dry then rinse with warm
water. Good for dry and normal skin types.

MILK MASKS - Good by themselves or combined with other ingredients.

Buttermilk- Blanches skin to create an even tone.

Canned Milk- For delicate skin. Apply thin layer and let dry. Apply second layer and let dry. Do this again and again until you have applied 4 layers and face is stiff. Rinse with warm water.

Dry Milk- Tightens skin’s pores. Make a paste with water and apply to skin. Add a little peppermint extract for a cooling mask.

Skim Milk- Aids oily skin.

Sour Cream- Soothing skin tightener. Good for dry skin.

Yogurt- Helps thicken other masks, has anti-bacterial qualities and can be used to lighten skin. Good for all skin types.

HERB MASKS- Blend fresh herbs in blender with yogurt to create paste for mask.

Aloe Vera- Soothing and healing. Use sap from leaves by itself.

Borage- Good for dry, sensitive skin.

Calendula- Heals damaged, problem skin.

Comfrey- Soothing and healing to skin and blemishes.

Dandelion- Rich emollient for mature skin.

Fennel- Soothing to skin.

Lavender- Gentle healing properties. Good for all skin types.

Mints- Refines pores. Stimulating.

Parsley- Conditioner for dry, problem skin.

Rosemary- Invigorating and antiseptic.

Sage- Astringent qualities and tightens pores.

VEGETABLE MASKS- Who hasn’t used a cucumber mask? Vegetables are great beautifiers.

Carrots- Helps firm skin. Cook and mash carrots. Apply while still warm (not hot!)

Cucumbers- Tightens pores and refreshes skin. Puree in blender, apply to skin and relax for 15 minutes.

Peas- Evens out skin tone. Puree peas in blender and pat over skin.

Tomatoes- Refines pores and acts as a mild astringent. Place thin slices or pulp over skin and relax for 10 minutes.

HONEY- A soothing facial all by itself. Smooth on skin and allow to remain for 5 min.

The above ingredients can also be mixed to create your own personalized masks. For
example, if you are having a problem with oily skin and your skin looks blotchy, try whipping
up an egg white with some lemon juice for a mask. Study the benefits of all the ingredients
and then experiment and create your own special recipes!

Here’s a great recipe.

MAGIC MASK
1 Tbsp. Oatmeal
½ tsp. Cornmeal
1 Egg White

Combine ingredients and mix well. Apply to face. Let mask dry, then remove it by rubbing
gently with your fingers until the mask flakes off. Rinse face with hot water, then splash on
cold water. Use toner and moisturizer.