Types and Uses of Facial Masks

Since ancient time's facial masks have been a part of a skin care routine. During those ancient times facial masks, moisturizers and other skin care products were made from natural ingredients. Some of these natural ingredients were made from flowers, such as roses and jasmine to make facial toners or collected to extract the essential oils. Other natural ingredients used in ancient times were from herb gardens, harvesting thyme and basil to name a few. Additionally, citrus was also a natural ingredient used in skin care.

Before applying any face mask, it is imperative that you know your skin type. You can determine your skin type by reading the article "What Skin Type are You?". Once determining you skin type, select the facial mask that best suits you. For instance a dry skin type would use a facial mask that hydrates and moisturizers, while an oily skin type may select a mask that extracts excess oil from the skin. In addition, always apply your facial mask to clean skin and avoid the eye area.

Facial mask can also be used on the neck, shoulders and arms. These areas are exposed to the everyday environmental stress and need pampering too.

Masks are perfect to bring back the glow to you skin.. Once applied it is best to sit back and relax and not use the facial muscles such as laughing or eating. The mask needs to dry so that it can do its wonders on the skin.

Radiance mask and luster and glow to lifeless, dull skin. They use vitamins and light diffuses to add glow. Radiance masks moisturize and tone the skin to give a more youthful appearance.

Hydrating masks moisturize the skin. A hydrating mask is meant to hydrate the skin by restoring natural oils. Hydrating masks are recommended for those with dry skin.

Clay and Mud masks are best suited for oily skin. They dry in a short period of time and are considered a detoxifying mask. Clay and mud masks open the pores and remove blackheads. In addition they absorb excess oil in the skin which is known to cause pimples and acne. After the mask has dried, rinse with cool water and scrub the mask off your face. Your skin will be free of dirt and excess oil and as an added bonus circulation is improved too.

Peel-off masks are usually gel-based. These masks are set to lighten the skin by closing open pores and smoothing out the skin. The mask dries and then is peeled off when dry. Peel masks get rid of blackheads, dead skin cells and facial hair to.

Firming masks are usually gel or cream form. Firming masks do just as the name implies, it firms and tightens the skins surface. They are massaged into the contours of the face where elasticity is lost. Firming masks are usually used as an anti-aging anti-wrinkle masks as they tighten and firm the skin.

Homemade facial masks can be made from simple ingredients such as honey, egg whites, milk, fruits and vegetables and herbs. Each of the ingredients offer some sort of benefit to the skin. For instance, eggs offer anti-oxidant properties, while honey is a great hydrator and soothing to the skin. Lemon is a bleaching agent and tightens skin. Milk or skimmed milk is a softener. The properties of natural ingredients as listed above and essential oils and herbs are endless when applying them to skin care.

For instance:

For a coolant and relaxant, try a grated cucumber
Mint helps those suffering from acne
Oatmeal softens the skin and removed dead cells
To keep wrinkles at bay, make a mask of crushed ripe bananas
To tighten skin and close pores, beat an egg white with 1/2 tsp. of lime juice
Tomatoes help oily skin types

For more skin care articles and natural skin care products visit Complete Skin Care Therapy