Before applying a facial, open your pores first with a hot washcloth. Afterwards rinse the mask off using cold water and use an ice cube to close the pores and keep the benefits inside.
EXFOLIATING SCRUBS
Oatmeal Scrub
For a facial scrub, moisten oatmeal (any type of basic oatmeal works here)
and use it to scrub your face (not around your eyes). Wash off with cold water.
Salt and Olive Oil
For a great elbows & feet scrub, mix three tablespoons olive oil or any good oil with one tablespoon salt. Gently rub into dry skin. This exfoliating scrub can be used on cheeks and forehead as well. Do not use around eyes.
Chickpeas Powder
For an easy exfoliating mask, rinse your face with lukewarm water, and use the chickpeas powder to scrub for 30 seconds. Rinse with cool water.
CLEANSING MASKS
Lupine Powder for Cleansing Skin
2 tbsp Lupine powder
½ cup yoghurt
2 tbsp bran
1 tbsp milk
2 drops lemon
1 egg yolk
For a great cleansing mask combine the ingredients above and apply to your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash away with cold water.
Egg Whites and Cucumbers
You may also beat an egg white, put it on your face and let it dry, rinse with cool water. Sliced fresh cucumber placed on your closed eyes will reduce bagginess and dark circles.
MOISTURIZING MASKS
Avocados and Honey for Dry Skin
½ avocado (you can also substitute with 2 teaspoons avocado oil)
¼ cup honey
Mash these together. Apply to skin and leave for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with a washcloth drenched in cold water.
Soothing Mask for Sensitive, Chapped, Sunburned or Irritated Skin
1 cup natural yogurt (just-out-of-the-fridge cold)
½ cup oatmeal
Mix the ingredients and apply to the skin for 15 minutes. Wash off mask with a warm washcloth. Extra tip: This mask works well for other skin types also. For oily skin, add a few drops of lime juice. For dry skin, add honey.
Strawberries and Lemon for Oily Skin
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon pulp
2 egg whites
2 tsp honey
1 cup strawberries
4 drops eucalyptus oil or jojoba oil (optional)
Blend the above ingredients, apply and leave on for10 minutes then rinse with cool water. Recipe serves 2 persons, so invite a friend, or use half quantities.
Rose Petals and Yoghurt for Combination Skin
A rose-based mask is perfect for balancing out the oily and dry areas of your skin.
6 rose petals
2 tbsp rosewater
1 tbsp natural yoghurt, full cream
1 tbsp runny honey (warm honey in microwave for 8 seconds. The warmth is particularly soothing for this mask)
Soak rose petals, and crush them in a bowl. Add rosewater, yoghurt and honey.
Mix well & apply to the skin. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with cool water. If you don’t have rose petals, it works fine without.