How do Herbal Facial Skin Treatments Help?

Herbal skin treatments are enjoying the popularity wave. There are a hundred thousand herbs around us that are teeming with beauty properties. Bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, parsley, licorice, mint- there are so many herbs that may help!

The frequency of herbal mask usage depends on the strength of its ingredients. It also depends on the skin type. Just like an herbal facial, an herbal facial steam is highly useful. Herbal steam composition is really easy to make. All you need to do is get hold of some herbs (the ones that are suitable for your skin type) and put them in boiling water. This herb immersed water does a lot good to the skin.

Sweet yarrow facial mask is a highly nourishing skin mask. Yarrow leaves are truly equipped with beauty properties. Yarrow leaves, yogurt and honey together make for a truly rejuvenating facial mask. Similarly, rosemary, jojoba and avocado are very helpful in treating sun damage. Chamomile is another wondrous herb. You can mix chamomile flowers with citrus fruit juice to make a truly soothing facial mask. Likewise lemongrass, French clay, honey and sage leaf may be blend together into a thick mixture. This mask helps to revitalize the facial skin. Lavender, flaxseed, oatmeal and rosemary also enhance inner beauty.

Lavender flowers, dandelion leaf and lemongrass are the three herbs that can considerably help to reduce oiliness. Likewise elder flowers, yarrow flowers, nettle leaf, rosemary, peppermint leaf, horsetail, chamomile and comfrey root are helpful in skin cleansing and toning. To open up blocked pores you may as well try lavender flowers, coltsfoot leaf and peppermint. The same set of herbs may also be used to moisturize facial skin. There is another valuable herb called lady’s mantle. The herb is known to work magically on irritation, itchiness and deep blemishes.

Why Herbal Facials?

Herbal facial mask is a combination of selected herbs that helps to rejuvenate dead facial skin. An effective herbal facial is replete with all kinds of antibacterial and antifungal components. These components are fully charged to fight various skin disorders. Herbal facial masks are especially helpful to tackle damaged skin but a person with a fairly intact skin may use them to sustain the present skin quality.

Herbal facial mask is an excellent formula for skin nourishment. Such herbal face packs are widely used to treat patchy and pigmented facial skin. Herbal facial masks are adept at controlling melanin production. Some herbal facial masks act as effective cleansers. They help to remove all the dirt and contaminants that have embedded deep down into the innermost layers of the skin.

Chamomile extracts, diamond ash, rosemary, turmeric, sandalwood, comfrey leaves, neem, Aloe Vera, calendula, fuller’s earth and mint are the most common herbs known to work well on lifeless skin.

There is worth in spending money on herbal facial masks. These herbal masks are chemical-free and treat the facial skin very gently. There are many different types of herbal masks. You may browse through the herbal store shelf to identify the most appropriate one. Before making the final decision, go through the constituents that make up the mask. Make sure that the product that you are considering to purchase is actually what it proclaims to be.

A facial pack is very easy to wear. Before wearing the mask, clean the facial skin thoroughly with a good quality facial cleanser. A thick layer of facial mask must be applied all over the facial skin and neck. Post the application; gently massage the facial skin in circular upward motion. Allow the paste to dry up for approximately 20 minutes. Moisturize the facial skin. Your skin will feel fresh and smooth!

What Good Will Herbal Facial Masks Do?

Herbal beauty products are for those who want beauty products sans any additives. It is indeed very good and you must clap for yourself if you are one of those thousands of people out there who use herbal beauty products only!

Herbal facial masks may heed to any type of skin problem. Some may want to use an herbal mask to treat acne, others may want a whitening facial mask, yet others may want an herbal mask to treat lines and wrinkles. The reason could be any. There is an herbal mask for all types of skin problems. The prefix ‘Herbal’ itself convinces the prospective buyer that the product is free from all chemicals and that it will not play callous on your skin. True! Actual herbal products are very effective in tackling whatsoever skin problem one may be facing.

Herbal facial masks can be made at home also. There is not much hassle involved in the process. All that one needs to know is as to what ingredients to make use of. Of all the herbal facial masks, clay masks and gypsum masks are the most common. They owe their popularity to their effectiveness. You may also try other good homemade facial masks like that of banana and honey, gram flour, oatmeal powder and water, yogurt, turmeric and sandalwood and other such effective facial masks.

Turmeric especially is known to stimulate the flow of blood in the body thereby slowing down the process of aging. The use of turmeric as a beauty enhancer dates back to times immemorial. It is a chief ingredient in most herbal facial masks. Strawberry, grapes and avocados are also naturally available anti-aging products. Cucumber, peppermint, egg, rose, lemon, almonds and chamomile are no less.

Herbal facial masks are readily available in beauty stores. These cater to different sets of people with different skin types.

Facial Masks and Herbal Facial Treatments

Facial masks are one of the oldest beautifying treatments. For beautiful, glowing, fresh skin a facial mask is the easiest way to see immediate results. Once you have determined your skin type and the herbal face masks or facial treatment that is best for you, you simply apply it, leave it on for ten to twenty minutes, then wash off. There are many different types of face masks - each having a differnt effect of either nourishing, anti-aging, anti-acne, healing, cleansing or astringent. Using facial masks made from natural ingredients is easy to do and can be very effective.

What is a Facial or a Facial Mask?

A facial is a procedure involving a variety of skin treatments, including: steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, masks, peels, and massage. Facials are normally performed in spas but can also be found in beauty salons.

Herbal Facial Masks

A facial mask is a creamy mask applied to clean or smooth the face. It often contains minerals, vitamins, and fruit extracts, such as rosemary or cucumber. There are different kinds of masks for different purposes; some are deep cleansing for cleaning the pores, healing acne scars or hyper-pigmentation, or brightening for a gradual illumination of the skin tone. The perceived effect of a facial mask treatment can be revitalizing, rejuvenating or refreshing and can serve temporary or long term benefits depending on its usage.

Masks are generally washed off with tepid water, wiped off by a damp cloth, or peeled off by hand. Duration for wearing a mask depends on the type of mask and the directions specified by the product itself. The time can range anywhere from 5 minutes to overnight. Those with sensitive skin are advised to test out the mask on a small portion of the skin in order to check for any irritations.

Masks can be found anywhere from drugstores to department stores and can vary in its shape and form. They include clay form where it is thicker in consistency and will dry to pull out impurities from the pores, a creamier form that stays damp to hydrate the skin, a sheet style where the paper mask is dampened with liquid to tone and moisturize the skin, and lastly, an in between clay and cream form that includes small sandy beads for exfoliating the skin. These different forms are made to suit different skin types such as oily or dry, as well as the different needs of the skin, whether it be moisturizing, cleansing, or exfoliating. Clay and mud masks suit oily skin while cream based masks suit dry skin types.

Be sure to analyze your skin type before using any type of facial mask.

What to Expect During a Facial Treatment

There are many different types of facial treatments provided by state licensed professionals today; therefore, the procedures and protocol should be somewhat similar no matter where you go to receive a facial treatment. The first thing the client will be asked to do is to complete a client card or informational form. This card will inform the esthetician of your skin type, any allergies you many have and what the best treatment options are for your facial. If you are a returning client, your esthetician should briefly discuss the client card and any changes that may have occurred between visits. Questions determining age, pain threshold, sensitivity, allergies, medications and water consumption are all standard. Never be afraid to ask questions or point out changes in your skin upon return visits. The client card guarantees that the esthetician can provide the best possible facial service.

Most facial procedures will begin with two complete herbal cleanses to remove make up, surface oil and dirt. The esthetician will then cover the client’s eyes briefly and examine the face through a magnified light lamp in order to properly asses the skin’s condition. During the skin assessment, the esthetician may ask questions or describe specific areas of the face, neck and decollate (the area around the collarbone).

Once the assessment is complete, the facialist will continue with the appropriate exfoliate, in order to shed dead skin and increase the effectiveness of the extraction. At this point, a facial steamer may or may not be used on surrounding, exposed skin. Extractions, or purging of the pores, will follow a herbal scrub and steam. The esthetician should never apply too much pressure or cause pain at any time during extractions. Extractions are meant to clear the pores and may feel awkward or uncomfortable, but should not hurt. If at any time the service is uncomfortable or painful, tell the esthetician. During the extraction process, and sometimes the entire treatment, ensure that the esthetician is wearing protective gloves. This protects both you the client and the esthetician. Following extractions, a sterile solution should be swiped over the facial area to clear remaining debris and disinfect the skin.

At this point in the facial, a few things may change or differ depending on the treatment you are receiving. A decollate, neck and facial massage may occur which usually last between 10 and 20 minutes. During the massage, be sure to let the esthetician know if the pressure is too hard or a particular area is sensitive.  An herbal facial mask or peel may follow the extractions or massage, again, depending on the type of facial treatment. After the mask, peels and massages the esthetician will end the appointment with a variety of herbal facial products such as face masks ( or masks), toners, serums, boosters, moisturizers and sunscreen. Feel free to ask questions about any products applied during this time. The esthetician should then leave the room, allowing you to relax and redress.

At the end of your appointment, the facialist will provide drinking water, as it is critical to stay hydrated after treatments, and will speak to you about an at-home regime or product that will ensure that you take the best possible care of your skin in between visits.

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.

Five Natural Ways to Prevent Facial Aging

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. Herbal 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.

Popular Herbs Used in Skin Care and Their Benefits

Popular Herbs Used in Skin Care and Their Benefits: Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Lavender and Rosemary

Today skin care and cosmetics are increasingly going natural. You may have heard that herbs and oils are commonly used in skin care and cosmetics; but, you may not know why or what purpose they serve. why, and what do the do? Four very common and popular herbs that are used in the form of oil or gels are chamomile, Aloe Vera, lavender, and rosemary. All provide unique benefits for the skin and body.

The benefits of chamomile for the skin and body range from calming effects to healing. Recent and on-going research has identified chamomile’s specific benefits as

anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-allergenic. Chamomile is most often recognized as an herbal tea; however, chamomile is present in many skin care products. Chamomile’s active ingredients extracted from the flower are essential oils and flavonoids. Essential oils help to calm and relax irritated skin. Essential oils have also been found to be beneficial to treat and sooth acne prone skin. Flavonoids – or plant metabolites- are rich in anti oxidants that help the body repair and heal damaged skin, as well as fight free radicals, which create damage to bodily cells. Chamomile has few side effects and is effective and beneficial to the skin topically or if ingested.

Aloe Vera contains numerous, minerals, vitamin, enzymes, and natural sugars that help with inflammation. Aloe Vera is commonly known for its healing properties, which explains its popular use in skin care. Aloe Vera aids in the healing of skin burns and cuts and moisturizes and softens skin. Aloe Vera is used in skin care products to help with dry sensitive skin as the plant has unique healing and soothing properties. Taken internally, Aloe Vera has been found to regulate digestion, which in turn builds healthy skin from the inside out. Aloe Vera is available as a gel, spray, lotion, juice, cream and in the form of a capsule. Aloe Vera is most commonly found in soaps, cleansers, facial masks, skin care gels or creams.

Lavender has many uses in skin care that include aiding skin repair, stimulating cell growth, reducing inflammation, preventing scarring and pigmentation, regulating oil production, and reducing pain. Lavender also works as antiseptic or antibacterial agent and is considered an essential oil. Due to its extensive benefits to the skin, lavender is often found in soaps, cleaners, or facial masks formulated to treat acne prone skin.

Rosemary can be used as an essential oil just like chamomile and lavender. Rosemary and lavender are actually found in the same herbal family. Rosemary tones

the skin, helping to even out skin tone and texture, while reliving dryness. Rosemary strengthens capillaries and is good to use on aging skin. Rosemary is found in skin care cleansers, soaps, face masks, toners and creams.

There are many other herbs used in skin care and cosmetics today-most in the form of essential oils or extracts- and all can have different or positive effects on the skin and body. Herbs and oils have been used to heal for many centuries and now are being utilized for safe, natural ways to treat skin conditions and maintain a healthy complexion.

by Tiffany Oney

Herbal Facial Treatments and Seven Tips for Dry Skin

A contributing factor to dry, flaky, skin in winter is a drop in temperature. Although winter sometimes feels damp, there is usually less water in the air than on your skin and that creates a moisture vapour loss from the skin. As skin becomes drier, its surface layer stops producing the natural lipids which prevent moisture loss, and water cannot be retained so easily. Dry skin will also show wrinkles more easlit and contribute to an aging appearance.

Herbalist Greta Breedlove came up with this herbal, natural homemade skin care recipes face utilizing the seed of the avocado. It makes a moisturizing face scrub, especially for dry skin.

AVOCADO FACE SCRUB

Let an avocado dry a few days until you can remove the skin easily. Chop, then pulverize in a blender or food mill. Moisten with a little milk and smooth over your face, throat.

AVOCADO FACIAL CLEANSER

One egg yolk, beaten until light and frothy
1/2 cup milk
1/2 avacado, peeled and mashed

Beat the mixture with a fork until you have a thin cream or lotion consistency. Apply with cotton balls as you would a cleanser.

As a result of all these factors, sometimes skin on the face and body tends to be in worse condition in the winter months than at other times of the year. In extreme cases, a constant drying effect can even lead to cracking, flaking and redness.

These four tips for helping to keep dry skin at bay during the colder months come from Dr. Kucy Pon, Olay dermatologist.

1. A moisturizer is essential - A moisturizer performs several important functions, including replacing lost water. Water-binding ingredients, such as glycerin, help keep it in the skin.

2. Create an oasis - Put some moisture back into the air by using a humidifier in your home or office. It will counteract the drying effects of indoor heat.

3. Drink lots of water - Increase your body’s natural moisture level by staying hydrated throughout the day.

4. Keep wrapped up - Dress for the season and try to limit your skin’s exposure to harsh temperatures and damaging winds.

If you have dry skin, then you probably already know it can be really difficult to care for. When you don’t look after it properly, it can become flaky, and if it gets really bad, may even become irritated and red. Although it’s possible to find plenty of products that claim to be able to solve dry skin problems, unfortunately most of their claims are sales hype.

Although most over the counter products don’t do much to combat dry skin, there are a number of things you can do to improve the condition of your skin. It’s mostly a question of making some basic changes to your daily skincare routine. It won’t take long for your skin to appear more healthy and vibrant.

With dry skin, you have completely the opposite problem to someone with oily skin. Basically, your skin is suffering from a lack of sebum, the oil that helps to keep the skin moist and supple. People with oily skin produce far too much sebum. Sebum is actually made from skin cells, and is an essential ingredient in healthy, supple skin. Because dry skin has insufficient oil, you need to replace it from both inside and outside.

5.  Moisturize

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to use a good quality moisturizer. Choose a cream that is rich, but not heavy. Consider choosing an herbal or natural cream with aloe vera and chamomile. Both these ingredients are very soothing, as well as helping to reduce dryness and improve the skin’s healing abilities.

6. Choose Healthy Foods

You also need to look at the type of foods you eat. It’s important to choose healthy foods, because the healthier your body, the healthier your skin will be. You may not realize this, but your skin is actually the largest organ of your body. So it needs to be nourished just like all the other organs in your body.

7.  Supplement

Depending on the types of food you already eat, you might need to consider taking a supplement, such as Vitamin E, Omega-3 oils and B-Complex vitamins. Making sure you get enough of these important nutrients is a great way to improve the condition of your skin.

By nourishing your skin in all these ways, you should soon a marked reduction in the level of dryness. Helping your skin to be more supple and moist also helps to slow down the process of aging, so you’re the winner in two ways.

By Tom Turner

Why Herbal Facial Masks are Better for You

Our skin is the largest organ of the body and protects the rest of our organs from outside elements and harm. We have all been taught to take care of our skin not only to look good, but also to be healthy.

The benefits of eating natural, whole foods have been getting a lot of press in recent years. If you want beautiful skin, a healthy inside will reflect a healthy outside. Today, natural, herbal and organic skin care is the fastest growing area in the skin care and beauty industry.

Why are herbal facial masks best? Beauty products have been known to contain many chemicals such as parabens, to preserve their shelf life. Parabens are actually harmful to the skin, and overall health.  Herbal skin care products and facial masks are all natural and do not contain any chemicals or preservatives. The key ingredients used to make these products contain few if any toxins or chemicals.

You may then ask, “Do herbal face masks expire more quickly than others?” The answer is no. In order to extend the product’s shelf life, it is best that you use something sanitary–such as a spatula–to remove products from containers and always close containers directly after use. It is widely agreed upon that once skin care products of any kind are opened and exposed to air, they should be used or thrown out after 6 months.

When herbal or organic face masks are used to treat skin disorders such as eczema and acne, they are much less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin. Choosing herbal masks are a beneficial and safe way to take care of your skin and overall health. Today there are many herbal  facial masks and complementary products to choose from, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, make-up and even anti-aging serums.

Some herbal facial products you may already have at home are: essential oils like ginger and tea tree, natural plant oils such as grape seed and almond oil, and herbs such as lavender and green tea. You can use these in your bath or make fabulous natural, facial treatments. The internet or your local library has hundreds of great recipes to choose.

Natural, fruit extracts such as papaya, apples, citrus and cucumbers are proven to have a healthy effect on the skin, due to the absence of toxic pesticides. As you can imagine, there are many great herbal skin care lines and face masks available for retail, if you’re not interested in making your own home remedies. However, “herball” doesn’t always mean organic or natural and labels can be deceiving; do some research on ingredients that seem skeptical.

The intent of this article is to help you be aware what you are putting on your skin and what harmful ingredients may be looming in your favorite skin care products. Now that you know more about herbal face masks follow the below home recipe for a great glow!

Make sure that your herbal at home ingredients are certified organic or all natural.

Moisturizing Avocado Mask:

1 avocado, 1 teaspoon of apple vinegar, 1 egg white, 3 teaspoons of olive oil. Peel and mash avocado. Separate and beat egg white, add to mashed avocado along with other ingredients. Apply to face and wash off after 20 minutes.

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.

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