How Good Are Herbal Facial Masks?

A facial mask helps to remove dead skin cells, open up blocked pores and delay overall aging. Although, readymade facial masks are a big hit, nothing can compare the natural and herbal beauty secrets. Herbal beauty products and natural ways to skincare are unparalleled. What is more, these herbal facial masks are very easy to make at home. If you are not the kind who would do the hassle of arranging constituents, blending them and applying them all by yourself, there is nothing to worry. These days, many herbal masks are available out in the market so you don’t have to go through the bother of making one yourself.

Coming to herbal mask benefits, there are more benefits than what can be jotted down here. The concept of applying a facial mask for beauty purposes is very old. The age of masks itself speaks about the benefits of these masks. Besides ordinary cleansing, nourishing, exfoliating and vitalizing of the facial skin, a facial mask tackles various specific problems like acne, wrinkles, lines, aging etc. For deep cleansing of the facial pores, facial masks happen to the best form of facial treatment. Herbal facial masks are all the more advantageous.

Herbal facial masks, or any facial masks for that matter, are easy to apply and remove. The timing differs from mask to mask but usually they should be left for not less than 15 minutes. While removing, do not rub the mask harshly off the skin. It will be wise to use a soft piece of cloth or cotton or lukewarm water to allow the mask to gently come out.

The most common elements of a herbal facial mask are milk, lemongrass, calendula, Aloe Vera, chamomile, honey, kaolin, avocadoes and egg whites. One must be extra cautious while applying the mask so that it does not get into eyes or somewhere.

What, How And Where Of Herbal Facial Masks

Facial masks are the best of all anti-aging products. Besides, very few would know, facial masks act as great stress busters. Herbal facial masks, since these are made from botanical or herbal ingredients, are much more beneficial not only in making you appear youthful and radiant but also in helping to relieve all forms of stress. There is a multitude of herbal facial masks if you are on the lookout for one.

The decision as regards which facial mask to go in for will depend on your skin problem as well as skin type. There are different facial masks to cater to different problems like herbal acne facial masks, herbal masks to tackle wrinkles etc.

Herbal facial mask mix can be either obtained from the market or it may as well be pretty much made at home without much effort. Whether the mix is homemade or it is readymade, before its application you must make sure that your face is well cleaned of all makeup and dirt. The next point of consideration is the preparation of facial mask mix. You must stir it to form a paste for well over 15 minutes. Continuous stirring is suggested in order to avoid formation of any lumps. Mix only in such quantity as you think will serve your purpose. That is to say, you must avoid storing the mixed ingredients. Okay, now that the mix is ready, you may begin with its application not only all over the face but also along the throat and behind the ears.

The basic ingredients involved in almost all kinds of herbal facial masks are glycerin, lemon, strawberry, honey, olive oil, peach, clay, banana, cream, mud, rose water and almond oil. Besides there are numerous other herbs, you might not even know of their existence, which possess magical beauty components.

Herbal Facial 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, 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