The skin comes out very stressed after winter time. In fact, in these months it has been subjected to sudden changes in temperature, wind and cold that have impoverished the hydrolipid barrier with a loss in ceramides, which are lipids that support the skin barrier, causing dry skin, which reddens easily (Ishikawa et al, J Cosmet Dermatol, 2013). So how to nourish the skin to enter spring with hydrated, radiant and renewed skin? We can use beauty masks that we can make ourselves at home with a few simple ingredients, many of which you can find even now in your kitchen!
Yogurt masks
Yogurt is an excellent ingredient for beauty masks. Several studies have observed that yogurt-based compresses have increased skin hydration, its brightness and its elasticity (Yeom et al, J Cosmet Sci, 2011). So here is a mask, excellent for mature skin, or for skin that tends to dry out easily, losing tone and elasticity, or to act as a preventive measure and preserve a young and fresh complexion. In a bowl, pour 4 tablespoons of thick yogurt. Add half a teaspoon of fresh brewer's yeast and mix. Brewer's yeast improves hydration and helps to counteract those small sagging of the skin that will then lead to the formation of wrinkles (Gaspar et al, Food Chem Toxicol, 2008). Combine two drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus, in fact, is shown to be capable of promoting the synthesis of ceramides and accelerating the restoration of the damaged skin barrier and skin hydration (Ishikawa et al, J Cosmet Dermatol, 2013). Apply to cleansed face for ten minutes, then rinse and continue with your usual treatment.
Masks with clay and jojoba oil
Even acne-prone skin needs pampering. In this case, in fact, the cold and atmospheric agents can on the one hand dehydrate the skin and on the other push it to produce more sebum, thus increasing the formation of pimples and blackheads. The mask prepared with ventilated green clay and jojoba oil is excellent. In fact, green clay absorbs excess sebum, cleans the pores and removes impurities. Not only that, the clay stimulates blood flow, thus ensuring oxygen and nourishment to the skin, which otherwise, after being subjected to atmospheric agents and cold, risks becoming impoverished. Jojoba oil is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, helps regulate sebum production and is moisturizing (Meier et al, Forsch Komplementmed, 2012). In this way it is possible to improve the skin texture, reduce the formation of boils and blackheads and at the same time nourish, hydrate and balance the skin. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ventilated green clay and pour as much water as necessary to obtain a cream. You can use tap water or even lavender, antiseptic, or lemon balm water, which helps regulate sebum production. Mix. Add a teaspoon of jojoba oil and apply to your face for ten minutes. The extra idea? Boil a carrot and add it, mashed to the mixture. Beta carotene will help fight skin spots, make the complexion homogeneous and radiant and fight oxidative stress, which is high in acne (Bowe et al, Lipids Health Dis, 2010).
Honey masks
Honey is an exceptional cosmetic. In fact, it is humectant, emollient, soothing, healing and able to leave the skin soft (Burlando et al, J Cosmet Dermatol, 2013). Here is a mask suitable for skin that gets irritated easily. Blend a dozen raspberries, frozen and defrosted ones are fine. Raspberries are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Add 2 tablespoons of very thick Greek yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix and apply on the face for about ten minutes, then rinse and continue with your treatment.
Spirulina masks
Spirulina algae is not only an antioxidant superfood, but also an exceptional ingredient for deeply moisturizing and anti-aging beauty masks, for mature skin or to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and skin blemishes. In fact, spirulina acts on the skin as an anti-aging, not only that, it is moisturizing, acting as a booster for skin hydration and counteracting the loss of water through the epidermis, illuminating, helping to restore the skin barrier and fighting dark skin spots (Ragusa et al, Cosmetics, 2021). In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of thick Greek yogurt and a teaspoon of spirulina algae powder. You can blend 3-4 basil leaves, illuminating and anti-aging, along with a teaspoon of argan or jojoba oil, add to the yogurt mixture. Apply to your face and leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse and continue with your treatment.
