We all know that to keep our skin looking radiant and youthful it is necessary to follow a good skin care regimen. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing are three steps that you should follow for smooth blemish free skin. But one very important and essential step that most of us ignore is that of exfoliation. Due to dust, grime and pollution our skin gets clogged with dirt which cannot be eliminated by simply washing with a face wash. In addition to this, the skin naturally sheds dead cells which needs to be scrubbed off. An excess accumulation of dead cells on the surface layer of the skin makes it look lifeless and dull. An exfoliating facial mask helps to get rid of these problems as it scrubs out the dead cells and grime from your skin.
Best Exfoliating Mask
The best exfoliating mask is one which not only scrubs away dead cells and dirt from your skin but also does so gently without stripping away moisture and essential oils. Choose an exfoliating face mask that is suitable for your skin type and stay away from any facial masks that have too many chemicals in them. Instead, opt for masks that are fruit or vegetable based as these contain alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. These type of fruit and vegetable based masks are gentle enough to be used by people with sensitive skin too. A facial mask should not be used everyday like a face wash or skin moisturizer; it should ideally be used once or twice a week. If you have oily or combination skin then you should opt for a clay face mask. This helps to remove excess oil from skin and also helps to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. It also reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. A clay mask will remove impurities from deep within your pores and make your skin soft, supple and smooth. Some good exfoliating clay mask are The Body Shop Ionic Clay Mask, St. Ives Mineral Clay Firming Mask, Freeman Superfruits Detoxifying Clay Facial Mask and Laura Mercier Deep Cleansing Clay Mask.
If you have dry skin then you want a gentle exfoliator that will not dry out your skin further. A good peel off mask and a moisturizing mask is just right for you as it will exfoliate your skin gently, leaving it soft and fresh. Those with mature skin should look for a hydrating mask that deep cleanses and also moisturizes the skin reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Some effective exfoliating masks are Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Exfoliating Mask, Murad Exfoliating Fruit Enzyme Mask, Nude Skincare Miracle Mask, LUSH Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask and The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask.
Homemade Exfoliating Face Mask
You can make a very good exfoliating mask at home by using things that are easily available in your kitchen and pantry. These homemade facial masks are gentle on your skin and are also highly effective.
Pumpkin Mask
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons pineapple, diced
- 1 teaspoon green tea, brewed
- 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel
- 4 teaspoons cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon honey
- teaspoon jojoba oil
Steep the green tea in boiling water and reserve the water in a small bowl. In another bowl, add the pumpkin puree, honey and aloe vera and mix it well. In a food processor blend the pineapple to a fine paste and add it to the pumpkin puree. Add the cornmeal and pour in the jojoba oil to make a thick paste. Now add the green tea to this paste to get the right consistency. Apply this pumpkin mask on your face in a thin layer and keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
Pomegranate Mask
Ingredients
- cup fresh pomegranate
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon organic honey
In a food processor process the pomegranate and add the lemon juice and honey to make a smooth paste. Spread the paste on your face and keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes until the mask is dry. Wash it off with water and apply a moisturizer.
Sugar and Olive Oil Mask
Ingredients
- cup olive oil
- cup granular sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with lemon juice and sugar. Apply this scrub over your skin and leave it on for 2-3 minutes. Rub the scrub over your skin in gentle circular motion and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Whether you use a store-bought mask or a homemade one, make sure that you do not use them more than once a week. Over exfoliating the skin can make it dry and flaky. An exfoliating mask is a great way to get rid of dead cells and keep your skin looking radiant and fresh.
