Masks for problematic facial skin help cure acne and tighten pores; they are easy to prepare. And the necessary components are easy to find in any kitchen. Homemade care products will also relieve flaking or hyperpigmentation and improve the condition of sagging skin. They are suitable for teenagers and older women.
Their use in courses gives visible, lasting results. It is important not to overdo it, take breaks every month or two. It is worth changing recipes periodically so as not to become addictive.
Problem skin and the reasons for its appearance
Most often, the epithet “problematic” is used when talking about skin prone to inflammation, oily sheen, and enlarged pores. Peeling, hyperpigmentation, and a tendency to irritation are also characteristic of it. Care for this type of dermis must be carefully selected, taking into account all the needs of the skin, and not just solving a specific problem.
The epidermis, which is prone to increased fat content, should not be overdried. Alcohol-containing cosmetics are used locally during periods of exacerbation of inflammation. Moisturizing and nutrition should be regular, and additional care should include medications. Problem skin will look healthy if you choose wisely face masks that are easy to prepare at home.
Causes of skin problems:
- Genetic predisposition. Skin type cannot be changed, so properly selected care is important.
- Adolescence. Due to the increased production of sex hormones, sebum secretion often increases, and associated problems arise in the form of acne and blackheads.
- Diseases of the endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract, gynecological.
- Frequent stress, improper daily routine, smoking.
Abuse of fast food, sweet, spicy, smoked foods, and alcohol negatively affects the condition of the epidermis.
How to choose an anti-acne mask
The main criterion for choosing an anti-acne mask is its component composition. It is important that it contains as few harmful synthetic components as possible, which create an airtight film on the skin. Under this film, the skin cannot perform its respiratory and excretory functions; pathogenic microorganisms multiply under it, which only worsens the problem. Such harmful substances include mineral oils, synthetic glycerin, etc.
An effective acne mask should consist of absorbent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing components. If it contains vitamin complexes, vegetable oils and extracts, this is also very good. Some products contain specialized ingredients that dissolve the contents of clogged and enlarged pores (AHA acids), or reduce the rate of formation of the stratum corneum (retinol), and regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands (white clay, salicylic acid, zinc oxide).
In addition to the composition of the cosmetic product, it is useful to consider some other aspects that may influence your choice:
- Drug category
– professional, for home use, cosmeceuticals (medicinal cosmetics). The first and last options are more reliable, since their effectiveness has been tested and proven clinically.
- Characteristics of the mask
– consistency, smell, exposure time, ease of rinsing, sensations during exposure. Such information can be obtained from reviews of those users who have used this or that drug from their own experience. Reviews also often say whether the product was liked or not, whether the person plans to use it in the future, etc.
- The ratio of the volume of packaging and the cost of an acne mask.
Sometimes a small, seemingly inexpensive tube actually costs more than a bottle that contains much more cosmetic product. Always divide the total cost of the drug by the volume, so you will know the price per 1 gram or milliliter.
- Country of origin and brand, its reputation
. The highest quality cosmetics are produced in France, Germany, England, Israel, America, Switzerland and Asian countries (Japan, South Korea). However, the domestic manufacturer also has something to offer to owners of problem skin prone to acne. Such professional brands as Aravia, Mesopharm Professional, Active produce effective and safe skincare cosmetics that easily solve the tasks assigned to them.
- Thomas release
. The acne mask should be maximally protected from the penetration of air and microorganisms into the container, as this can negatively affect its composition and properties. Therefore, it is better to give preference to tubes and bottles or disposable sachets with a cosmetic product rather than the usual wide jars with screw caps.
- Package design
is of great importance if a man intends to use an acne mask. Typically, representatives of the stronger sex do not want to keep a tube or jar with a mask on the shelf in the bathroom, which is designed as a feminine care product. Fortunately, most of these drugs have a so-called pharmaceutical, completely non-commercial, laconic design.
What ingredients will help improve facial skin?
Face masks that improve the condition of oily skin are prepared from various components. The most effective:
- Yeast. They reduce sebum production, cleanse pores, dry out inflammation, and remove toxins due to the steaming effect. Improves the condition of mature dermis, restores hydro-lipid balance.
- Gelatin. Tightens pores, removes impurities from them, has a lifting effect, treats acne.
- Cereals. Moisturize, nourish, have an exfoliating effect, relieve acne and comedones.
- Dairy products. Kefir, cottage cheese, yoghurts whiten, moisturize, and reduce the severity of acne marks. Reduces the activity of sebaceous glands and promotes regeneration.
- Various vegetables, fruits, herbs. Parsley, sorrel or cilantro will lighten areas with post-acne and nourish the skin with vitamins. Citrus juice will relieve inflammation. Aloe vera dries out acne and moisturizes the skin. Potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and avocados are also effective.
- Tar soap. Quickly gets rid of acne and reduces oiliness.
- Cosmetic clay. Deeply cleanses pores, neutralizes inflammation, increases elasticity.
- Egg. Moisturizes, nourishes, dries acne.
You can add essential oils to homemade masks - tea tree, pine, eucalyptus, citrus fruits or medications (aspirin).
Coffee grounds, ground almond kernels or oatmeal play the role of nourishing, vitamin-rich scrub-masks.
Contraindications for use
General contraindications are skin injuries, including small wounds after self-opening of acne. For any serious dermatological diseases, masks should be abandoned.
You should stop using home remedies if they do not produce results after 14 days.
Individual intolerance to the components is a contraindication.
For grade III and IV acne, it is prohibited to use homemade masks without consulting a dermatologist.
Tips from cosmetologists
It is important to prepare homemade masks for problem skin from fresh ingredients. It is better to mix the components in a separate glass or ceramic container, in which food will not be stored later.
Experts recommend adhering to the following rules:
- Apply the mask for a quarter of an hour.
- Thoroughly cleanse your face beforehand, even if you don’t have any decorative cosmetics on it.
- Wash your hands before preparing and applying masks.
- Rinse off the compositions only with warm, running water.
- Finally, treat your face with tonic and apply cream.
Preliminary steaming of the skin allows you to significantly increase the effectiveness of the procedures. Regular use of peelings improves the condition of problematic epidermis. Reviewing your diet and giving up bad habits will also help you quickly restore health and beauty to your skin.
Cosmetologists do not recommend frequently touching your face with particularly dirty hands. Girls and women with problem skin need to change their pillowcases two or three times a week.
How to properly care for your skin while wearing a protective mask
In the morning
- Wash your face with water and an acne-fighting product, then use a mild toner.
- Apply moisturizer - it will reduce the friction of the mask.
- Use creams that do not “load” the skin. The ideal choice is gel creams and light serums.
- Pay attention to care with antioxidants that will protect your skin from the negative effects of the environment.
- Avoid dense textures. Also exclude retinol and other irritating components - the mask enhances the effect of the substances, which negatively affects the skin.
- The cream should be applied 15 minutes before putting on the mask so that it has time to be absorbed and its remnants are not erased.
In the evening
- Cleanse your skin immediately after returning home. Sweat, grease and dirt accumulate under the mask, which is best removed as quickly as possible.
- Add products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic and other AHA acids to your evening care. If your skin is irritated after a mask, choose products with low concentrations or temporarily replace them with mild products.
- To prevent irritation, do not use multiple products with active ingredients at the same time. Apply intensive products to individual pimples, not to the entire surface of the face. If you are used to using products with retinol, alternate them daily.
The best recipes for therapeutic masks for problematic facial skin
Effective recipes for combination (oily) skin:
- The easiest way to prepare masks for problem skin at home is from yeast. Pour two teaspoons of the dry product with boiled, warm water (a tablespoon), leave for 10 minutes in a warm place. To increase effectiveness, you can add the juice of half a lemon or 15 drops of tea tree oil. A tablespoon of white or dove clay will help to cleanse the pores more deeply. The product should not be applied to areas near the mouth or eyes.
- The combination of kefir and white clay quickly neutralizes inflammation. Pour a tablespoon of clay with 50 milliliters of kefir. Mix everything thoroughly.
- A face mask for oily and problem skin that allows you to remove post-acne and reduce sebum production at home is prepared from sorrel and egg white. Chop a small bunch of greens and mix with a beaten egg. If desired, you can add chopped parsley.
- A mixture of cottage cheese and the juice of half a lemon will not only whiten the skin, but also relieve inflammation and nourish. Two teaspoons of cottage cheese are combined with 10 milliliters of lemon juice, left on the face for 5 minutes, then a second layer is applied and left for another 5 minutes.
- Therapeutic masks for problem skin that significantly improve the condition of the face can be prepared from aloe vera juice, honey, and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Mix 20 milliliters of plant juice with a teaspoon of honey and add 3 drops of peroxide.
For dry skin, it is better to use the following recipes:
- Grind the pulp of one persimmon to a puree-like state, add a tablespoon of honey.
- Mix the pulp of one avocado with red clay (a tablespoon).
- Grind the kernels of 4 walnuts and mix with the beaten yolk of one egg.
- Add 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to full-fat kefir (2 tablespoons) and mix.
Suitable for any skin type:
- Mixtures with gelatin. It must be diluted (1:5) with heavy cream or milk. If you have rosacea, you should not use this mask.
- Steam a tablespoon of rolled oats with warm milk (30 milliliters), add 3 crushed aspirin tablets.
- Grind two tablets of streptocide into powder, mix with olive oil, apply only to areas with inflammation.
Kefir restores the natural microflora on the surface of the epidermis.
To learn how to treat problem skin, watch the video:
Professional masks
Christina Comodex Astringe&Regulate Mask
The tightening and regulating mask Christina Comodex Astringe&Regulate Mask was created by Israeli specialists for those who naturally have oily skin with enlarged pores, prone to acne.
Thanks to zinc oxide in the composition, the mask will significantly reduce pores and eliminate oily shine, a duet of chamomile and Asian centella extracts will relieve inflammation and soothe the skin, allantoin will take care of restoring damaged skin, and rosemary will help the skin remain young and toned.
Pros:
- Tightens pores;
- Soothes irritations;
- Relieves redness;
- Significantly improves skin condition;
- Economical consumption;
- Good volume (250 ml).
Minuses:
- It is recommended to use in combination with other products of the same series;
- High price;
- Not always on sale.
Gigi Lipacid Mask
Face mask for oily skin Gigi Lipacid Mask is intended for application only to problem areas affected by acne and acne.
A high concentration of active ingredients, including triclosan, lipacid, sulfur compounds, and natural chamomile extract, creates an enhanced therapeutic effect. This miraculous Israeli development can stop the development of microbial flora, soothe irritated skin, heal damage, even out the relief and remove unaesthetic acne spots. As a result of use, there is a significant improvement in the condition of the epidermis, and the natural protective barrier of the skin is restored.
Pros:
- Light pleasant consistency;
- Well absorbed;
- Does not leave any unpleasant sensations;
- Has a comprehensive healing effect;
- The result is noticeable after the first use;
- Lasting effect.
Minuses:
- Specific smell;
- Recommended for use together with Lipacid soap of the same series;
- You need to wash it off very carefully.
Alcina Herbal Mask
A mask for oily skin with plant extracts Alcina Herbal Mask based on kaolin (white clay) prevents excess sebum secretion and perfectly tightens pores, which ultimately eliminates inflammation, relieves itching, and significantly reduces rashes.
The mask contains fruit acids, natural antibiotics and natural oils of chamomile and lavender, which allows you to cope with bacteria, improve skin elasticity, and even out tone. After using the mask, your skin will be smooth and silky.
Suitable for both oily and combination skin.
Pros:
- A complex of natural ingredients;
- Effective action:
- Quick results;
- Comprehensive care;
- Doesn't dry out;
- Does not cause peeling.
Minuses:
- Small volume (50 ml);
- Requires application skills - dries very quickly;
- Wasteful consumption;
- Not always on sale.