Yes, but only to an extent.
But pure functionality isnt really the reason a lot of people use face masks.
I like usingthis $3 clay face mask from CVSeven though Im not sure if its working or not.
It applies thickly and makes me feel like Im Mia from The Princess Diariesduring her makeover montage.
What are some good face masks I can start with?
If youre unsure where to start with your mask, theres no shortage of recipes.
There are hundreds ofPinterest boards just for face masks.
Lifehacker hasa postwith homemade skincare products, including face masks.
Then, add in 3 tablespoons of honey and apply it to your face for 15-20 minutes.
A mask for exfoliation and reducing inflammation is Bowes coffee and yogurt mask.
Then spread it onto your face and rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water.
What does each ingredient do?
There are lots of common ingredients shared by most face masks.
Theres no fancy formula behind making a maskyou just need to combine a few ingredients.
Avocadoscan help moisturize your face.
It is also an exfoliant, so itll help you remove dead skin cells and liven up your face.
Bananashave enzymes that remove dead skin cells and make your skin look firmer and brighter.
Bananas are also good for moisturizing your skin.
Baking sodais anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.
It helps reduce acne but, contrary to popular belief, doesnt fade acne scars.
Cocca powderis exfoliating and slightly reduces inflammation.
Coffee or coffee groundsreduce swelling and puffiness in the face because it has caffeine.
Green teais soothing and reduces inflammation.
Honeyhas is antibacterial, so it will help kill bacteria on your face and reduce acne.
Honey is also an exfoliant that will help you remove dead skin cells.
Milkis a great moisturizer, and it helps reduce inflammation.
Its also useful in helping change the consistency of your face mask so that its more spreadable.
Oatmealis a good exfoliant and anti-inflammatory.
Pumpkincontains salicylic acid, which reduces acne because of its antibacterial properties.
Its also slightly exfoliating.
Tomatoesare great for soothing irritated skin (including from sunburns).
Theyre also good for brightening skin.
Yogurthelps soothe and moisturize irritated skin.
What should you avoid using?
Lemon/Citrus fruit juicesare highly acidic.
According to Bowe, these acids immediately disrupt your skins natural barrier and cause a significant amount of irritation.
The oils in citrus fruits are also phototoxic, meaning they make you way more sensitive to the sun.
Spices, such as cinnamonmight irritate the skin.
Cinnamon can be anti-aging because it reduces inflammation, but it can cause the skin to burn.
So do be sure topatch testit before applying it to your face.
Also, if you use egg whites, be careful about how they react with other ingredients.
Also, dont overusecharcoal.
I used honey in a two-to-one ratio with the Greek yogurt and mixed them together.
Finally, apply the mask to your face for 15 to 30 minutes.
I just used my fingers and waited until the mask dried (which took around 30 minutes).
Then, I washed off the mask with warm water, and my skin felt great.
It felt smoother and firmer.
