The skin dries and tightens due to exposure to stressful and unfavorable natural factors, and soft, delicate, moisturizing masks are required to restore it. They normalize the water balance in skin tissues, form a protective film, and prevent premature aging.
You can use store-bought preparations, but it is better to make masks for dry skin from healthy products at home.
Why do you need hydration?
The skin constantly loses moisture. This depends on lifestyle, negative influences of the external environment, and regularity of fluid intake. Daily care allows you to keep the water level at the desired level. As soon as the skin loses moisture, it begins to dry out and flake; there is a feeling of tightness. But these are only external manifestations. At the same time, the skin's barrier function decreases and it is more susceptible to inflammatory processes. It also begins to age faster and wrinkles appear on it. That is why hydration is the main indicator of its youth.
Signs your skin needs to drink more
There is a misconception that oily skin cannot suffer from dehydration. But a lack of moisture can bother absolutely any epidermis. Each type reacts differently to the lack of valuable moisture. If dry skin always requires hydration, then you need to be able to recognize other types of “signals”.
- Oily skin. She begins to "suffocate." The lack of oxygen that comes with water affects it. The production of sebum increases and the shine increases. Peeling appears, most often in the forehead and nose. The color fades and a “gray” tint appears.
- Normal skin. It begins to peel off and small wrinkles appear. The epidermis loses its smoothness, some areas become rough.
- Combination skin. Dehydration manifests itself in peeling of the cheek area, the sudden appearance of fine wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and on the nose.
Regardless of the type, with a lack of moisture, tightness is felt, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity. With active facial expressions, microdepressions and deeper wrinkles may appear.
There is a simple method for determining whether the epidermis is dry: pinch a small area of skin with two fingers and release. A healthy, moisturized dermis will quickly return to its previous shape. If after this test it takes a long time to “straighten out” or small wrinkles appear, it means that the cover is crying out for additional moisture. In such a situation, a moisturizing face mask will bring significant benefits and will be an excellent prevention of premature aging.
The benefits of masks
Moisturizing is necessary not only for those whose skin is prone to dryness. Those with oily, problematic or combination skin will also need this protection. Moisturizing facial masks help:
- normalize blood flow, which leads to saturation with oxygen and nutrients;
- prevent the occurrence of acne and blackheads;
- make the epidermis more elastic, narrow the pores.
In order for the effect to be regular, it is recommended to make masks in courses of fifteen procedures, carried out every other day. And to prevent dryness, they are applied no more than twice a week.
Why the epidermis of the face should be moisturized
The human body consists of approximately 65% water, so its reserves must be constantly replenished. People drink water every few hours, and if there is no access to liquid, they begin to feel increasing thirst. Moisture is no less important for the skin of the body, especially the face. It not only helps to increase the elasticity of the epidermis, but also saturates the cells with oxygen and gives them the opportunity to “breathe”.
The less moisture enters the epidermis, the worse it looks. Problems such as dryness, flaking, thinning, sagging, enlarged pores, grayness and dullness of the skin, acne and blackheads arise. Toxins and impurities cease to be eliminated. The dermis ages faster, and the regenerative processes in it are suspended.
To increase skin moisture, you can use special moisturizers. But dermal cells, which are negatively affected by external and internal factors, may not fully accept such care. They need additional nourishment. In this situation, you can use professional masks, or the best recipes for moisturizing masks to prepare yourself. These recipes have been tested by many women, and their effectiveness has been proven by the experience of more than one generation.
However, it is worth considering that even the best recipes for moisturizing masks will not help normalize the condition of the facial epidermis if you do not help the body from the inside. To do this, you first need to drink enough clean water every day. For a woman whose daily activity is at an average level, drinking 1.5-2.5 liters is enough. water in order to maintain optimal water balance in the body and dermis.
When are moisturizing masks indicated?
Such procedures can be used for any skin type. They help get rid of problems that arise:
- as a result of the aggressive effects of UV study. After tanning, the skin needs special hydration and nutrition;
- after visiting a sauna or steam bath, where the skin was exposed to high temperatures;
- while following a diet and reducing the amount of fluid consumed;
- in winter;
- with a lack of vitamins;
- after regular use of cosmetics.
Causes of "thirst"
The condition of the skin can be influenced by both internal processes of the body and external factors. Before taking measures to moisturize and nourish the skin, you need to determine the source of the “drought.” This will help you choose the right mask components and quickly return your skin to a beautiful, well-groomed appearance. The reasons may be as follows.
- Avitaminosis. The diet should contain vitamins B, A, E and C.
- Congenital dryness. The dry type requires constant care and measures for high-quality hydration.
- Dry air. In summer you need to use sunscreen. Frequent sunbathing can lead to fine wrinkles and premature aging of the skin. In winter, half an hour before going outside, you can lubricate it with a rich, nourishing cream - this will protect the epidermis from frost and strong wind. During the heating period, the air in the room also becomes very dry. This can be easily corrected with the help of special humidifiers.
- Unbalanced diet. And illiterate diets. This includes frequent consumption of alcohol, sweet carbonated drinks, and coffee in large quantities. The lack of clean water in the diet also affects the hydration of facial skin. An incorrect diet is especially harmful for oily skin, which can turn into problematic skin due to poor nutrition.
- Reaction to drugs. A consultation with your doctor will help correct the situation.
- Various diseases. Such as xerosis, dermatitis, hypovitaminosis.
In addition to the main reasons, the condition of the skin can be affected by improper or too rough care, for example:
- washing with hard water;
- hard towel;
- inaccurate hair drying when the hair dryer is often pointed towards the face;
- low-quality decorative cosmetics;
- too frequent use of foundation and powder;
- incorrect care.
To return the skin to its normal state, you first need to eliminate the cause of dehydration. And special moisturizing procedures will help restore water balance.
Who needs hydration?
The first signs that the skin does not receive enough water are the appearance of peeling, unpleasant sensations of tightness and the appearance of inflammation. In addition, the skin of women over thirty is in dire need of hydration, when the first wrinkles begin to form. Properly selected masks cannot turn back time, but they will greatly help slow down the aging process associated with loss of skin elasticity. Moisturizing masks also help saturate the bloodstream with oxygen and deeply cleanse the skin of cosmetics. So it is recommended to use them from the same age at which you start using decorative cosmetics.
At what age is a tightening procedure required?
After 35 years, age-related changes begin to occur.
This causes:
- changes in facial oval;
- decreased skin tone;
- sallow complexion;
- deterioration of tissue regeneration;
- swelling in the morning;
- the appearance of the first wrinkles.
The aging process cannot be stopped, but there is a chance to slow it down if you start using deep moisturizers in time.
Masks with a lifting effect will provide additional assistance; the components they contain improve blood circulation. As a result, the epidermal cells are saturated with oxygen and nutrients. If you use moisturizing and tightening products regularly, you can reduce wrinkles or prevent their appearance, as well as restore elasticity to tissues.
Rules for using masks for moisturizing
In order to achieve the desired effect with high-quality moisturizing of the skin, it must be regularly saturated with nutrients and oxygen. Therefore, homemade masks are made in courses, and between them - no more than twice a week. You should not overuse moisturizing face masks, especially if they are salon products. For example, Herbalife moisturizing serums need to be used two to three times a week to achieve a lasting effect. What should you keep in mind before you start using homemade masks at home?
About precaution.
The compositions can be used on the skin of the face, hands, neck and décolleté, avoiding the area around the eyes and lips. To moisturize these delicate areas, special products are used, which are best purchased at a professional salon.
About preparation
. The procedure must be carried out after treating the skin: first it must be thoroughly cleaned, then steamed.
About hygiene.
For even application, use a clean brush or sponge. Plus it's more hygienic.
About the right lines
. All masks are applied in massage directions: from the chin, center of the forehead, nose and upper lip - to the temples.
About a calm face.
During the procedure, it is worth maintaining neutral facial expressions, so it is better to carry it out alone so that there is no desire to talk or laugh. Even a smile can ruin the whole effect.
Are there any contraindications for such masks? Only if the composition includes a product to which you are individually intolerant. If, after applying the mixture, your face begins to pinch, tingle and burn unpleasantly, it should be washed off with plenty of water.
Features of skin types
Each skin type has its own way of “telling” the need for additional hydration. And each type requires an individual approach to its hydration. How can you tell if your skin doesn't have enough water? You need to know some of the features of each type separately.
- Normal. It is distinguished by the harmonious operation of all “systems”. He has a well-balanced water-salt balance and metabolism, and the sebaceous glands function correctly. The skin is smooth and clean, there is no redness or oily sheen. Has a healthy color, sometimes with a slight blush.
- Dry. Suffers from lack of moisture, often peels and cracks. It has an even, but grayish or dull color. Barrier functions are impaired, so irritation and acne often occur. These problems are especially evident during the cold season. Most prone to the early appearance of facial wrinkles and age-related wrinkles. For this type of facial skin, it is important to combine nourishing and moisturizing masks.
- Fatty. Easily identified by its oily sheen and frequent redness. Excessive sebum production and enlarged pores promote increased activity of harmful microbes, which is why you often suffer from inflammation and acne. Due to improper functioning of the sebaceous glands, pores become severely clogged, acne appears, and metabolism is disrupted. The oily film on the surface of the epidermis retains moisture, so this type is not prone to early wrinkles and, with proper care, will retain smoothness and youth for a long time. But frequent inflammation and impaired “water-nutrient” metabolism can seriously damage the skin.
- Combined. The most common combination is that the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) is prone to increased oiliness, while the cheek area is normal or dry. The face requires a more careful approach to care; moisturizing masks will be different for these areas.
- Problematic. This name does not refer to the "divisions" of the skin. Any type of cover can be problematic. This includes frequent inflammation, rashes and acne, enlarged pores, freckles and age spots, and vascular networks. Problematic skin requires a comprehensive approach. To cure a particular deficiency, you need to find out the cause of its occurrence. For treatment or suitable care, it is best to consult a professional cosmetologist.
Masks for dry skin
Recipes are aimed at maximum hydration. They will help quickly nourish flaky skin with useful substances, making it more elastic, smooth and radiant.
Mask with chamomile.
Moisturizes, nourishes and relieves severe irritations. Suitable for any age. Brew 3 tablespoons of chamomile in 200 ml of boiling water, let it brew, strain and add a teaspoon of your favorite vegetable oil (linseed, peach, grape). Apply to problem areas and rinse with warm water after 20 minutes.
Honey mask
. Moisturizes, regulates water balance and gently cleanses the skin. Combine half a teaspoon of honey with the same amount of vegetable oil, add an egg yolk and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix thoroughly, add a tablespoon of oatmeal to the mixture and apply to problem areas, avoiding the skin around the eyes. Rinse off after 15-20 minutes with water at room temperature.
Honey and aloe mask
. Gently cleanses and moisturizes the skin, nourishes it, increasing elasticity and giving a healthy glow. Relieves inflammation and redness. To prepare, you will need to chop one aloe leaf, squeeze the juice out of it and combine with a tablespoon of honey. Apply the resulting mixture to your face and rinse with cool water after 20 minutes.
Express moisturizing
. A mask that will help instantly improve the condition of your skin, giving it a fresh and moisturized look. Beat the egg yolk with two tablespoons of full-fat sour cream, add chopped lemon zest and let the mixture rest for 15-20 minutes. Then add vegetable oil to it and apply a thick layer to your face, leaving for 20 minutes. It is recommended to rinse off with mineral or micellar water.
Milk mask
. It helps not only to moisturize the skin, but also to lighten age spots and relieve minor inflammations. It is mixed using full-fat cottage cheese and milk in a 1:1 ratio. After combining the ingredients, the mass is applied to the face and after 20 minutes, gently washed off with warm water.
Potato based mask.
Another option for those who need to not only moisturize their skin, but also remove age spots from it. Boil two medium-sized potatoes, mash them and combine with 2-3 tablespoons of fat sour cream until smooth. While the composition is warm, apply it to your face and wash off after 15-20 minutes.
Herbal mask.
You will have to go to the pharmacy to get the ingredients, but the result will be amazing. The mask will not only moisturize the skin, but will also have a pronounced lifting effect. For it you will need strawberry leaves, chamomile, yarrow, St. John's wort, hop cones. Add one teaspoon of each herb to 200 ml of boiling water, as well as the same amount of honey and fresh apple juice. Infuse, cool, strain and combine with egg yolk. Apply the resulting mixture evenly to the face, neck and décolleté. After 20 minutes, rinse with micellar water.
Oil based
. Another pharmaceutical mask, for which you will need capsules or oil solutions of vitamins A and E. Open one capsule of each vitamin (or add five drops) to any vegetable oil. Mix and apply evenly to face using a clean brush. After 20 minutes, rinse with water.
Main Ingredients of Home Remedies
- Pure water is the main source of moisture. In order for the body to work like a clock, a person must drink at least 2.5 liters of any liquid per day. To moisturize the skin, it is necessary to use exclusively clean and preferably spring water. You can also take mineral or infusion of various herbs. The most common way to moisturize is to rub the skin with ice cubes. It not only has a nourishing effect, but also tones, tightens and moisturizes.
- Natural fresh vegetables and fruits help not only fill cells with moisture, but also vitaminize it. A moisturizing mask, which includes these components, helps to fortify the skin with vitamins such as A, B, C, E and many other micro and macroelements. It is the above vitamins that the body needs to maintain beauty. They are recommended both to be taken orally and to prepare masks to moisturize the skin at home.
- Vegetable oils (sunflower, olive, jojoba and others) have a moisturizing, nourishing and toning effect. They contain all vitamins, beneficial elements, and fatty acids.
- The beekeeping product contains a large amount of vitamins and microelements necessary to maintain the beauty of a woman. Honey has a cleansing effect, helps cells regenerate, has an anti-inflammatory effect and moisturizes the skin.
- The milk and fermented milk components in the composition have a direct effect on the skin. They, like honey, are rich in substances necessary for beauty. In addition, they help whiten the skin, giving it an even color.
- Egg products are no less beneficial for the face and contain a significant amount of useful substances, especially the yolk. Mixtures prepared on the basis of egg products moisturize and tone well.
Masks for oily skin
Homemade moisturizing methods for oily and problematic skin also do not require much preparation, and most of the necessary products are probably stored in your kitchen.
Mask based on honey and eggs
. Not only nourishes the skin and moisturizes it, but also has an anti-inflammatory effect and cleanses blackheads well. Mix 30 grams of honey with egg whites, add a tablespoon of oatmeal and half a spoon of oil (grape, peach, flaxseed, olive or almond). Apply the mixture to your face and after 20 minutes, rinse with warm and then cold water.
Cottage cheese mask
. Moisturizes and tones the skin, tightens enlarged pores well. Mix 2 tablespoons of full-fat farm cottage cheese with a teaspoon of honey and half a chicken egg. Grind the resulting mixture to a paste and apply to a steamed face. After 20 minutes, rinse with cold water.
Honey compress
. Helps get rid of inflammation, including severe acne. Perfectly moisturizes the skin and tightens pores. Add two tablespoons of honey to half a glass of warm water and stir. Dip a gauze pad into the solution, wring it out and apply it to your face. Every five minutes the gauze should be moistened with honey water. After half an hour, remove the napkin and wash with cool water.
Proceed with caution
Contraindications for moisturizing masks come down to a general set of precautions. Masks cannot be made in the following cases:
- opening of a wound;
- severe acne;
- dilated vessels;
- allergy to mask components;
- individual intolerance to any mask ingredient.
To check your skin for allergies, apply the prepared product to the skin on the inside of your elbow or wrist. If after half an hour no discomfort appears in this area, you can apply the product to your face.
Masks for all skin types
Not everyone's skin is prone to dryness or oiliness: it happens that it changes its condition depending on the environment and the current diet. Therefore, there are universal moisturizing face masks that will suit everyone:
Cucumber based
. Qualitatively moisturizes the skin, saturates it with vitamins and gives a fresh look. By the way, it is not at all necessary to make a mask: it is enough to wipe your face with cucumber slices every day. But if you need a more pronounced effect, then the squeezed juice of one cucumber should be mixed with heavy cream in a 1:1 ratio. For better results, you can add a few drops of your favorite vegetable oil. Beat the resulting mixture and apply the foam to your face. It is recommended to remove with a damp towel or warm sponge, then wipe with micellar water.
Mask based on carrots and apples
. This mask perfectly saturates the skin with moisture and vitamins and improves complexion. Grate the carrots and apple on a fine grater or grind them in a blender. Combine 2 tablespoons of the resulting apple-carrot mixture with a teaspoon of starch and apply to your face. After 20 minutes, wash with cool water.
Mask based on aloe and glycerin.
It will not only help moisturize the skin, but will also act as a gentle peeling. Mix a tablespoon of aloe juice with a little water and 15 grams of glycerin. Beat thoroughly, add a little oatmeal. Gently apply the resulting mixture to your face and rinse off after twenty minutes, then wipe your skin with micellar water or your favorite toner.
For women with sensitive skin
Dry and sensitive skin especially needs deep hydration and nutrition. The components of the mask should not irritate weakened local immunity.
Therefore, recipes based on vegetable oils are best suited:
- mask with chamomile infusion;
- mask made from a mixture of oils.
Instead of the base oils recommended in the recipe, you can use others with similar properties, but do not confuse them with essential oils.
Mask with chamomile infusion
Ingredients:
- 20-30 g of chamomile flowers;
- 10 ml olive, peach or almond oil;
- 200 ml hot water.
For the mask, it is better to take pharmaceutical chamomile, packaged in tea bags. It contains fewer hard branches, so there is virtually no risk of scratching the skin. Chamomile is poured with hot water and allowed to steep for 30-40 minutes. During this time, the flowers should turn into a soft paste, which must be combined with 10 ml of the selected base oil.
The mask does not stick well to the face, so it is recommended to use it while taking a bath . You need to remove it after 20-25 minutes. To avoid clogging the drain, flowers should be immediately disposed of in the trash. This mask soothes the skin, deeply moisturizes and nourishes it, and copes well with flaking and sallow complexion.
Mask made from a mixture of oils
Ingredients:
- 10 ml grape oil;
- 10 ml olive oil;
- 10 ml peach oil;
- anise essential oil (2-3 drops);
- ylang-ylang essential oil (2-3 drops).
Instead of the essential oils mentioned above, you can take those that you have on hand. Lemon - whitens the skin, orange - accelerates the process of cellular renewal, tea tree - tones, rosemary - rejuvenates.
A moisturizing face mask at home is prepared as follows:
- All oils are mixed in a glass or clay container and heated for 3-4 minutes. in a water bath. You can use a microwave oven, but then the time must be reduced to 30 seconds;
- A disposable fabric mask or a piece of cotton fabric is impregnated with the mixture and applied to the face for 10-15 minutes.
This mask makes the skin more hydrated and nourished; with regular use, shallow wrinkles are smoothed out, deep wrinkles are reduced, and the water-lipid balance is normalized. Ylang-ylang additionally tightens pores, while anise increases elasticity.
Masks for aging skin
- Mix 100 grams of young zucchini pulp with a teaspoon of olive oil, place on your face and wash off after 20 minutes.
- Mix the pulp of a ripe banana with 3 tablespoons of milk in a blender. Apply a thick layer to the skin, after 20 minutes rinse with warm water.
- Take a piece of gauze and soak it in your favorite vegetable oil, heated to 37 degrees. Place the mask on your face, after 20 minutes, throw away the gauze and pat your face dry with a dry cloth.
Such masks will help maintain youth and tone of the skin longer, saturating it with nutrients and vitamins.
Recipes for simultaneous moisturizing and tightening
Face masks made at home mostly have a comprehensive effect. They simultaneously moisturize, tighten and deeply nourish the skin, as they consist of several ingredients. One of the most effective masks with a combined effect is yeast.
To prepare it you need to take:
- 50 g fresh yeast;
- green tea, hibiscus or clean water.
Preparation and use:
- Mash the yeast with a fork and begin to slowly pour liquid into it, stirring at the same time. The mixture should not be too liquid, as it will not stick to your face. Usually, to make a product of optimal consistency, you need 3-4 tbsp. l. tea or water. The liquid should be warm, but not hot, since bacteria die at high temperatures;
- The mask is applied to the face, following the massage lines. Leave for at least 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly using a sponge.
The yeast mask smoothes out fine wrinkles, whitens, and makes the skin color healthy and even.
Moisturizing and tightening face masks: review of cosmetic products
For those who do not want to spend time and effort on home remedies, modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of moisturizing and tightening masks.
Name | Brand | Active components | Action | Average price (in rubles) |
GOOD NIGHT | A'PIEU | Collagen, lavender, chamomile extract, birch sap | Tightens the skin, reduces fine wrinkles, restores skin tone, refreshes | 599 |
PHYTOSALON anti-aging mask with red maple | Clean line | Red maple bark extract, corn oil, sea buckthorn oil | Saturates the skin with moisture, reduces wrinkles, nourishes, tightens the oval of the face | 157 |
Alginate modeling face mask with collagen | LINDSAY | Alginic acid, collagen, purslane, centella asiatica | Returns elasticity to the skin, gently cleanses it of impurities, normalizes water-lipid balance | 169 |
GOLD BENEFITS | SEA OF SPA | Hyaluronic acid, cotton extract, | Tightens the skin, moisturizes it, gives a radiant and youthful appearance | 865 |
Age expert 45+ | LOREAL | Goji berry extract, Pro-Retinol A and peptide complex | Smoothes the skin, strengthens it, makes it fresh and silky | 309 |
As can be seen from the table, moisturizing and tightening masks of different price categories are available on the modern market. They are produced by both domestic and foreign manufacturers.
The masks are based on natural plant ingredients and oils. Collagen, retinol and hyaluronic acid enhance the effect. Such remedies, if used in a course, can delay the appearance of the first signs of aging and correct existing age-related changes.
The effectiveness of face masks made at home is no less than that of purchased ready-made products. They moisturize, smooth out wrinkles, and correct the shape of the face.
Some additionally cleanse pores and cope with inflammatory elements. However, their effect may not be enough after 45 years. In this case, it is recommended to use home remedies in combination with store or pharmacy ones.
Article design: Svetlana Ovsyanikova
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