Green Tea for Beautiful Skin

Green tea offers so many benefits to the skin and to the body. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and anti-bacterial properties. It is not a mystery green tea is so popular in the cosmetic industry. Loaded with Vitamin E and C, the antioxidant agents slow the signs of aging externally and provide beneficial vitamins for overall health when taken internally.

Furthermore, recent research has concluded that green tea can prevent cancer. The death rate in Japan from cancer is significantly lower than that in the States. In Japan, green tea is part of their daily staple and consumed as much as 5 to 6 cups a day. This suggests that the main ingredients in green tea (*tannin, **catechin-see definition below) in sufficient amounts can lower the mortality rates of cancer patients.

Additionally, green tea can lower high blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels for those suffering with diabetes or the onset thereof. Caffeinated tea refreshes the body when taken internally; it stimulates the body’s organs and clears the mind. Green tea can lower cholesterol by restricting the excessive buildup of (LDL) cholesterol. Research has also suggested that green tea can inhibit skin cancer due to its protective properties.

Overall, green tea drinkers seem to enjoy better health. The vital ingredient Catechin is 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 25 times more potent than Vitamin E.

Green Tea Facial Toner

5 green tea bags or several heaping teaspoons of green tea leaves
1/3 to ½ cup fresh herb, chopped (see list below for your specific skin type)
2 cups mineral water or vitamin water

Combine all ingredients in a small pot. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Strain if necessary. Apply with cotton ball. The toner will keep for at least one week in the refrigerator.

Dry skin: Elderflower, linden flowers, and marigold.
Normal skin: chamomile - especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, and rosemary.
Oily Skin: Chamomile-especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, and peppermint and sage-especially good for antiseptic values.

*Definition of catechin: The antioxidant activity about 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. One cup of green tea may provide 10-40mg of polyphenols and can have an antioxidant activity greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries. A catechin is effective because it sticks to proteins easily and blocks bacteria from adhering to cell walls. This disrupts their ability to destroy them. The catechin in green tea also prevents viruses from adhering to cell walls and causing harm.

Facial Masks: Friend or Foe?

While thumbing through one of those catalogs that seem to make it to my mailbox every now and then I recently came across an ad entitled “Magnificent in Minutes”. Being intrigued I read on to discover that this product was actually a specially formulated peel off facial mask promising to tighten your pores and firm aging skin in minutes. All you had to do was apply a thin coat all over your face and neck weekly and after 20 minutes simply peel it off to reveal younger, firmer skin. Wow! Twenty minutes one a week and I would look younger and firmer! Since it did not mention any age I guess it worked for anyone, no matter how old they were. This miracle facial mask had the added benefit of removing impurities as well as smoothing wrinkles. All that in just 20 minutes? And to think this product cost less than $17! Then I started thinking….if I applied a coat of this miracle product to my backside would it reveal a younger, firmer butt? If so, I was ordering a case!! Then I read the list of ingredients and found out that this product contained 4 chemical preservative, 2 forms of sugar, an artificial fragrance, 2 artificial colors and something called Octoxynol-9, which I found listed at drugs.com as being a common spermicide. If spermicide kills sperm, which are living organisms, what exactly does this ingredient do to my living skin cells?

I recently came across an ad on the internet for another facial mask dubbed The Anti-Fatigue mask that was supposed to be a treatment for tired stressed skin. The ingredient list read: Aqua, Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Triticum Vulgare, Cyclopentasiloxane, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Methylparaben, Triethanolamine, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylparaben, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate-80, Hydrolyzed Corallina Officinalis, Panax Ginseng, Pyrus Malus, Prunus Persica, Triticum Vulgare, Hordeum Vulgare, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite, Rumex Crispus, Ascorbic Acid, Parfum, CI 16035, CI 19140. All this stuff and costs less than $14! Just what the heck IS this stuff and how does it de-stress my skin? I don’t know about you but I got stressed and tired just reading this ingredient list!! Whew!

Come on ladies, are we really buying this hype? Do we really think that a bottle full of synthetic chemicals can make us look younger and firmer or de-stress our tired skin? And if so, at what costs to our health? Is it worth turning our bodies into a chemical dump site in the name of youth and perceived beauty?

No product is going to make your skin significantly younger or firmer. Face it, if you are 40 you are never going to have 30 year old skin again unless maybe you undergo cosmetic surgery! But your skin can have a healthy, youthful glow if you feed it right. Skin is a living organism and you need to feed it healthy food, not chemicals. There are healthier choices in facial masks for drawing the impurities out of your skin. Mineral clay masks are a great option as long as they are not mixed with synthetic ingredients. Read labels, look for organic or food grade ingredients and avoid toxic synthetics whenever possible. The choices you make today will have a large impact on the way your skin looks tomorrow as well as on your overall health.

Best Facial Mask related Articles

Occasionally, I will provide a list of a few articles on skin care and facial masks that I found to be very helpful. Here are some great articles that you should definitely read on skin care and the best facial masks.

Facial Mask Sheets are better than Regular Facial Masks

Green Tea is Good for Skin Care

Different Types of Facial Masks

Various Facial Masks

Acerola mask sheet: It clarifies skin for brighter complexion.

Aloe vera mask sheet: Aloe Vera soothes and hydrates sensitive and dry skin.

Calendula hydra face mask sheet: This intensively hydrating essence feels soft to the touch when applied. Skin is thoroughly hydrated without feeling sticky.

Ceramide collagen mask powder: Formulated with Ceramide and Collagen, this pack hardens to seal out air,leaving skin firm and hydrated For all skin type

Ceramide face mask sheet: "Formulated with Ceramide, one of the major Natural Moisturizing Factors that exist in our skin, this mask sheet hydrates and promotes elasticity."

Cereal Black Bean Mask Sheet: Black Beans improves skin elasicity and health with its botanical proteins.

Cereal Mung Bean Mask Sheet: Mung Bean extract cleanses, detoxifies and helps resolve skin problems for a more beautiful complexion

Cereal Rice Mask Sheet: The Rice extract clarifyies and softens skin.

coenzyme Q10 face mask sheet: "Formulated with coenzyme Q10, a vitamin-like substance that is involved in key biochemical reactions, this mask sheet helps to keep skin supple and facial contours beautiful."

Collagen face mask sheet: "Formulated with Collagen, an essential factor consitutes over 90% of deeper dermal layer, this mask sheet promotes a firmer, more resilient skin."

Cucumber Mask: Revitalizing & Deeply moisturizing - Refreshing, cooling aroma just like a real cucumber. It revitalizes stressed, environmentally-damaged skin with deep moisture.

Egg White Mask: It purify Pores -Deep cleanse pores and other impurities, It promoting cell renewal.

Egg Yolk Mask: It is a Nourishing Protein-enriched egg yolk nourishes and hydrates rough, dry skin for a radiant and healthy skin.

Geranium and Everlasting Flower face mask: It is Radiance-boosting and it revives and help balance moisture and oil, promoting a healthy, glowing skin.

'Ginseng' and 'Chungoong' imperial herbs mask: It is concentrated with Red Ginseng, Cnidium Officinale to regulate energy and to improve elasticity.

Grape mask sheet: Grape extracts invigorates and revitalizes exhausted skin.

Grape yoghurt Mask: Improves resillience of the skin. Grapefruit Yoghurt Mask: "Rich in Vitamin C, grapefruit prevents pigmentation and brightens skin tone. "

Green tea Mask: Anti-bacterial; soothes

Guava Mask: Whitens skin and inhibits aging

'Hangin' and Licorice imperial herbs mask: It is concentrated with Licorice and Apricot stone to comfort and sooth the soul and the skin

Honey Mask: Powerful lifting - Mouth-watering honey gives instant hydration and firming while soothing and hydrating.

Honey mustard Mask: "Honey is enriched with minerals, Vitamin B, and C. It delivers energy and nutrition to a dehydrated skin. "

Hyaluronic acid face mask sheet: "Formulated with Hyaluronic acid, the natural humectant, this mask sheet provides extreme hydration for any skin type including the most sensitive skin. "

Jasmine and fennel revitalising face mask: Jasmine and Fennel invigorate and lift tired skin, reshaping facial contours.

Kiwi Yoghurt Mask: Whitens and hydrates skin; controls sebum production.

Lavender and Neroli relaxation face mask: It comfort skin while indulging the senses in its soothing aroma.

Lemon face mask: This refreshing juice-like mask sheet with lemon extract purifies and improves dull skin tone. Excellent for oily to combination skin.

Milk Mask: It is Hydrating, Softening. Satisfy rough, thirsty skin with this hydrating milk pack. It softens and brightens your skin tone like a baby.

Olive Mask: Olive gives radiance and prevents aging. " Peach yoghurt Mask: "Hydrates, strengthens natural immune system. "

Pearl Mask Sheet: "Formulated with Pearl, a precious stone rich in calcium, this mask sheet clarifies, whitens and illuminates lackluster skin."

Pineapple yoghurt Mask: Tightens pores and removes skin debris

Pomegranate face mask: It promotes elasticity for firmer skin.

Potato Mask: Soothing & Brightening Brightens and Purifies dull skin Soothes redness, irritation, sun-burn.

Rasberry Root Sleeping mask: This sleeping mask pack relaxes and replenishes lost nutrients and moisture with Raspberry roots and grain extracts while you sleep.

Rose and Pine moisturising face mask: It provide intense hydration and relieve tension and stress with its beautiful aroma. It helps protect against eczema and infection as well.

'Sanghwang' and 'Nokyong' imperial herb mask: It is concentrated with Tawny Mulberry Mushroom and Sika Deer Antlers to strenghten immune system, detoxify and nourish for healthier skin

'Sanyak' and 'Sansuyoo' imperial herb mask: It is concentrated with Consperg and Cornelian Cherry , supplying serious hydration, softening and illuminating skin.

Seaweed Mask: Tightens pores while minimizing excess sebum production. Resurface a rough skin to a smooth, silky skin.

Sookgihwang and danguii facial mask: It is concentrated with Rehmannia Root and Angelicae Gigantis Radix to revitalize and regulate blood circulation for healthier skin.

Strawberry Yoghurt Mask: Vitamin C-packed strawberry brightens skin tone while fighting against free radicals.

Tea Tree and Bergamot clarifying face mask: It clarifies oily and combination skin while soothing inflammation and breakout with its strong antibacterial property.

Tomato Mask: Tomato improves natural immunity system and tightens enlarged pores.

Whitening Facial mask sheet: It is "Specially designed for particular spots, this patch lightens dark spots and freckles.It also lighten your natural skin colour.More effective when used with the spot corrector.

Best Facial Mask Recipes

Honey Facial Mask

Rinse your face with warm water to open up pores.

Apply honey and leave for half or an hour.

Rinse with warm water then use cold water to close pores.

Banana Mask for wrinkles

Mash ¼ Banana until very creamy and apply on face and leave for 15 – 20 minutes

Variation: Add milk when mashing to more skin nutrients.

Rinse with warm water then use cold water to close up pores.

Banana Face Pack for Dry Skin

Mash half cup of natural yogurt, one tablespoon of honey, and ¼ ripe Banana.

Variation: Add powder milk when mashing to more skin nutrients.

Apply this pack on face and neck and leave for 10 minutes and then rinse off.

Avocado Facial Mask

Mash the meat of the avocado into a creamy texture.

Variation: Add powder milk when mashing to more skin nutrients.

Apply thoroughly on face and leave for 15-20 minutes.

Rinse with warm water then use cold to close up pores.

Oatmeal Facial Mask

Take 2 tsp oatmeal and 1 tsp baking soda and add water to make paste.

Variation: Add powder or fresh milk depending on the paste you prefer when mashing to more skin nutrients. You can also use brown sugar for a bead texture.

Apply to facial skin and rub gently.

Cucumber Face Pack to get smooth skin

Mash one whole cucumber, strain water.

Add one table spoon of sugar and mix well.

Put in a container, keep refrigerated and take out whenever you want to use it.

Apply on your face and leave for 10-15 minutes, then wash with cold water and enjoy the smoothness of your skin.

So if you’re skin is feeling tired and dull at the end of the tiring work week, remember to just mask it!

Don’t forget to relax, listen to you favorite music to refresh you mind and body, take a nap when needed.

Best Homemade Masks For Oily Skin

Nutrition masks for oily skin are a very good substitute for expensive creams: They are cheap, easy to make and they give exactly the same results. This is how you're going to make them yourselves.

Many skin care and cosmetic products for oily skin declare that their products are made from "natural ingredients" and contain organic compound that are originated from fruit and plants. The modern cosmetics is going back to the routs, and uses more and more natural ingredients instead of chemicals that were very popular in the recent decades.

This trend, makes the totally natural approach one of the best and most effective ways of skin care. Who needs expensive creams when fruits and vegetables that are available in any grocery store will do the exact same work? (and maybe even better).

We all know the cucumber slices that people like to put on their eyes to reduce the swelling, the fatigue signs and the annoying little bags under the eyes. Beside the cosmetic effect, the cool liquids have a very soothing effect and they can help to improve your mood and calm you in the hot summer days.

A good homemade facial masks will help you to regain the nutritious substances that the skin need, like moistness, vitamins and oils. A mask for oily skin will also contain drying substances that will reduce the amount of oil in the skin and remove the dead cells from the upper layer of the skin, the dermis. Here are some very good recipes of masks for oily skin, that will cost you only a few bucks and will have a very good influence on your skin and your overall feeling.

Oatmeal Mask

Best Facial Masks For Oily Skin

1/2 boiled apple
One teaspoon of honey
Two teaspoons of ground oatmeal

Mix all the ingredient until you get a uniform mixture, apply on the face for 10 minutes and wash carefully afterward.

The oatmeal is good for pimples, it also absorb the excess oil on the skin. The acids in the apple remove the dead skin cells and clean the pores. The honey works as an antibacterial ointment that destroys bacterium that can cause infections.

Yogurt Mask

Best Facial Masks For Oily Skin

One spoon on yogurt
One teaspoon of cornflour
One spoon of honey
One spoon of lemon juice
2 drops of tea tree oil

Mix everything together and apply on clean skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.

Tomato Mask

Best Facial Masks For Oily Skin

Tightens the pores, refreshing and lightning.

Mash one medium tomato. Add scraped peel from half a lemon and a half of spoon of fresh lemon juice. Apply the mixture on the skin, except near the eyes. Leave for 10 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Walnut Mask

Best Facial Masks For Oily Skin

2 spoon of ground walnut
1/2 mashed cucumber
2 spoons of yogurt
1 spoon of squashed yeast

Mix it all up and apply on clean face. Wait 20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.