Before you apply any face mask, no matter what skin type you have, you should always prep your skin first to ensure you get the full benefits.

Removing makeup and cleansing 

Whether you are about to apply a face mask or not, cleansing should be one of the most important steps in your daily skincare routine.

We know that after a long day, sometimes you just want to crawl straight into bed and the idea of removing your makeup and cleansing your skin may sound like too much effort. But actually, this process only takes about 5 minutes, which you can use to practice some self-care. You can clean your face quickly and easily (with the right products) and your skin will thank you in the morning.

Take a moment to pamper yourself. You only need: clean hands, some type of cleansing milk (that doesn’t interfere with your skin’s pH and that preferably, is made using natural ingredients) and a face cloth or cotton pad. If you use waterproof or longwear makeup, ensure you have a suitable makeup remover that can remove it effectively, whilst still being gentle on the skin.

Gently rub the cleanser in using upward and outward strokes, which will help tighten and firm the skin. Remember that the skin on your face is sensitive, so be gentle with it.  

Take special care when removing eye makeup. Simply soak a cotton round in makeup remover and place it gently over your eyelids for a few seconds. Do not rub or pull the skin, just sweep the pad gently over your eyes to remove any remaining makeup.

Remember that even if you are not wearing makeup, you should still clean your skin before applying a face mask, using a gentle face soap (you could try baby soap or soap containing oats) and rinse it off with warm water.

Now that your skin is prepped and ready, it’s time to choose a face mask. We have put together the best masks for each skin type, so you can choose the one that best suits your skin. We have broken them down into four categories: hydrating, exfoliating, brightening and anti-aging masks.

Hydrating masks

1.  Banana

Mash a ripe banana into a puree, then gently apply it to your face avoiding contact with the eyes. Leave it for 20 to 25 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Your skin will feel softer immediately, as bananas are rich in manganese and antioxidants that protect the skin and leave it feeling more hydrated and looking younger.

2.  Cucumber

Peel and chop a cucumber and mash it until it forms a thick paste. Spread the paste over your face and leave it for 15 minutes. Finally, rinse off with cold water and admire your fresh, glowy skin. Cucumber contains a high amount of vitamin E, water and natural oils that hydrate the skin and give it a youthful glow.

Exfoliating masks [H2]

Exfoliating masks help clear the skin, freeing it of impurities, acne and blackheads, removing dead skin cells for a brighter, smoother complexion. Exfoliation activates microcirculation which promotes the cell regeneration process in the skin, leaving you with oxygenated, youthful skin. Any skin treatment carried out after exfoliating should be a lot more effective, as it will be able to penetrate deeper into the skin.   

1.  Calendula and oat

First, boil 5 calendula flowers in half a cup of water. Let the mixture cool, then take 4 tablespoons of rolled oats and soak them until they have absorbed all the liquid. Apply the oat mixture to your face and leave it for 20 minutes. Then gently massage the mixture into your skin, before finally rinsing it off with warm water. Oats act as an exfoliant to gently extract impurities from the skin, whilst the calendula water helps tone the skin, as well as being an anti-inflammatory that helps reduce acne.

2.  Coffee

This mask couldn´t be easier. All you have to do is mix some ground coffee (not instant) into your face moisturizer. Apply this mixture to your face using circular motions and let it sit for 20 minutes, before finally rinsing it off with warm water. Coffee is not only an effective exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, but it is also lipolytic, meaning it burns fat and can therefore also be used on other parts of the body, such as the legs and thighs, to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Brightening masks to reduce dark spots and discoloration

Dark spots may appear on the face for a number of reasons, including sun damage and natural skin aging. The following masks are ideal for reducing and preventing the appearance of said discoloration.

1.  Cucumber and parsley

This mask is another easy way to treat dark marks. Just mash half a peeled cucumber and mix with a small amount of parsley and a few teaspoons of sesame oil. Parsley brightens the skin and reduces discoloration, and sesame oil is one of the most effective natural oils for revitalizing, hydrating and reducing the effects of skin aging.

2.  Aloe Vera

For very dark spots, you may want to try the following mask. Simply mix a tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel with half a teaspoon of lime juice. Apply the mixture directly onto any areas of skin discoloration and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Aloe vera is packed full of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium, which help to nourish the skin. In addition, aloe vera contains a high level of saponins that penetrate deep into the pores and remove dirt, and it also helps to remove dead skin and promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells.

Anti-aging mask to treat wrinkles and dark circles

Is your skin looking tired and worn out? Does your face seem to have lost its youthful glow? Then we recommend trying the following 3 masks to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and other common signs of aging.

Cannabis* and kiwi

To make this mask, mix 10 cannabis leaves, two kiwis and a small amount of face cream into a smooth paste. Apply the mixture to your face and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Cannabis is amazing for the skin thanks to its high vitamin E content, which helps keep the skin looking healthy, young and smooth. It is also high in antioxidants, so regularly applying this mask will keep your skin feeling fresh and naturally prevent the appearance of wrinkles.

*Always check to see if it is legal in your jurisdiction before obtaining any cannabis-based product.

Other skin care essentials 

Daily cleansing 

You should wash your face every day and if you live in a polluted city, you should be washing it at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Learn how to establish a daily cleansing ritual.

Sunscreen

You should be using sunscreen every day, and preferably one that contains natural ingredients. Not only will this prevent burns and sun spots, but also help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

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