8.17.2010

Acne Mask

I have been dealing with acne for as long as I can remember. I do not have acneic skin, but I occasionally get break outs and blackheads, especially if I switch up my products.
I recently purchased H2O+ Milk Cleanser and H2O+ Pore Minimizing Gel. While I haven't had too many issues with these new products, I've had a few break outs that are most likely a result of my skin adjusting to a new routine. Overall, the cleanser is a very clean feeling, but it's very mild. It's a good alternative to my active cleanser, a lactic acid cleanser by Sanitas. My pores are bigger in my T-zone so I purchased a pore minimizing gel, which contains salicylic acid with a triple boost of antioxidants.

If you have tea tree at home, it is the most ideal ingredient for spot treatment. Tea tree is antibacterial, helps reduce redness, dissolve sebum, and encourage healing. Leave it on for about 15 minutes or overnight.

I put together a mask that I feel benefits acneic skin, but it is suitable for all skin types.

Strawberry & Tomato Mask
2 strawberries (contains salicylic acid & antioxidants, refreshes and exfoliates)
1 small tomato (great for acneic skin, toning, contains antioxidants)
1 tbsp honey (hydrating, toning, tightens skin)
squirt of lemon/lime juice (helps even skin tone)
1 tbsp olive oil (moisturizing)
1 tbsp yogurt (Cleansing, moisturizing, mild astringent)

Directions:
Add all ingredients to a blender/food processor, and blend until mostly smooth.
Cleanse face and apply mask.
Leave on for 15-20 minutes for optimal results.
Rinse with lukewarm water OR use a damp cloth for extra exfoliation.
Pat dry.
Tone and moisturize.


This mask will yield at least 3-4 masks so refrigerate for up to a week, or cut the amounts in half.


**Omit any ingredients you may have allergies or sensitivities to.



The first thing I noticed with this mask is a very clean and tightened feeling. The mask itself is somewhat runny, but the yogurt and honey should help with the thickness, so add as much or as little as you'd like. This mask is best used while taking a bath, the extra steam allows for deeper penetration.
Mask will begin to dry after about 5 minutes, if you missed any spots now is the time to apply extra mask.
My skin feels very clean and soft. This is a bit stronger than the last mask I posted, and my skin is very pleased!


Please feel free to try and share your experiences!



Enjoy!