Herbs have multiple purposes and there are several ways to benefit from them. Teas, tinctures, seasonings for food, extractions, compresses and poultices to name a few. Using them as a facial mask falls in the poultices and or compresses category. Difference between a poultice and compress is the technique. A poultice is usually the application of the actual herbs directly on the skin, like a mask. A compress is often a cloth that has been soaked in an herbal concoction (like a tea) and then the cloth is placed upon the skin or even placing herbs wrapped in a cloth (like tea in a tea bag) to the skin.
I have made (for sale contact me), and you can too, an herbal mask to use as a poultice or a compress, it is up to you on how you apply it and I will offer both below.
- For a poultice, start with a couple pinches of each dried herbs. I used lavender flowers, calendula flowers, rose hips and marshmallow root powder. My combo smells amazing, I do have to say (to buy contact me) Any combo of your liking will do. I will put a description of each of the herbs I used before closing so you can understand the benefits of the herbs I chose.
- Toss the pinches of herbs in a grinder, much like a clean coffee grinder to create a powder.
- In a small dish add about a tablespoon of your ground powder and about 2-4 tablespoons of water to create a nice paste consistency. For doing a facial mask you don’t want too much water which will make it soupy and not stick to your face.
- Note; using honey instead of water can be done and the honey adds to the anti-bacterial/effectiveness of the mask. In these pictures I only used water though.
- Once you have the consistency of a mask via water or honey apply with a brush to your face in a thick layer for efficacy.
- Let the mask set until it dries and becomes tight on your skin. You will know what I mean by tight when you feel it. About 10-20 minutes.
- Remove with water and a wash cloth. My favorite way to remove is to just hop in the shower and let the shower wash it away. So wear easy to remove clothes or a house coat when applying the mask.
- After removal/rinse then apply a good oil or oil serum. I applied my serum (that I sell, contact me to purchase) and some tallow (which I also sell). I am going to show a picture, but please know I am past my my mid-40’s now, no make-up and it is very intimidating to post pictures for anyone in this situation! I don’t think I am alone when it comes to aging and confidence! Ha! But I am humble enough to try!
- To purchase my herbal mask or any questions please contact me and to follow my blog please use the column to the right to sign up.
As promised, how to do this mask compress style:
- I didn’t take pictures of because as you already saw in my pictures above I did poultice style myself!!!
- But to do a compress style you can use the same mixture I used above, but you would want to dilute it with hot water and make it it super soupy or into a tea! So a lot more water, probably a cup or more.
- If using HOT water, make sure it cools to almost room temperature before using on your skin! Yikes, Ouch, be smart and sensible!
- Then soak a cheese cloth or muslin cloth in it the tea/soup to take on the properties of the dried herbs. And then lay the, cooled, cloth over your skin for 10-20 minutes and sets in. You will still get the benefits of the herbs, but this version is a bit more gentle for those with very reactive skin or are hesitant to try the full mask.
Also as promised, the benefits of the herbs I used for your reference:
Lavender flowers from Mountain Rose Herbs: Is an aromatic perennial evergreen shrub. Its woody stems bear lavender or purple flowers. The use of Lavender goes back thousands of years, with the first recorded uses by the Egyptians during the mummification process. Both the Greeks and the Romans had many uses for it, the most popular being for bathing, cooking, as an ingredient in perfume, healing wounds, and as an insect repellant. Lavender was used as an after-bath perfume by the Romans, who gave the herb its name from the Latin lavare, to wash. PARTS USED – Flower. Cosmetically it has a multitude of uses and can be included in ointments for pain and burn relief.
Calendula Flowers from Livestrong.com (don’t judge me!): A plant extract, has been used throughout history in skin preparations. Calendula is beneficial for dry or damaged skin and also promotes the fast healing and regeneration of the skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. According to YourHealth.com, applying calendula topically may help decrease inflammation and promote the healing of wounds, burns, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Because of calendula’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it’s often used in preparations for sunburns, rashes, insect bites and other mild skin irritations. Calendula treatments can help soothe contact dermatitis from environmental causes including acne. Calendula oil is often used for dry or damaged skin. It has natural restorative properties that infuse the skin with a youthful glow. Calendula oil is also used to protect the skin from premature aging and thinning of the skin. Calendula is safe enough to be used on the delicate skin under the eyes to help prevent crow’s feet. Creams containing calendula are also used to treat diaper rash.
Rose Hips these fruits are one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C available. Vitamin C for your skin helps support collegian and capillary strength. So minimizes the appearance of broken capillaries and boosting your collegian helps reduce the appearance of aging/wrinkles. Win/win.
Marshmallow Root known throughout the ancient Egyptian, Arab, Greek, and Roman cultures, and used continually for at least 2000 years, marshmallow leaf and root continue to provide relief for irritations, internally and externally. As an external soothing poultice for wounds and burns. For daily skin care it calms and heals the skin from acne, stress and over-exposure of the skin from the sun of summer or the winter “wind chill” that effects the skin in the cold months. Also good for eczema, hydration and soothing sunburn.
All the herbs together in a poultice/mask for the skin serves all skin types from acne to aging. Either situation is about stress to the skin, whether the skin is stressed from bacterial influences, hormone or the effects of aging or environment… this combination will calm the skin and rejuvenate from within. Often stress is the cause of most break-outs or aging… so calming the skin is needed by ALL.
All in all, I could go on forever. I encourage comments, please keep them light and constructive, no haters please and especially keep the grammar to yourself! Ha! Unless you want to become a ghost writer for me, I’d surely allow that for free! Or trade!
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May the light in me honor and cherish the light in each and everyone of you!
Love thy neighbor and love thy skin!
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