Facial massage is a popular method, which has been used from time immemorial to improve the quality of facial skin. It has been touted by the beauticians as a panacea for all ills of the face (a total exaggeration!). The cream massage increases the blood supply of the facial skin. This is the thought to keep the skin supple and prevent premature aging of the skin. However, the greatest benefit of the massage is that it relaxes you and this effect is enhanced by adding aromatic oils.

Following the massage, the face may or may not be steamed. This is done using a hot towel or a steaming gadget and though the beautician may tell you that it open the pores of the skin, steaming actually enhances the relaxation of the face and gives a feeling of warmth. The present vogue of applying face packs has been attributed to a combination of the psycho logic and cleansing effects of the face pack. The warmth and tightening resulting from the application produces a sensation of rejuvenation of the facial skin, whilst the colloidal and adsorptive clays and earths present in some of the packs adsorb skin debris, grease and dirt.

Problems After Facial Massage:

Facial beauty treatments are soothing and relaxing procedures, but can definitely result in some problems like an eruption quite like acne can occur 4-6 weeks after a facial massage. In this, large pimples develop on the cheek and these heal after a long time leaving behind dark scars. Sometimes, exotic ingredients of the creams can cause allergic reactions.

This category of skin care products includes cosmetics like skin fresheners, toners and astringents. They basically contain alcohol and water. Glycerin witch hazel, menthol, camphor, boric acid, rose water and alum are often added. The basic difference in the formula is in the amount of alcohol these products contain. As alcohol has a very drying effect, there is little or none of it in the products intended for dry skin while the products for use on oily skin have high alcohol content.

These products are used after cleaning the skin (with soap or any other cleanser), though they can be used as interim cleansers as well, as they can remove grime and oils. They freshen and tone up the skin and prepare it for application of make-up. They also restore the acid/alkali balance of the skin, because they are pH balanced. Despite claims to the contrary, fresheners, toners and astringents do no close pores. As a matter of fact, no cosmetic product can alter the actual size of the pores. What really happens after using these products is a mild irritation of the skin. These results in swelling of the skin and so the pores appear less prominent.

Toner for Normal Skin:

This is a refreshing toner for normal skins. Chop up a small size of fresh cucumber and liquidize it with half a cup of yoghurt. Apply the mixture for 5-10 minutes, and wash it off. The remainder can be stored in the fridge for future use.

Basically all face masks have some sort of a cleansing action. Various ingredients are used in the masks, depending on the skin type and to some extent on the availability of materials. Clays form an important constituent of many face masks as they are excellent adsorbing agents. Gums and polymers are added to lend sticking properties to the clays. They help to remove dirt, sebum, and dead skin so that the skin looks clean, soft and youthful. Fuller’s earth is a special kind of clay often used in face packs. It contains aluminum silicate.

As it dries on the skin, it absorbs the superficial dead cells and blots up any excessive oil on the skin. It is therefore excellent for an oily skin but should not be used on a dry skin. Kaolin also fine clay which has long been used for tummy upsets because it absorbs toxins from the system. When used on the skin it removes grime, oils and dead cells. Kaolin is again ideally suited for oily skins and best avoided on skins and best avoided on dry skins. Another ingredient of some of the masks is the peeling or the exfoliating agent these removes the top layer of dead cells from the skin, leaving behind fresh youthful skin. They are usually well tolerated and brighten up a dull complexion. Oatmeal and bran are the commonly used for peelers.

Oat meal is obtained from oats. It is rich in vitamin B and vitamin E. for the last named content; it has been attributed with anti-aging qualities. However, it is quite unlikely that the contact for a short time, as during the application of the face pack, would benefit the skin. The rather youthful appearance of the skin after use of oatmeal containing masks is due to the removal of the superficial dead skin and the appearance of the younger skin on the surface. This effect is similar to the effect of epidermabrasion, a technique which we have already discussed.

Identify your skin type before you apply the mask. It is the best to try out a few of the masks suited to your skin type and discover for yourself, which of them is the most beneficial to you.

For Oily Skin:

Mix 2 teaspoons of fuller’s earth with 2 teaspoons of chilled rose water to make a thick paste. Apply on your face with a brush, avoiding the delicate areas around the eyes. Leave it on for about 20 minutes or till completely dry. Rinse with warm water. The result is a clear pinkish youthful skin –all the excess grease and dead cells have been cleared away. The treatment should be used for oily skins once a week but if your skin is really very oily then you can apply it even twice a week.

For Sallow Looking Oily Complexions With Blemishes:

Mix 3 teaspoons of kaolin with half a teaspoon each of rose water, glycerin and tincture of benzoin; both kaolin and tincture of benzion can easily be procured from the chemist. Apply the mask with a brush, leave it on for 30 minutes and wash it off with warm water. Your skin will appear soft and smooth with a glowing color.

Tonic for Oily Skin:

Whisk one egg white until it thickens, then whisk in 1 teaspoon of honey. Finally add 1 teaspoon of honey. Finally add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to your face and neck avoiding the delicate eye and lip areas. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash with warm water.

Facial Scrub for Oily Skin:

This is an invigorating way of cleansing the face, as the coarse texture of the scrub helps get rid of the dirt and the superficial dead skin. It should not be used more than once a week and never on a dry skin. You should mix 1 teaspoon of fine bran with a quarter teaspoon of dried yeast and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice along with a table spoon of water. Gently massage the thick paste so formed into the skin. Particularly on and around the nose and the chin areas, using a soft brush avoid applying around the eyes. Wash off after 1-2 minutes using warm water.