What a 75-years-young woman with beautiful skin told me about Home Skincare Masks

I was working on a woman’s makeup a few weeks ago and she raved about her mom’s skin and when I saw her mom I understood why. The lovely lady was about 75 years old and looked like she was about 60. I was trying so hard to be polite and asked her what she does for skincare like microdermabrasian or skin peels. I really wanted to asked her what sort of plastic surgery she’s had because her skin was phenomenal! There were so few wrinkles and it glowed with health.

Her response was nothing. Nothing!? How is that possible?

She attributed her skin to a long life of home facial masks of which she did everyday starting in her 20’s. A friend who worked for a skincare company in the 1950’s told her that, especially in this dry Colorado weather, she should be doing masks to replenish the moisture in her skin for a long, wrinkle free life. At the time she was a single mom and couldn’t afford fancy creams, so she used stuff from her refrigerator.

I thought this would be a very appropriate entry now that it is getting chilly outside and the heaters are drying out our skin. I found some interesting info online about skincare from your kitchen.

Egg and Yogurt Facial Mask for Dry Skin

• 2 egg whites, separated from the yolk
• 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt
• Separate the egg whites and place them in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt (do not use flavored yogurt). Mix them up and apply to face. Leave on face for 15-20 minutes then rinse face in warm water, followed by a warm washcloth.

Yogurt and Honey Face Mask for All Skin Types

• 1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (preferably whole milk, not non-fat or low-fat)
• 1 tsp runny honey (microwave for a few seconds to soften hardened honey) Combine mixture, then apply to face. Let sit for 15 minutes.
• Wash face with steaming washcloth or in shower as honey is sticky. For dry skin, use an extra tsp of honey as honey is very nourishing for the skin. If oily skin, add a few drops of fresh lime juice, but be careful and test first if you have any open acne sores. It could sting.

Tomato and Potato Flour Mask for Oily Skin

• 1 tomato
• 2 tablespoons of potato flour
• Peel the flesh of one tomato away from the skin and seeds. Mix with two tablespoons of potato flour to form a paste. Add more if runny. Apply to your face and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Apple Zinger Facial Mask for Oily/Acne Skin

• 1 medium size apple, grated fine
• 5 tbs. honey, warmed to runny consistency
• Mix the grated apple and honey well. Smooth over skin and let sit for 10 minutes. Wash face with steaming washcloth or in shower as honey is sticky. Follow with cool water to close the pores.

Sugar and Water Exfoliating Mask

Exfoliating is very important. When dead skin collects on the surface of skin, it’s important to slough it away. This helps clear up clogged pores. When skin isn’t exfoliated, it can appear dull and lifeless.

• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp warm water
• Stir sugar into warm water so that it melts. Make sure granules are dissolved, otherwise they could tear your skin. Apply to the face. Gently massage around the skin. Rinse with warm water OR take a warm washcloth that’s steamed in the microwave. Make sure the washcloth is not too hot.