My kids are now used to seeing me with strange colored things smeared on my face. Homemade face masks, like this probiotic yogurt face mask, are great for hydrating and nourishing the skin. The only downside is that you have to use it right away. However, this seaweed face mask can be stored as a powder and mixed as needed to add to your skincare routine.
It is packed with antioxidants and superfood ingredients that help remove impurities from the skin. A seaweed face mask also increases collagen to help reduce fine lines. Who cares if you look like The Hulk with it!
Seaweed facial mask ingredients
This mask contains seaweed powders of kelp and spirulina. I also added some French green clay (also known as sea clay) for its purifying properties. Moreover, the clay matches the green theme. You can also add some essential oils for extra benefits and to help improve the scent. Since it is a seaweed mask, it can smell a bit fishy!
French green clay
French green clay was originally mined in France and comes from ancient layers of mud beneath the sea. This makes it a rich source of nutrients. It is often used in facial masks for its cleansing and exfoliating properties. If you have a normal, combination or oily skin type, this is a good choice.
This clay gets its green color from kelp, algae and iron oxides, depending on where it is mined. It is also full of minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium. French green clay has a purifying effect and is even used to remove lead and heavy metals from wastewater. This clay is also very suitable for acne-prone skin because of its drawing and antibacterial properties that combat blemishes.
If you have more sensitive or dry skin, add some oil to your clay face mask. Another option is to swap it out for kaolin clay, which is great for drier skin. And you can always follow your face mask with some homemade lotion for extra hydration.
Spirulina and kelp powder
These are what makes this a seaweed face mask. Spirulina is one of the most nutrient-rich foods in the world and is even used by astronauts during space missions. It is high in protein, iron and anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Although not technically a plant (it was recently reclassified as a bacterium), spirulina comes from single-celled algae.
Kelp powder is another superfood ingredient in this mask. It’s high in vitamins K, A and B-12, plus calcium, iron, iodine and magnesium. You can also find more than 70 trace minerals in algae such as kelp. Kelp also contains antioxidants that help reduce redness and protect against skin damage. Plus, it’s a great skin moisturizer.
Adjust your face mask
Because seaweed contains such a broad spectrum of nutrients and minerals, it mixes well with both oil- and water-based ingredients. But as you probably learned in high school science class, oil and water don’t mix. However, this is not a bad thing as it gives us options.
If your skin needs a little more moisture, opt for a carrier oil or even yogurt for the seaweed face mask. You can also use aloe vera gel, hydrosols or plain water. Adding a little glycerin to the liquid is also good for the skin. If you’re new to hydrosols, here are a few different options and what they do for the skin. Hydrosols are the liquid left over after distilling essential oils (and they make a great toner!).
- Rose hydrosol – Fights signs of aging and restores skin tone.
- Tea tree hydrolate – Soothes redness, irritation and combats blemishes. Repairs damaged skin.
- Helichrysum hydrosol – Purifies and balances the skin and reduces swelling and inflammation. Promotes healing of the skin.
- Lavender hydrosol – Soothing for both the skin and the mood. Helps with all kinds of skin irritations, from redness and itching to irritations and blemishes.
- Calendula hydrolate – Calendula hydrosol is a good general option for skin irritation or inflammation.
Essential oils
These are optional, but they do help improve the scent and add more skin benefits. Some good choices include:
DIY seaweed face mask
This rich and nourishing face mask helps improve skin tone and can be customized to suit your skin type.
Yield: 12 face masks
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Mix the kelp powder, clay and spirulina in a small glass jar. This dry mix will keep for several years if stored away from light and heat.
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To make the mask, place 1 teaspoon of the dry mixture in a small bowl and add about 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of liquid. You want it to be thin enough to spread over your skin, but not so thin that it drips off.
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Add 1-2 drops of essential oils if desired.
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Apply an even layer to the face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
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Wash off the mask with warm water.
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Use your favorite moisturizer if necessary.
The dry powder will last for several years if kept away from moisture and heat. Once mixed with liquid, the mask should be used immediately.
More face mask recipes
Here are some more face mask recipes to pamper your skin with!
Have you ever used seaweed on your skin? Fancy trying it? Leave a comment and let us know!