Making a Facial Mask Part 4

When first applied, this creamy mask is a dark reddish-brown. It is soft and easy to apply. It begins drying fairly quickly. It smells divine!

It also has a slight tingling effect, because of the DMAE in it. This lasts for a minute or two. The DMAE and the Moroccan Clay together, are the firming factor in the mask.

I used Moroccan Clay (also known as Rhassoul Clay) because one study results showed that a single use of a Rhassoul Clay mask statistically:

. Reduces dryness (79%)
. Reduces flakiness (41%)
. Improves skin clarity (68%)
. Improves skin elasticity / firmness (24%)
. Improves skin texture (106%)

DMAE is found in foods and can create an almost immediate appearance in the firming and tone of the skin. DMAE is an amazing nutrient that extends the life of cells, inhibits the cross linking of proteins, which gives the skin a tone and firm appearance. The firming results of DMAE usually last about 12 hours or so.

Pro-Vitamin B5 (dl-Panthenol) is a humectant effective at counteracting the dryness that occurs in aging skin and increases the moisture retention capacity of the skin which allows dry skin to stay supple and elastic longer. It is anti-inflammatory and stimulates skin regeneration. Niacinamide and Panthenol improve the condition of the skin's moisture barrier, a function considered by dermatologists as critical to healthy skin.

The mask dried to a pale pinkish-beige and rinsed off easily with water. I applied it to my entire face and left it on about 30 minutes before removing it with warm water and patting it dry. I did not apply any moisturizer afterward. The result?

I see a significant improvement in the tone and clarity of my skin. It looks and feels soft, smooth and  firm! That DMAE is awesome! I love Moroccan Clay, too! My skin is not red, so I see this as an excellent mask to apply before an evening out in which you would like to look your very best and show off your soft, glowing skin! 

This is the Facial Mask to reach for when you want to improve the tone, clarity, texture and firmness of your skin!  You will be able to find this wonderful Firming Facial Mask soon at lucsiouslather.etsy.com.

Making a Facial Mask Part 1

I thought it would be fun for my customers to be able to take part in making a facial mask with me! So consider this your invitation to follow along while I make up a mask recipe, test it and tweak it to improve it. I hope that you will enjoy making a facial mask recipe with me!

The first thing I have done is to disinfect all bowls and utensils that will be used in this process. This involves rinsing clean bowls and measuring spoons, whisks, etc. with a mixture of bleach and water.  They are then rinsed well again with fresh water and dried with fresh paper towels.

All work surfaces are cleaned, then sprayed down with copious amounts of rubbing alcohol and wiped down with fresh paper towels. I have covered mine with fresh paper towels so that you can clearly see all of the various assembled ingredients. I wear non-latex gloves to keep things sanitary when preparing something for my customers.

The first things that I have put into the bowl are Rose Kaolin Clay, Moroccan Clay (also known as Rhassoul Clay) and DMAE. I am making a Firming Facial Mask, so I am going to include ingredients that have firming, soothing and skin-softening properties.

Some of the other ingredients you see next to the bowl are the the two clays and DMAE in bags, neem oil, black willowbark, essential oils, rosemary oleoresin and a paraben-free preservative. I will also be adding aloe juice, alantoin, zinc oxide and some other goodies.

I am writing down the amounts of each ingredient, so that I can easily duplicate and/or adjust the recipe as necessary.  Then, I will test it!  I love that part!  I will make sure that the mask does what it is supposed to do, feels good on the skin, smells wonderful, does not irritate the skin, is creamy and easily spreadable, etc. If anything needs tweaking, I can easily adjust accordingly by referring to my recipe.  I have other willing testers to try things out on as well. When everything seems to be just right, I will make up new labels, package it, photograph and list it.

I will post some new pictures as the recipe progresses -- stay tuned for Part 2!