Under the influence of internal and external factors, age, pigment spots appear on the skin of the face.
Their formation is associated with metabolic disorders, which leads to excessive accumulation of melanin in cells. The problem is solvable and can be effectively combated with cosmetics, for example, using homemade whitening masks. For their preparation, products are used that have a lightening effect, including both food and pharmaceutical compositions. From this article you will learn how to properly prepare whitening masks at home.
Beneficial properties of whitening masks
Skin whitening using homemade masks has a complex effect. Thanks to the selected formulation of the product, the intensity of age spots and freckles is reduced. As a result, facial skin acquires an even and natural tone.
At the same time, metabolic processes improve, cells are saturated with vitamins, minerals and water. The face looks young and the skin rested. If you follow the recipe and application technology, you can get rid of small facial wrinkles and tone the epidermis. Pigmentation usually appears with age; whitening masks have a strong anti-aging effect.
Freckles are a typical example of pigmentation on the skin. Their appearance is caused by the accumulation of melanin in tissues, which gives the characteristic color. Unlike moles, they do not contain cells that produce this enzyme.
Getting rid of pigmentation in beauty salons
Of course, no one has yet canceled beauty salons, and if you have the desire and time, then it is advisable to visit a professional cosmetologist to remove an unpleasant defect. However, it is worth remembering that professional services are very expensive, and in addition, they do not always bring the desired effect.
Moreover, some formulations are too aggressive. and sometimes cause burns. Therefore, you can try to prepare masks yourself at home, and be sure that the ingredients are natural.
Indications for use
They should be used exclusively in cases of pronounced pigmentation on the face, to even out the skin tone. Main indications:
- age spots, freckles or lentigo;
- rosacea, or varicose veins on the skin;
- scars and cicatrices left after acne, acne;
- unhealthy skin tone;
- consequences of heavy sunburn, hypothermia;
- redness and irritation after salon procedures.
With regular use of whitening masks, metabolic processes are restored, which leads to normalization of melanin production. If you follow the technology and timing of applying such cosmetics, you can get rid of severe pigmentation forever.
Causes of hyperpigmentation
Pigment spots can form on any part of the human body. These are dark marks of small and large sizes caused by intense melanin production. As a result, there is an excessive accumulation of pigment in the skin cells, and it becomes brown.
In order to restore the skin to its healthy appearance and beauty, a thorough examination is necessary. Based on the data obtained, the dermatologist will select adequate treatment.
The main reasons for increased pigmentation are:
- hormonal imbalances,
- chronic diseases of internal organs,
- endocrine system disorders,
- injury to the epidermis,
- prolonged exposure to the sun,
- unhealthy diet
- taking strong medications,
- lack of vitamins,
- pregnancy.
Often hyperpigmentation on the body and face is a consequence of natural aging or improperly performed peeling and other cosmetic procedures.
To cleanse the skin, complex therapy is important, aimed at eliminating the internal cause of the formation of the defect. Lightening masks are considered an essential part of treatment.
Products with whitening properties
To create a whitening mask at home, I use food products that are easy to find in the house. In addition, pharmaceutical components sold without a doctor's prescription are widely used. For example, acetylsalicylic acid or clay. When choosing a component for preparing the product, you need to take into account the individual sensitivity of the cells and allergies to specific products. Among these ingredients:
cucumbers
The most affordable component for homemade whitening masks. It has a weak effect on skin tone, but effectively tones cells and restores metabolic processes. Suitable for use at any age, rarely causes allergies or side effects. Cucumber masks can be used for any skin type. For preparation, the component is used both cut into slices and in crushed form.
It is enough to peel and grate a fresh cucumber so that the useful component of the mask is ready.
Kefir
All fermented milk products contain not only beneficial bacteria, but also lightening pigments. Suitable for any skin type, and the consistency of the product can be adjusted by the oil content of the product itself. Kefir can be combined with many cooking ingredients and rarely causes an allergic reaction. Easily washed off with running water, leaving no dry spots. Recommended for regular use as part of home cosmetics.
Kefir has a similar composition and properties to homemade yogurt. The ingredients are interchangeable, and if you regularly use masks with fermented milk products, it is recommended to alternate them.
Parsley
A parsley mask effectively eliminates pigmentation and has a tonic and restorative effect. To enhance the effect, you need to use only fresh parsley, but this product is also very useful in dry form. Has no contraindications, suitable for any skin type.
You can add mashed cottage cheese to a decoction of parsley seeds and you will get a brightening mask with a healing and soothing effect.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal itself does not have a whitening effect. The result is achieved thanks to a large number of other beneficial properties, which leads to an even complexion. The product contains a large amount of antioxidants, which increases stability and protection. An oatmeal mask has an anti-inflammatory effect and nourishes cells with minerals and vitamins. This product is a natural source of thiamine, sodium and zinc, necessary for the health and tone of the epidermis. Used in masks and home scrubs, suitable for any skin type.
Egg white
Egg white is especially effective in masks against acne and pimples. Relieves inflammation and normalizes metabolic processes in cells, thanks to which you can get rid of remaining scars. The product contains a large amount of B vitamins, iodine, zinc and other minerals. They nourish tissues, thereby improving the appearance, tone and health of the face. The egg mask is recommended for those with problematic and dry skin.
It is important to determine the freshness of eggs before using them.
Turmeric
Turmeric has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, reduces age spots and evens out the complexion. Prevents dryness, slows down the aging process and accelerates regeneration. Turmeric for making masks is best used for aging skin with severe pigmentation. In addition, the component is recommended for combating acne and acne.
Since the Middle Ages, turmeric has been actively used to create Indian curry spice and in cosmetology. There are references to the fact that the dried rhizomes of this plant were also used as a natural dye for working with metal and glass.
Potato starch
This component for home cosmetics has a soft and gentle effect on the skin. Improves complexion and gently whitens fabrics. Softens dead skin cells, effectively nourishes the epidermis, and also improves the functioning of the vascular system. Suitable for masks against rosacea, often used in anti-aging compositions. It has no contraindications; potato starch can be used for any skin type.
You can find the best ginger mask recipes here.
Cocoa powder
Has a combined effect on the skin. Homemade cocoa powder masks nourish, moisturize and soften dead skin cells of the epidermis. In addition, the product contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Thanks to them, cocoa helps restore the natural tone of the face, soothes irritation and relieves inflammation from acne. Suitable for any skin type, recommended for those with high oil content, as the product normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Cosmetic clay
To create whitening masks, it is recommended to use cosmetic white or blue clay. The product helps to recover from uneven tanning and is effective for a large number of freckles. If you choose the right composition, a clay mask can lighten the epidermis by 2 tones. A black clay mask is no less effective.
Properties of different types of clay.
The component improves metabolic processes and has a rejuvenating effect. Recommended for any skin type; with the help of additional ingredients you can create a product to solve almost any problem.
When choosing the type of clay, you need to consider your skin type. If the oil content is high, it is best to use a white component, and if it is dry, it is best to use a gray component. Blue and black clay are suitable for working with problematic epidermis.
Hydrogen peroxide
A pharmaceutical preparation widely used in home cosmetology. Has a powerful whitening and antiseptic effect. Helps get rid of the effects of pimples and blackheads, eliminates small scars and scars. To create a mask, you need to use only 3 or 5% hydrogen peroxide, strictly observing the proportions and dosage. May cause burns, irritation and redness. It is advisable to use the product only on problem areas. Not recommended for sensitive and dry skin. After use, it is recommended to use a moisturizer.
Salicylic acid
The most effective remedy for eliminating pronounced age spots and freckles on the skin of the face. Salicylic acid has a strong whitening effect and acts as an antiseptic. In addition, it softens the stratum corneum of the epidermis and promotes exfoliation, while at the same time it also has a keratoplastic effect - it stimulates the formation of new cells.
One of the popular non-invasive methods of cleansing and rejuvenating the skin is peeling with salicylic acid. The procedure not only exfoliates the dead layer of the epidermis, but also triggers the production of collagen and elastin, which miraculously rejuvenate the face.
Normalizes the functioning of the vascular system, thanks to which you can get rid of inflammation and the capillary network. Sold in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription, suitable for problematic and dry skin.
Recipes for masks made from activated carbon and gelatin can be found here.
Salicylic acid was first obtained from willow bark. The name of the plant in Latin sounds like Salix, which gave the name to this pharmacological agent.
Lemon
This healthy fruit has a complex effect on the skin; with regular use, it can get rid of a wide range of problems. Contains vitamin C, which enhances the production of elastin and collagen, making the skin look elastic and toned. Thanks to folic acid in the juice, inflammation is relieved, small pimples and acne are eliminated. In addition, it normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands and effectively whitens the epidermis. Recommended for regular wiping of the face with severe pigmentation. Lemon is best used for combination and oily skin types; if you have extreme dryness, the component should be used with caution, as it can cause peeling.
Badyaga
This is a type of freshwater sponge that is actively used in pharmaceutical ointments for bruises, as well as in cosmetology. Sold in gel or powder form, suitable only for severe pigmentation. It has a very strong whitening effect and can change the shade by 1-2 tones. Due to the presence of silica in the composition, it affects the epidermis at the cellular level, as a result of which the skin is tightened and fine wrinkles are smoothed out. In addition, badyaga contains a vegetable protein - sponginin, which actively relieves inflammation and has a resolving and bactericidal effect. Due to this, a badyagi mask is effective for eliminating pimples and acne. Not recommended for hypersensitivity and dryness; may cause tingling and pain. Sold in pharmacies without a prescription.
Recipes for oily skin
Intensive work of the sebaceous glands leads to oily skin. A matte shine, pimples, and irritation appear on the face. After the rash heals, dark spots often remain. To normalize sebum production and get rid of pigmentation, a course of lightening masks specially selected for oily epidermis is required.
It is recommended to carry out treatment in the evenings and not to go outside until the morning. Exposure to the components makes the face too sensitive, so exposure to the sun and wind can cause irritation.
Yeast with lemon juice
Yeast gives the face velvety and tenderness, smoothes out fine wrinkles and whitens well. To cure acne marks and lighten freckles, you need a fresh product. Dry yeast for long-term storage is not suitable.
To remove pigmentation you need to take:
- yeast - 30 g,
- a large spoon of milk,
- freshly squeezed lemon juice.
The yeast should be poured with warm milk, covered with a napkin and placed in a warm place for half an hour. During this time, the mass will begin to ferment and increase in size. You need to pour a teaspoon of lemon juice into it and mix thoroughly. Apply an even layer to the face and neck and rest for 20 minutes.
Onion with vinegar
Onions are good for problem skin. It eliminates pathogenic bacteria, inflammation, and promotes acne healing. Many girls are afraid to use the vegetable for cosmetic purposes, thinking that after the procedure a specific smell will remain. You don't have to worry about this. To completely get rid of the onion aroma, you need to drop a couple of drops of pine or ylang-ylang essential oil into your washing water.
For a brightening mask, you need to measure out a teaspoon:
- onion juice,
- natural honey,
- apple cider vinegar,
- olive oil.
Combine the ingredients in a ceramic plate, add a beaten egg yolk, an ampoule of vitamin C and apply to the face. It is advisable to wash off the composition with mineral water.
Kefir with lemon juice
Kefir deeply cleanses the epidermis, maintains the acid-base balance and has a pronounced whitening effect. To prepare a healthy mixture, you need to dilute a spoonful of rice flour in 40 ml of warm kefir, add 10 drops of lemon juice and a pinch of baking soda. Lubricate your face generously and wash after 10 minutes.
Rules for using masks
Masks with a whitening effect have an aggressive effect on the skin of the face. Therefore, when using such homemade cosmetics, it is important to follow the recipe and application technology. Basic rules of use:
- whitening masks should be applied in a thin layer and kept on the skin for no more than 15 minutes so as not to disturb the water balance;
- In summer, it is advisable to avoid such procedures, since bleaching compounds affect melanin metabolism. This enzyme actively interacts with sunlight, the result can be the most unpredictable. The recommended time for skin whitening is autumn and winter;
- to increase the photosensitivity of the skin and avoid side effects, it is advisable to additionally use moisturizers and sunscreens;
- You need to wash off the mask with cool water, as high temperatures additionally dry out the skin;
- to enhance effectiveness, you can include foods containing vitamin PP and C in your diet;
- each component must be tested for allergies before use to avoid adverse reactions;
- Before the procedure, it is advisable to use a soft scrub to remove the upper stratum corneum.
Whitening masks should be used no more than 2 times a week in a strictly limited course. After achieving a visible result, such means should be temporarily abandoned.
Read about aloe masks in this material.
Before using a whitening mask with any pharmaceutical drug, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This will reduce the likelihood of complications and side effects.
Contraindications and harm
Homemade whitening masks are not recommended for sensitive and very dry skin. In addition, they should be used with caution in case of a large number of inflamed pimples and acne. It is strictly forbidden to apply such compositions if you have chronic dermatological diseases, for example, keratosis, melanoma or vitiligo.
The procedure should also be abandoned in the presence of open wounds or mechanical damage in order to avoid possible complications. Some components of homemade masks can cause an allergic reaction, so the composition must be carefully considered, and if necessary, you can replace any ingredient.
