Face masks: a natural way to care for your skin
Find out how face masks can be your ally during menopause! We explain why they are important, how they can help you improve signs of ageing, plus 5 recipes for face masks that you can make at home.
Why use face masks during menopause?
As the years go by, it is common for the skin to undergo changes. This is due to both external factors, such as sun exposure and pollution, and internal hormonal changes. Menopause plays a crucial role, and women at this stage often experience (1,2,3):
- Dry skin, flaky skin.
- Increased sensitivity.
- Expression lines and wrinkles.
- Telangectasias.
- Spots on the skin.
- Sagging skin on the face and other parts of the body
- Scalp changes, including hair loss.
Many of these symptoms can be improved with good habits. This is why it is essential to combine a healthy lifestyle with an effective skincare routine that includes the use of facial masks (3,4).
Such mixtures have a high concentration of active ingredients that are beneficial to the skin. However, the effect will depend on the active ingredient contained. For example, clay masks help to exfoliate and hyaluronic acid masks help to keep the moisturised skin hydrated (4).
Here are 5 types of homemade face masks with natural ingredients to take care of your skin (5):
Turmeric face mask
This is a recipe you can use to even out your skin tone and improve the appearance of blemishes.
Ingredients:
- Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Two tablespoons of natural honey (no sugar added).
Mix the ingredients in a bowl until you get a paste. Then, gently massage your face with the paste and leave it on for 10 minutes. Finally, rinse with lukewarm water and you're done!
Aloe vera mask
If your skin looks dry and dull, this moisturising mask is perfect for you. It is also very useful if you want to de-inflate your face.
Ingredients:
- Half a cucumber.
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel.
Mash the cucumber and mix it with the aloe vera gel. Then apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then rinse with water to leave your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.
Facial masks for wrinkle improvement
Cocoa and avocado are perfect for moisturising your skin and to help improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Ingredients:
- 1 avocado.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
- 1 tablespoon of natural honey (no added sugar).
Mash the avocado and mix with the cocoa powder and honey. Then gently massage the mask onto your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Finally, rinse off with lukewarm water.
Banana mask
This mixture serves to nourish your skin and provides extra moisture.
Ingredients:
- Half a ripe banana.
Mash the banana into a smooth paste and apply a thin layer to your skin. Leave it on your face for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
Oatmeal face masks
With this combination of ingredients, you can control the oiliness of the skin, cleanse the pores, and perform a gentle exfoliation.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons oatmeal.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda.
- 1 tablespoon of drinking water.
Combine the oatmeal and baking soda in a bowl and add enough water to create a thick paste. Apply to your face and allow to dry, then remove with lukewarm water.
Key points when using homemade face masks
Here are some important tips if you want to apply home-made face masks (2,3,4,5):
- Use once a week.
- Cleanse your face before applying the mask and use a moisturiser afterwards.
- Discontinue use if you notice a rash, burning, or itching.
- Don't forget to wear sunscreen every day. Lack of photoprotection can cause premature ageing or worsen existing signs of ageing.
- You can combine homemade masks with facial massages for a greater rejuvenating effect.
- It is important to combine this topical treatment with other healthy lifestyle habits. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables that provide vitamins for skin, and drink plenty of water daily.
- Ask your doctor about the benefits of biotin for your skin and how you can take it.
Enjoy a pampering moment for your skin with these homemade face masks to feel radiant and renewed!
We invite you to learn about other topics of interest such as the importance of breast self-examination during menopause.
Bibliographical references
- NHS. Signs and symptons of menopause.
2022 Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/signs-and-symptoms-of-menopause#:~:text=Common%20symptoms%20of%20the%20menopause%20include%3A,and%20onset%20of%20adult%20acne
- Herman, J., Rost-Roszkowska, M., Skotnicka-Graca, U. Skin care during the menopause period: noninvasive procedures of beauty studies. Postepy Dermatol Alergol.
2013 30(6):388-95. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3907896/
- American Academy Dermatology Association. Caring for your skin in menopause.
2023 Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/skin-care-during-menopause#:~:text=Jowls%2C%20slack%20skin%2C%20and%20wrinkles&text=Studies%20show%20that%20women's%20skin,firmness%20and%20begins%20to%20sag.
- Penn Medicine. Do face mask really work? The ¨magic¨ behind face mask-and how to get the most out of them.
2022 Available from: https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/march/the-magic-behind-face-masks#:~:text=The%20mask%20traps%20the%20moisture,a%20short%20amount%20of%20time.
- Cobb, C. Homemade face masks for 6 different skin conditions: recipes, benefits, how to use.
2019 Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/homemade-face-masks