How to Make a Detoxifying Face Mask with Kelp Powder, Yogurt and Oatmeal

Summer time provides many opportunities for toxins to invade your skin. Increased social and outdoor activities often cause us to use more styling and make-up products along with topical preparations such as sunscreen. This can leave your skin sorely in need of detoxifying.

I designed the following face mask to help you naturally cleanse your skin and purge it of toxins that can cause acne, dullness and just make your skin look old and tired. The face mask will also help naturally moisturizer, tighten and tone your skin.

This face mask recipe calls for inexpensive, natural and easy to obtain ingredients. It is also easy to prepare. You will save time and money by pursuing this natural approach to beauty care instead of purchasing a commercial face mask blend.

You will need the following containers and implements to prepare this face mask recipe: one large mixing bowl capable of holding three cups of liquid; small saucepan; large wooden or plastic spoon for stirring; measuring cup; one tablespoon; one teaspoon; two soft washcloths; medium to large sized towel.

You will also need the following ingredients to make this face mask recipe: two average size green tea bags; two cups water; one cup of plain yogurt; three quarters of one cup of dry oatmeal; 1 teaspoon baking soda and two tablespoons of kelp powder.

Start preparing this face mask recipe by putting the two cups of water into the small saucepan and placing it on a burner on the stove. Do not heat the water yet.

After completing the first step use a mixer, blender or herb grinder to grind the oatmeal until it is a fine powder. When a small pinch of the oatmeal powder floats on water it will be ready to use. This kind of oatmeal powder is called colloidal oatmeal and is found in many expensive beauty care preparations. It is excellent for moisturizing your skin and for removing toxins from it.

After grinding the oatmeal, turn on the burner to medium to begin boiling the water to steep the green tea bags in.

While the water for brewing the tea is heating up combine the yogurt, oatmeal, baking soda and kelp powder in the mixing bowl. Add the ingredients one at a time and stir well after each addition until the face mask mixture is relatively uniform.

The yogurt in the face mask recipe is naturally germicidal; it is also combats inflammation and moisturizes skin. The baking soda in the face mask will help soften your skin but the main purpose for its inclusion is its powerful ability to draw toxins out of your skin.

The kelp powder included in the face mask is a natural and very powerful detoxifier. Kelp is brown seaweed that is a potent source of zinc, magnesium and potassium which are all excellent for detoxifying. Kelp also has anti-bacterial properties which help the face mask naturally fight acne while detoxifying your skin.

Once you finish combining those ingredients place the face mask in the refrigerator. By this time the two cups of water should be boiling. Once the water is boiling remove the pan from the burner and place the two green tea bags in the pan. Then quickly place the large bath towel over your head and lean over the steaming pan. Take care not to get too close to the pan. If the steam is too hot for your skin, back away from the pan for a minute.

The steam from the steeping tea will help remove toxins from your skin it will also open your pores allowing the face mask to penetrate your skin more deeply. Allow the steam to work its magic for a few minutes then add 1/8th of a cup of the tea to the face mask mixture and stir well. The tannins in the tea will bind to toxins and the tea's high caffeine content will tighten your skin and give it a healthy glow.

Your face mask is now ready to use. Apply a thick layer of the face mask to your face and neck and allow it to set for about ten minutes. Soak a soft washcloth in the remaining green tea and use it to gently remove the face mask.

Preparing the recipe with the stated proportions will yield just less than two cups of the face mask, enough for two applications. You can store the finished face mask in a sealed container in the refrigerator for two days.

ALLERGY WARNING: many natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions in people that use them. Avoid any ingredients that you know you are allergic to and discontinue using any formulations that cause skin irritation, hives or other signs of an allergic reaction.