Do-it-yourself
face masks are all the rage right now, and we
completely understand why. They take common household foods like avocado and
coconut oil, and transform them from tasty snacks to skin care powerhouse
regimens. One of these common household items is gelatin. Mixed with other
easy-to-find ingredients, the gelatin face mask can be used much the same as
a Korean face mask or a charcoal
face mask to lend a softer, younger appearance
to your face, neck, and chest.
But why gelatin? What does it do for
your skin? SiO Beauty’s experts will answer these questions and explain:
- How a gelatin face mask works
- What you should know before you try a gelatin
face mask
- How to make your own gelatin face mask
Plus, we’ll show you a better way to
softer, younger, wrinkle-free skin. But first, let’s
investigate the science behind gelatin and how it works as a face mask.
WHY GELATIN FOR A FACE
MASK?
Gelatin seems like such a simple thing. Gelatin plus some color
and flavor are the basis for Jell-O, the wiggly, jiggly treat we all loved as
kids. So why would it be useful as a skin care product? And more specifically,
why would it be useful in a face mask?
To answer the first question, gelatin is useful as a skin care
product because it adds new collagen to your skin and promotes the growth of
the collagen that is already there. Why does it do that? Because gelatin is
itself dried animal collagen. That’s right, gelatin is collagen extracted from
the skin, bones, and connective tissue of animals such as fish, pigs, cows, and
chickens. You get the most benefits by ingesting the gelatin—bet you didn’t
know that eating Jell-O was good for your skin—but you can also reap some
rewards by applying it directly to your skin. Hence its inclusion in many
anti-aging creams, lotions, and balms.
To answer the second question, gelatin is useful as a face mask
because it binds together when mixed with a liquid and allowed to dry. The
gelatin also tends to become sticky and will bond with skin over the course of
a few minutes. It’s this gentle adhesive property that becomes important when
you use gelatin as a face mask ingredient. That brings us to the next relevant
question.
HOW DOES A GELATIN FACE MASK
WORK?
The gelatin face mask is very similar to other peel-off face masks: it puts certain things
into the skin, and takes other things out. As gelatin face mask dries, it
infuses your skin with moisture and nutrients that stimulate and promote
collagen growth, heal damaged skin, improve elasticity, and add volume. While
this is going on, the gelatin is also lightly binding to the dirt, oil, dead
cells, and toxins that are on the surface of your skin. When your peel off the
dry mask, the dirt, oil, dead cells, toxins, and even a small layer of your skin go with it. This exfoliation reveals
the newer, softer skin underneath. That’s why your skin always feels smoother
after you remove a cosmetic mask.
As good as all this sounds, gelatin face masks aren’t all
they’re cracked up to be. There
are some important things you should know before trying this skin care option.
HOW TO MAKE AND USE YOUR OWN
GELATIN FACE MASK
- 1
package unflavored, uncolored, food-grade gelatin. You should be able to
buy this in any grocery store or market.
- Whole
or 2% milk. Really any type of milk will work, but the more fat and lactic
acid the better. That’s why we suggest whole milk.
- Measuring
spoons
- Small
microwave-safe bowl or cup
- Honey
(optional)
- Old
makeup brush (optional)
Once
you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start mixing:
- Measure
1 tablespoon of gelatin into your microwave-safe bowl or cup.
- Add
2 tablespoons of milk.
- Mix
well until the gelatin takes on a thick, goopy, glue-like consistency.
- Microwave
the mixture for 15 seconds.
- Remove
the bowl or cup from the microwave. Be careful, it may be hot.
- Test
the temperature by sticking a finger or two into the gelatin. It should be
warm to the touch but shouldn’t be so hot that it burns. At the same time,
it shouldn’t be too cool or the gelatin won’t set up right. If the mixture
is too hot, let it cool before testing it again. If the mixture is too
cool, microwave it in five-second intervals until it’s just right.
- Optional:
Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey. Be sure to mix well so the honey is
completely dissolved.
When the mixture becomes thick and goopy again, it’s time to
apply it to your face. Using your fingers or an old makeup applicator, spread
the gelatin mask all over your face. Avoid your eyebrows, the skin around your eyes, directly on your lips, and anywhere
that you have hair you don’t want ripped out. Remember, peeling off a gelatin
mask can be like waxing your face so apply accordingly.
Let the mixture dry for fifteen minutes. Once the allotted time
has passed, start at the bottom (you jawbones and your chin) and peel the mask
upward. When you’re finished, you can rinse off any excess with lukewarm water.
It’s recommended to not use any cleanser at this point as it may irritate the
tender skin. Finish the process by splashing your face with cool water to close
and tighten pores. If you absolutely have to leave the house after peeling off
the gelatin face mask, be sure to apply an SPF 30 or 45 sunscreen to protect the newly-exposed skin.
You can buy Gelatin from our website http://tripathiproducts.in
