The miracle of wildcraft facial masks
Most conventional face masks contain allergens and chemicals. Yet there are face masks you can make yourself from all-natural ingredients. These ingredients you can find in the wild, depending on your location and the time of year. But you can also find them at your local co-op or natural foods store. Below are the 12 best wild ingredients for creating your own facial masks.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant that grows wild in the Southwest. It secretes a clear gel that soothes sunburned and irritated skin. Aloe vera also helps to minimize scars from acne and skin lesions. It fights aging as well, thanks to the beta carotene and vitamins C and E in it. They improve skin’s elasticity and firmness and hydrate it.
2. Berries
Berries, such as blueberries and raspberries, grow wild in the Pacific Northwest and New England. The antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals in them help to heal damaged skin and protect against premature aging. Blueberries especially make a great skin toner. They help to maintain your skin’s pH balance as they shrink and tighten pores.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile grows wild throughout the US. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for treating acne and unclogging pores. It is also rich in flavanoids and antioxidants, which help protect the skin against free radicals that cause premature aging. Moreover, chamomile is great for treating skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, rashes, and insect bites.
4. Mint
Mint grows wild in the central part of the United States. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it soothes and calms skin. Because it also controls oil production, it’s ideal for oily skin. And it makes your skin bright and soft.
5. Calendula
Calendula grows wild throughout the United States. It has many beneficial skin properties. Calendula is rich in antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin A precursors that help destroy free radicals that cause premature aging. Moreover, Calendula is an all-natural skin brightener that stimulates collagen production while reducing the appearance of scars.
6. Fennel
Found in warmer climates, fennel has numerous skin care benefits: It deep-cleanses, fights acne, and tones and detoxifies skin. What’s more, fennel fights off free radicals, protecting skin from premature aging. And it nourishes and plumps skin with moisture to keep it soft and supple.
7. Lavender
There are several types of lavender, and some grow wild within the USA. Lavender is also easy to grow in home gardens or can be purchased at independent lavender farms in small towns across the USA. Lavender contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, soothing and calming skin. It’s also used as an all-natural acne treatment due to lavender’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties — it heals and treats breakouts while toning your skin. Lavender oil normalizes oil production as well, making it ideal for oily skin.
8. Reishi mushroom
A popularly item for foraging in the northeastern United States, reishi mushroom contain polysaccharides that help to hydrate skin. This in turn stimulates skin repair and renewal. Moreover, reishi mushrooms reduce skin inflammation, puffiness, wrinkles, and free radical damage as it helps to regenerate cells.
9. Wild rose
Wild rose grows naturally along the upper Pacific coast from Alaska down into California. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin. Wild roses also contain lots of antioxidants that strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissue, so it’s ideal for sensitive skin. Wild rose also protects against damage to skin’s elastin fibers. This helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
10. Rosemary
Rosemary grows wild in such warmer climates as Southern California and the Southwest. Its phytonutrients, antioxidants, and essential acids rejuvenate skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also tightens any sagging and looseness. Finally, rosemary contains disinfectant and antiseptic properties, treating acne and oily skin conditions.
11. Honeysuckle
Growing wild throughout North America, honeysuckle has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that sooth skin and combat acne. The antioxidants in it check the growth of free radicals to prevent premature aging.
12. Red Clover
Found growing wild throughout the United States, red clover prevents against premature aging of the skin. It’s estrogen-mimicking effects boosts collagen production and sealing in moisture. Red clover also increases your skin’s hyaluronic acid levels. This reduces puffiness and wrinkles as it also increases cell regeneration.
Fabulous DIY wild herb face mask
This formula for an herbal face mask you can make at home accommodates a number of different herbs, depending on whether your skin is oily, normal, or dry. It’s adapted from a formula that first appeared at Rodale’s Organic Life.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon dried herb or a handful of fresh herbs (you can use peppermint or rosemary for oily skin; fennel for dry skin; wild rose for normal, dry, and sensitive skin)
- 1 tablespoon powdered milk
Directions
- Make an infusion with the herbs and 1 cup of water. To create the infusion, pour boiling water over dried or fresh leaves or flowers, and cover the container tightly to prevent the escape of volatile oils. Steep 10 to 15 minutes, then strain.
- Allow it to cool to a comfortable temperature, then mix infused water into the powdered milk. Apply the liquid to your face with a cotton ball or cloth, then rinse with cool water.
- Immediately refrigerate any unused portion; discard after 48 hours.
Boost your all-natural masking routine
For even more impressive results, supplement your DIY masking with professional treatments. From Clear + Brilliant laser facials to a 100% vegan product line, LaserAway offers the most diverse range of aesthetic dermatological treatments to boost your skincare game.
References
- “Homemade Facial Masks: 9 Recipes That Work,” Reader’s Digest, September 17, 2015.
- “Make Your Own Herbal Face Masks: 5 DIY Recipes with the Ayurvedic Facial Scrub,” Annmarie.com, October 2, 2016.
