Now my kids are used to seeing me smearing weird colored stuff on my face. Homemade face masks like this probiotic yogurt face mask are great for hydrating and nourishing the skin. The only downside is that you have to use it right away. However, you can store this seaweed face mask as a powder and mix it up as needed to add it to your skincare routine.
Packed with antioxidants and superfood ingredients that help rid skin of impurities, seaweed face masks also boost collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines – no one will care if you look like the Hulk in this!
Seaweed face mask ingredients
This mask contains kelp and spirulina seaweed powder. I also added French green clay (also known as sea clay) which has purifying properties. Plus, this clay fits perfectly with the green theme. You can add essential oils for extra benefits and a great smell. Since it's a seaweed mask, it might smell a bit fishy.
French Green Clay
French Green Clay is originally mined in France and comes from ancient mud layers on the ocean floor, which makes it rich in nutrients. It's often used in face masks for its cleansing and exfoliating properties. It's perfect for those with normal, combination, or oily skin.
This clay's green color comes from kelp, algae, and iron oxides, depending on where it's mined. It's also rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. French green clay has purifying properties and is also used to remove lead and heavy metals from wastewater. This clay is also great for acne-prone skin, as it has firming and antibacterial properties that fight blemishes.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, try adding some oil to your clay face mask, or switch to kaolin clay, which is great for dry skin, and follow up with a homemade lotion for extra hydration.
Spirulina and kelp powder
Here's what makes this seaweed mask so special: Spirulina is one of the most nutritious foods on earth, and is even used by astronauts on space missions. It's rich in protein, iron, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. Although not technically a plant (it was recently reclassified as a bacterium), spirulina comes from a single-celled algae.
Kelp powder is another superfood ingredient in this mask. It's rich in vitamins K, A, B-12, calcium, iron, iodine, and magnesium. Algae like kelp also contain over 70 trace minerals. Kelp also contains antioxidants that help reduce redness and protect skin from damage. Plus, it's an excellent skin moisturizer.
Customize your face mask
Seaweed contains a wide range of nutrients and minerals, so it mixes well with both oil and water based ingredients. However, as we learned in middle school science class, oil and water do not mix. This is not a bad thing, as it gives us options.
If your skin needs a little more moisture, try using a carrier oil or plain yogurt in your seaweed face mask. You can also use aloe vera gel, hydrosol, or plain water. Adding a little glycerin to the liquid can also be beneficial for your skin. If you're new to hydrosols, here are a few different options and what they can do for your skin: Hydrosols are the liquid that's left over after essential oils are distilled (and they make a great toner).
- Rose Hydrosol – Fights signs of aging and restores skin tone.
- Tea Tree Hydrosol – Soothes redness and inflammation, fights blemishes and repairs damaged skin.
- Helichrysum Hydrosol – Purifies and balances the skin, reduces swelling and inflammation. Promotes skin healing.
- Lavender Hydrosol – Soothes both your skin and your mood. Soothes all kinds of skin irritation, from redness and itchiness to inflammation and blemishes.
- Calendula Hydrosol – Calendula hydrosol is a comprehensive remedy for all skin irritations and itchiness.
Essential oils
These are optional but can improve the scent and provide additional benefits to your skin. Some good choices include:
DIY seaweed face mask
This rich, nutrient-rich face mask helps improve skin tone and can be customized for any skin type.
yield: 12 Face masks
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Combine kelp powder, clay, and spirulina in a small glass jar. This dry mix will keep for several years if stored away from light and heat.
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To make the mask, place 1 teaspoon of the dry mix in a small bowl and add about 2 1/2 teaspoons of the liquid — thin enough to apply to skin, but not so thin that it drips.
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Add 1-2 drops of essential oil if desired.
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Apply evenly over face and leave on for 15-20 minutes.
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Rinse the mask off with warm water.
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If desired, apply your favorite moisturizer.
The dry powder will last for several years if stored away from moisture and heat. Once mixed with the liquid, use the mask immediately.
More Face Mask Recipes
Here are some face mask recipes to pamper your skin:
Have you ever used seaweed on your skin before? Would you like to give it a try? Leave a comment and let me know!