Freeman's Feeling Beautiful Facial Clay Masks

My family has recently purchased to clay facial masks from Freeman (at Wal-Mart) and I really wanted to talk about this because one of my goals is to replicate them into a healthier version. 

Both of these masks are made with Kaolin Clay and I have found they are great at smoothing the texture of the skin. Because of these masks, I have really been obsessed with kaolin clay (I just purchased a facial cleanser with it from Lush, so I'll let you know how that works out soon). These products are also full of essential oils to benefit your skin. Obviously, because there are two products here, the oils will be different because the purposes of the masks are different.

Unfortunately, both of these masks list multiple parabens on their ingredients list. This is the primary version as to why I want to make my own. 

The first mask, the Avocado & Oatmeal mask, is very soothing and it smells great, very spa-like. This is great for inflamed and irritated skin. The second mask is the Mint & Lemon mask. This one is smoothing due to the clay, but it does awesome at brightening the skin. I'm serious, my skin looks amazing after rinsing this mask away.

So, I would recommend using these products because masks really are great (although I would definitely use a fresh mask, if it is possible) but just use caution because, while they contain many beneficial ingredients, they also contain a few bad ones as well. 

Keep an eye out for an update to this one after I get some clay ordered, so I can make my own masks and have a recipe for you to try as well!

Please remember that I did purchase both of these products. Actually, my mom purchased the Mint & Lemon mask, and I've just stolen it. :) But anyways, I am not affiliated with this company at all and am writing this some-what review of my own free will.

CSI Beauty: Episode 3- Dry Skin

The topic of this week's discussion is Dry Skin.

Causes of Dry Skin
Dry skin is horrible.  It's itchy, red, flaky, and overall, just dry!  According to WebMD dry skin is usually caused by the environment and not by an internal condition, but there are usually 7 causes of dry skin.

1.  Misusing Moisturizer:  Applying moisturizer when your skin is already dry means that it will just sit on the surface of the skin as opposed to soaking it in.  Also, people with dry skin should use thick moisturizers.
2. Dry Air: This is the primary cause of winter dry skin.  In that case, it's usually the heaters we use for our homes.  But you can also find dry skin outside the home.
3. Hot Showers & Baths:  Hot water rinses away more of your skin's natural oils than cool water does.  At least when showering, this water is always moving around you, as opposed to bathing, when you're soaking in it.  
4. Soap: We have become a culture that is terrified of germs, and this has caused us to use way too much soap, which is stripping all our skin's oils.  Bubbles are your enemy.  I won't lie... I hate washing my hands and I try to avoid it as much as possible because it causes my hands to get super dry.  
5. Itchy Clothing:  Dry skin is itchy enough, let alone clothing that is further irritating our skin.
6. Medications & Drugs:  More commonly... diuretics, antihistamines, and retinoids.



Credit

7. Medical Conditions:  Such as skin conditions, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, and malnutrition. 

Dry Skin Symptoms

• A feeling of tightness
• Rough skin
• Itching
• Flaking, Scaling, and/or Peeling
• Redness
• Fine Lines/Cracks

Home Recipes & Remedies

• There are a few ingredients that are great for dry skin and can be applied right to your skin after showering.  These can include almond oil, olive oil, and aloe vera
• Lactic acid is also effective.   You can take a milk bath by adding powdered milk to your bath water.  You can also add a small amount of your favorite oil for further moisturization.
• You can make an exfoliating face mask that is also hydrating.  Combine equal parts green clay and honey, apply to your face/body for 15 minutes and rinse in lukewarm water.
• Egg Yolks and Oatmeal are also good for dry skin.  You can mix the two (you can use powdered oatmeal, like the Aveeno Bath packs) and apply to your skin.  After 15 minutes, rinse off in lukewarm water.
• A similar treatment to the last one involves yogurt, which is high in lactic acid.  Combine some yogurt with honey and an egg yolk for another moisturizing mask.  Rinse it off when it's dry.  Add some oatmeal for its soothing properties. 
•  Avocado Oil is high in fatty acids, which can help to repair your skin's protective layer.  And using an avocado is really as simple as rubbing the inside of an avocado skin on your face.
• Another avocado treatment also involves lemon juice and egg yolk.  Mash 1 ripe avocado, and mix with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and an egg yolk.  Apply to the skin and rinse after 20 minutes.

Prevention 
There are a few things you can do to combat the environmental causes of dry skin.  Like previously mentioned, dry skin is usually caused by dry air, so using a humidifier will really help, especially during the winter.  You can also take cooler baths, and more showers, and you can make them shorter.  Use cleansers as opposed to soap, because cleansers will clean the skin but soap will strip the skin.  You can also wash less.  The typical adult doesn't really get too dirty, so its only essential to wash your hands, feet, face, groin, and underarms.  You can also avoid things that will further irritate your dry skin, because dry skin tends to be on the more sensitive side.   And finally, use the thickest moisturizers you can find.  If you put some on your hand and then turn your hand upside down and it runs, then its too thin.  You can also eat foods that are high in fatty acids, which will restore your skins fatty acid layer.

Sources
WebMD: 11 Causes of Dry Skin Problems 
Mayo Clinic: Dry Skin
Natural Home Remedies: Dry Skin
Holistic Online: Dry Skin
Dry Skin Care