Skin Care
We’re in the middle of a performance season--that time of year where dancers are constantly applying and removing stage makeup for dress rehearsals and performances.
I want to share some of my favorite skin care tricks that can help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
Sometimes constant use of makeup can cause buildup in pores, and the overuse of makeup removers and scrubs can leave skin feeling dry and irritated. When my skin needs exfoliation, I like to make my own homemade facial mask and it involves two simple ingredients that are found in any kitchen: baking soda and honey.
Baking Soda Mask
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon of baking soda
1 ½ tablespoons of honey
*If you feel like an extra cleanse, add a ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice
Method: Wash your face and pat it dry. Pour the baking soda in a bowl first and then add the honey. If you’re adding the lemon juice, be sure to stir the mixture first and then stir in the lemon juice. If you choose not to add the lemon, run your fingers under some water and drip a few drops (you don’t need much) over the baking soda and honey before you start stirring. The water will make it easier to stir.
Stir the mixture until there is no loose baking soda. It’ll be a thick, creamy paste. The lemon juice will cause a foamy version.
Gently apply it to your face. You can leave the mask on for 30 to 45 minutes.
*Pro-tip: Sometimes the mask drips so I like to sit back on the couch (this is a great time to catch up on shows or to read) with 2 paper towels under my cheeks and chin to catch the drips. I then use the paper towels to gently wipe some of the mask off before I wash and rinse my face.
If you plan on getting in the shower after using the facial mask, be aware of the temperature of your water. Sometimes too much hot water will cause my exfoliated skin to have dry spots.
Benefits:
Honey has natural anti-bacterial properties and has been used for centuries as an effective skin treatment.
Baking soda is a gentle exfoliant and helps remove dead skin cells without causing too much irritation.
This facial mask will give your skin a natural glow and leave it feeling clean and soft.
Green Tea Remedy
Extra bacteria in the pores and stress can cause an unwanted breakout. I use a green tea remedy to unclog pores, eliminate redness, and reduce inflammation.
There are many green tea remedies, but this one is a time saver. You’ll need two green tea bags; I like to use green tea that has lemon.
Fill a bowl with water, put the two tea bags in the water and sit it in the fridge. Let the water get nice and cold. Ring out one bag and place it on your trouble area(s). Then, alternate between the tea bags as long as you like; I usually alternate until the water warms.
You can also place the tea bags on your eyes to eliminate any dark circles.
*Pro-tip: If you have a pimple, and it doesn’t go down after the green tea remedy, you can also put some tooth paste on the area before you go to bed. You’ll wake up without the unwanted pimple.