My kids are used to seeing me with oddly colored things smeared on my face by now. Homemade face masks, like this probiotic yogurt facial mask, are great for hydrating and nourishing skin. The only downside is it needs to be used right away. This seaweed face mask however can be stored as a powder and mixed as needed to add to your skincare routine.
It’s full of antioxidants and superfood ingredients that help draw impurities from the skin. A seaweed face mask also boosts collagen to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Who cares if you look like The Hulk with it on!
Seaweed Face Mask Ingredients
This mask features kelp and spirulina seaweed powders. I’ve also added some French green clay (also known as sea clay) for its purifying benefits. Plus the clay fits with the green theme. You can also add some essential oils for added benefits and to help improve the scent. Since it’s a seaweed mask it can smell a little fishy!
French Green Clay
French green clay was originally mined in France and originates from ancient mud layers under the sea. This makes it a rich source of nutrients. It’s often used in face masks for its cleansing and exfoliating properties. If you have normal, combo, or an oilier skin type then it’s a great choice.
This clay gets its green color from kelp, algae, and iron oxides, depending on where it’s mined. It’s also full of minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. French green clay is purifying and is even used to remove lead and heavy metals from wastewater. This clay is also great for acne-prone skin because of its drawing and antibacterial properties that fight blemishes.
If you have more sensitive skin or dry skin, then you’ll want to add some oil to your clay face mask. Another option is to switch it out for kaolin clay which is great for drier skin. And you can always follow your face mask up with some homemade lotion for extra moisturizing.
Spirulina and Kelp Powder
These are what make this a seaweed face mask. Spirulina is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and is even used by astronauts on space missions. It’s high in protein, iron, and inflammation-reducing antioxidants. While it’s not technically a plant (it was recently reclassified as a bacteria), spirulina comes from single-cell algae.
Kelp powder is another superfood ingredient in this mask. It’s high in vitamins K, A, and B-12, plus calcium, iron, iodine, and magnesium. You’ll also find over 70 trace minerals in algae like kelp. Kelp also has antioxidants to help reduce redness and protect against skin damage. Plus it’s a great skin moisturizer.
Customizing Your Face Mask
Since seaweed has such a broad spectrum of nutrients and minerals it mixes well with both oil and water-based ingredients. However, as you probably learned in middle school science class, oil and water don’t mix. This isn’t a bad thing though as it gives us options.
If your skin needs a little more moisture then opt for a carrier oil or even plain yogurt for the seaweed face mask. You can also use aloe vera gel, hydrosols, or plain water. Adding a little glycerin to the liquid is also great for the skin. If you’re new to hydrosols, here are a few different options and what they do for the skin. Hydrosols are the liquid that’s leftover from distilling essential oils (and they make a great toner!).
- Rose hydrosol – Fights signs of aging and restores skin tone.
- Tea tree hydrosol – Soothes redness, irritation, and fights blemishes. Restores damaged skin.
- Helichrysum hydrosol – Purifies and balances the skin, and reduces swelling and inflammation. Promotes skin healing.
- Lavender hydrosol – Calming for both skin and mood. Helps all kinds of skin irritations from redness and itchiness to irritations and blemishes.
- Calendula hydrosol – Calendula hydrosol is a good overall option for any skin irritation or inflammation.
Essential Oils
These are optional but they do help improve the scent and add more skin benefits. Some good choices include:
DIY Seaweed Face Mask
This rich and nourishing face mask helps improve skin tone and can be customized to your skin type.
Yield: 12 face masks
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Mix the kelp powder, clay, and spirulina together 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 add 1 teaspoon of the dry mix to a small bowl and add about 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of liquid. You want it to be thin enough to spread onto your skin, but not so thin it drips off.
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Add 1-2 drops of essential oils if desired.
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Apply an even layer to the face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
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Wash the mask off with warm water.
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Follow up with your favorite moisturizer if needed.
The dry powder lasts for several years if kept away from moisture and heat. Once mixed with liquid the mask should be used immediately.
More Face Mask Recipes
Here are some more face mask recipes to pamper your skin with!
Have you ever used seaweed on your skin before? Willing to try it? Leave a comment and let us know!
