Masks: A good beauty habit to embrace
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New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on breaking bad habits, but a little pampering can bring out the best in your skin and give you a new and improved, natural glow. “A lot of people neglect to do things that are actually quite enjoyable,” says Adina Diaz, a holistic aesthetician in Los Angeles who is passionate about using organic ingredients wherever possible, rather than more invasive, chemical beauty treatments.
Masks, once or twice a week, are a habit Diaz highly recommends. They take only a few minutes to apply and can be left on while you read, answer email, feed the baby, or do other tasks. These are her top picks for mask ingredients:
Bentonite clay: It detoxifies, purifies, and leaves skin squeaky clean. Instead of mixing it with water, combine equal parts of honey and clay. Honey hydrates, softens, and smooths skin, and helps control breakouts because it’s antibacterial. Don’t use honey if you’re allergic to bee products.
Kelp: Especially good for mature skin, kelp improves circulation and prevents the breakdown of collagen while boosting its production.
Kojic acid: Derived from a Japanese mushroom, it lightens and brightens skin and reduces brown spots by inhibiting the production of melanin. Kojic acid is also found in brightening creams and serums.
Other nourishing, hydrating ingredients: Aloe, oatmeal, oat extract, CoQ10, hyaluronic acid, and chamomile to calm irritation.
Choose a mask that matches your personal objectives, and look for a product with clear instructions. For more tips from Diaz, visit adinadiaz.com.