How to Make a Kelp Facial Mask

Indulging in a kelp facial mask can be a soothing spa experience, and one you can replicate at home. Kelp facials help invigorate and moisturize the complexion. Created from harvested seaweed, kelp contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids, while also being antibacterial and antioxidant. It is available at most health food and natural beauty outlets in powder form. Read on to learn how to make a kelp facial mask.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Kelp powder
• Aloe vera gel
• Distilled water
• Yogurt
• Honey
• Spa facial clay
• Baking soda
• Orris root
• Sea salt
• Dulse (a type of seaweed powder)
• Several 8"x 8" strips of clean cotton material

1. Start with 4 tbsp. kelp powder in a small bowl. Mix in 1/2 cup aloe vera gel and gradually add 3 tbsp. distilled water, about 1 tsp. at a time. The facial mixture should have a thick consistency. Scoop it out with the fingers and apply to cleansed skin on the face and neck, keeping away from the eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
2. Measure 3 tbsp. plain, unflavored yogurt into a small bowl. Stir in 1 tsp. powdered kelp, stirring well to combine ingredients. To this mix, add 1 tsp. honey and stir again, making sure to blend the mixture well into a smooth paste. After cleansing face and neck, apply the facial with fingertips, staying clear of the eyes. Massage the skin gently for a few minutes and then leave on for 10 minutes. Use a warm washcloth to remove the mask and then rinse the skin with warm water.
3. Use a whisk or hand-mixer to combine 1/4 cup spa facial clay with 1/8 cup kelp powder, blending the dry ingredients well. Slowly add 3/4 cup aloe vera gel and keep blending until a thick, smooth paste is formed. Cleanse face and neck and apply the facial to the skin, but not the eye area. Allow the mask to completely dry, about 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and wait an hour before applying anything else to the skin, including moisturizers.
4. Begin by preparing several 8" x 8" strips of cotton fabric or gauze, which will be used to wrap the neck and chin. Use a fork or whisk to combine the dry ingredients first: 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup orris root, 1/4 cup sea salt, 2 tbsp. of dulse seaweed powder, and 2 tbsp. kelp powder. Stir in 1/2 cup hot distilled water and mix all ingredients well to form a thick paste. Cleanse the face and neck and then moisturize with a thin coat of vegetable oil, removing the excess with a tissue. Apply the kelp facial to the skin, keeping away from the eyes. Use a wooden spoon, small pastry brush or paint brush to spread the mixture evenly. Wrap the strips of cotton fabric around the neck, then from the chin to the top of the head, keeping material snug. Do not put the fabric on the face. Relax for 30 minutes while the fabric strips become dry--try not to talk. Remove the strips gently and splash the face with cold water to thoroughly remove the facial residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Kelp contains iodine. People who are allergic to iodine should not use a kelp facial mask.