Nourish and Protect with Egg White Masks

I used to think my skin problems were limited to the usual winter woes: dryness, peeling, itchy flakes and the like. But as I get older, I've realized that summer can be just as tough, if not more so, on skin.

We hear it all the time––slather on the SPF––but it's important to keep other skin care tips in mind when you're outside in the sun. Sun damage isn't just limited to painful burns: oiliness, acne, and eczema can all be aggravated by too much sun, so it's vital that you give your skin the nourishment it needs. And one of my favorite ways to do that is with egg white masks.

Benefits of egg white masks

Eggs are nutritional powerhouses and have been used in beauty products for centuries. Just one egg white contains almost 4 grams of protein and a plethora of vitamins and minerals, like calcium, magnesium and folate. And it's these nutrients that are especially beneficial for skin of all types. For aging skin, egg whites can help tighten and firm. If you have large pores or acne-prone skin, egg whites help close pores and get rid of build up. And if your skin is oily, egg whites are said to clarify pores and hair follicles that make too much sebum. Egg white masks are also super versatile. Things like essential oils, herbs and aloe vera can easily be added to treat everything from oily skin to puffiness.

Why do it yourself?

You might wonder why we like to whip up our own beauty treatments when there are hundreds––maybe even thousands!––of store-bought options out there, but using simple organic ingredients gives us control over what we're putting on our skin. And remember: The skin is the largest organ of the body! It absorbs what we put on it, so opting for homemade beauty products made with organic ingredients means we're not exposing ourselves to pesticides, antibiotics, and irritating chemicals.

Just crack open a few eggs and read on to learn how to make 3 different egg white masks sure to soothe your skin.

1. Oily skin mask

Hot and humid days can wreak havoc on your skin, and this kind of summer weather is great at encouraging your pores to increase oil production. In this mask, lemon juice acts as a natural lightening agent and cuts through that oil, while honey is naturally antibacterial and soothes acne-prone skin.

Supplies

• 1 Pete & Gerry's Organic Egg, white only

• 1/2 lemon, juiced

• 1 teaspoon raw honey

Instructions

Mix ingredients together and apply to face. Let dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

2. Pore cleansing mask

Summer heat opens up your pores, making them more vulnerable to dirt, oil, and blockages. In this mask, each ingredient plays an important role: the egg white nourishes and tightens the skin on your face for a younger appearance while the extra fine sugar exfoliates your pores and the cornstarch absorbs dirt and grime.

Supplies

• 1 Pete & Gerry's Organic Egg, white only

• 1 tablespoon white sugar

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

Mix ingredients together and apply to face. Let dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then slowly and carefully peel the mask off. Rinse face with warm water. Once face is dry, apply aloe vera to any sensitive areas.

3. Skin soothing mask

Even when it's protected by a generous layer of sunscreen, your skin is especially prone to irritation on sunny summer days. The aloe vera gel and chamomile tea in this mask help soothe redness and inflammation, while the egg white helps even out discoloration.

Supplies

• 1 Pete & Gerry's Organic Egg, white only

• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

• 1 teaspoon chamomile tea (cold or at room temperature)

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well. Apply to clean skin and let dry for 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Note: Do not use this mask on sunburned skin. Only use it on slight irritation or heat-induced inflammation.