by Alison Angold
Wearing a face mask, or face covering has become pretty much the norm for most of us, and could be the case for quite a while. And while we are (mostly) happy to do this, wearing them can be claustrophobic, and affect our skin. I know I often feel stifled wearing one for any length of time, and, even though it is clean, it never smells pleasant when wearing a face mask!
In addition, wearing a mask for a prolonged period can adversely affect our skin. At the least, our skin can feel dry, and tight after wearing a mask, or, perhaps worse, we may develop irritation, spots or even acne, (now more commonly referred to as ‘maskne’.) Using an essential oil face mask spray is an ideal way to make wearing the mask, much more refreshing and pleasant while helping to protect, soothe and save your skin at the same time!
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How to make an essential oil face mask spray
It couldn’t be simpler! All you need is a few items.
- An empty, clean spray bottle.
- A plain facial toner
- Essential oils of choice – (these are the ones I use a lot- a great starter set)
Recipe for your essential oil face mask spray
Take a clean empty spray bottle – a small one is ideal so you can keep it in your handbag to use throughout the day
Add a small amount of a plain toner. I use a floral hydrolat, as this is literally the the water left over from, when an essential oil is extracted from its source. The hydrolat or toner, acts as a great base for your facial spray, as it adds extra protection and soothing properties for the skin
Top up with water.
Add 7 drops of each chosen oil (suggestions below), give a good shake.
Spray liberally on the inside of your mask, before each wear.
Essential oils to use for your face mask spray
Lavender, Tea Tree and Lemon
This is my favourite blend to use for the mask spray. It smells so good and adds some great therapeutic actions to your mask spray. Lavender is soothing and healing to the skin, so will protect, as the mask sits against the face. In addition to this, it has a positive effect on respiratory issues and is balancing for emotions – so breathing this blend in, will help uplift your mood too!
Tea Tree is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory oil, so great for ay irritation on the skin, caused by mask wearing. Tea tree is also a great oil, for spots and acne, so will help protect against ‘maskne’.
Lemon essential oil adds a refreshing citrus aroma to the blend, and also adds antiseptic and anti-viral properties.
Thyme, Grapefruit & Chamomile
Another refreshing, antiseptic blend. Thyme adds anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, while grapefruit, not only adds an uplifting citrus note, it is also an astringent for dull skins, so great for your skin underneath the mask! Chamomile is a gentle, soothing oil, that will soothe and protect the skin, underneath the mask.
For more uses of essential oils READ HERE
How do essential oils work?
In this case, the oils will work by inhalation. Essential oils are the pure oils that are extracted from the leaves and flowers of plants and herbs, the peel of fruit and the resin from bark and roots of trees.
They are so pure and fine that the molecules in them can penetrate through the membranes of the nose and into the olfactory system. They then travel around the body to have an effect.
The main purpose of using an essential oil spray on the inside of your face mask, is to give a more pleasant fragrance when we wear them, however, if you use the right oils, you can also help protect and soothe your skin at the same time.
Each essential oil has a range of properties or therapeutic actions, meaning that they have a physical affect on an area of the body or a psychological affect on the mind. My suggestions above have been tried and tested by me but other oils will work just as well. The therapeutic action that we want to be looking for, for an essential oil face mask spray are;
Anti-inflammatory
These oils reduce inflammations. In this case, the oil will keep the skin calm, and reduce the chance of inflammation from the friction of the mask.
Antiseptic
Essential oils with antiseptic properties, removes or prevents infections. The reason we wear a face mask is to prevent getting infections, from other people. An antiseptic oil will give us an added layer of protection, while also preventing infections on our skin – that could occur by wearing the face mask.
Anti-viral
Anti-viral oils prevents or kills viruses. An obvious choice due to the reason we are wearing face coverings.
Bactericidal
These oils prevents or kills bacteria. Another great choice to prevent bacteria entering our mouth and nose, and to prevent bacteria invading the skin.
Calming
These essential oils have a calming effect. Soothes and calm the skin of any irritation and counteracts the ‘closeness’ of the mask to our face,
Uplifting
These oils lift the spirits and emotions. Ideal oils to make us feel better and brighter!
Refreshing
These have a refreshing effect. These oils are great at counteracting the ‘stifling’ effect of wearing the mask.
Other essential oils to use for a face mask spray
Bergamot
A lovely refreshing citrus oil that is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral & uplifting
Eucalyptus
A great oil that is antiseptic and anti-viral. It is quite strong, so I would suggest to use less drops than your other oils.
Mandarin
Mandarin is anti-viral and uplifting, so a good choice to use.
Melissa
Also known as Lemon Balm, Melissa is anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and uplifting.
Orange
Another citrus oil, known for its uplifting and refreshing properties. It is also anti-viral so a good addition to a face mask spray.
Precautions
While oils are safe for inhalation, caution should be taken for those with severe respiratory disorders such as bronchitis or asthma, and use fewer drops of essential oils in the blend, and less sprays in your mask.
Also proceed with caution during pregnancy. Again, inhalation is generally safe but remember the molecules of the oils, can actually penetrate the membranes of the nose and reach the bloodstream. The small amounts being used in this spray, should be fine, but if at all concerned, please consult your doctor.
| About the Author Alison Angold is a fully qualified (certified) beauty therapist, massage therapist, and aromatherapist from the UK. She has over 25 years of experience in this industry and has worked in a variety of beauty salons, spa’s as well as running her own successful beauty and massage business. Her career has allowed her to treat many, many clients, with skincare concerns, medical conditions, and a whole variety of other ailments and issues, which has enabled her to work closely with essential oils, prescribing specific blends for these clients to help with these conditions. Her qualifications in the use of essential oils and aromatherapy, allow her to share this knowledge with others, in a safe, reliable way. |