Alpha-keratin Protein Mask

Keratin is a pretty amazing ingredient. It can offer moisturising properties as well as having the ability to enhance the skins elasticity.

As you probably already know, many living beings produce keratin naturally. I was surprised to learn quite recently that we humans produce 54 different kinds of keratin. ( REF )

There are 2 forms of keratin

1. Alpha-keratin (sources: hair, horns, and nails of mammals)

2. Beta-keratin (sources: feathers, claws, and beaks of birds & reptiles)

Today, we're going to create our own super easy 3 ingredient alpha-keratin protein mask using ingredients we have right at hand (pun entirely intended).

Prepare Alpha Keratin Powder

To make the star ingredient, you're going to need about 15 grams of nail clippings. You may want to collect clippings from a period of time or if you are impatient, ask your family members and friends to donate theirs.

Grind the clippings to a powder. I use a dedicated nail grinder with a powerful blade but if you don't have one, use the most powerful grinder you have, then sift to achieve a powder.

You're looking for a texture something like what you see pictured below.

When you have your powder ready, then you only need 2 more things to get busy with this mask.

Mask Ingredients

• Yoghurt

• Kaolin clay

• Fingernail keratin powder

Method

1. Mix ingredients to your preferred texture

2. Apply to face, hair, and anywhere else you are comfortable applying this mixture.

3. Let sit until you feel the need to remove it.

4. Rinse off.

5. Pat yourself on the back for so thoroughly engaging in my very silly April fools post.

Happy first of April.

Do Tell

When did you realise I wasn’t being serious? Please share in a comment below.

More About Nail Structure and Keratin

nail structure

ground keratin fibres - cosmetic grade

Producers of keratin waste

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How to Make a Fresh Tomato Hand Mask

Have you ever heard of doing a mask for your hands?

I hadn't until I had to come up with some way of demonstrating facial masks as part of Module 1 of the Formulation Course I developed for Tisserand Institute.

Because it was necessary for me to be able to photograph everything (and recalling all the previous times I have tried taking photos of myself wearing facial masks), I decided to use one hand as a model.

This turned out to be a really good idea.

Removing the First Mask

I was a little amazed when I removed the first trial mask. After a mere 15 minutes, the difference was immediately visible on my hand. Not only was it lighter and fresher looking, I'd swear the wrinkly knuckle-area was visibly softened and looked younger. My husband was immediately enlisted for a neutral, unbiased and (painfully) honest opinion. He saw the difference right away and asked why one hand looked older than the other one.

Guess who got busy developing a few masks for hands?

And guess who decided to share one with you?

Make Fresh For Best Results

This is a fresh food mask that is meant to be made and used immediately. Read: it won't keep so don't make more than you need for a single application.

This is enough for a single application to both hands, but if you want to go full out and include your face and neck just double up the amounts listed below.

LisaLise's Fresh Tomato Hand Mask

Ingredient	Grams	Ounces
Fresh Tomato	35.0	1.23
Brazilian Red Clay	7.5	0.26
Powdered Yoghurt Protein	2.5	0.09
Sweet Almond Oil	6.0	0.21

Method

1. Grind/chop/mash the tomato until smooth and transfer to a small bowl

2. Add dry ingredients and stir until homogenous

3. Add oil and stir

4. Apply to backs of hands in a thick layer

5. Allow to sit for 15-20 minutes

6. Remove mask by carefully scraping away the mixture with a spoon or similar

7. Rinse hands and pat dry.

Finish with a nourishing hand cream or a few drops of your favorite oil.

Substitutions

Tomato: As tomato is the main ingredient in this mask, you’ll probably want to rename it if you choose to substitute the tomato. Tomato has a natural content of lycopene which gives it its skin brightening properties.

Clay : Use any clay you like but be mindful that clays have different properties and will also absorb liquid differently so you may have to adjust the amounts to get the texture you like. Brazilian red clay is 100% montmorillonite, so you could in all likelihood substitute this clay for any montmorillonite clay without having to adjust amounts.

Powdered Yoghurt Protein: You could easily replace this with powdered milk or even coconut milk powder if you prefer a vegan version.

Sweet Almond Oil: I use sweet almond oil because I always have it in stock and it is a great all-around oil, but it can be replaced with the oil of your choosing without issue.

Enjoy!

Do Tell

Have you ever heard of a hand mask? Would you try one?

More Fresh Food Masks

There is an entire section on freshly made masks in the beginner friendly E-book below - and it’s even available in Spanish!

Make Your Own Preservative Free Natural Cosmetics With 21 Ingredients

Haz tus propios productos cosméticos naturales sin conservantes con 21 ingredientes

Breakfast Ingredients Face Mask

Let's do something a little roots today. I figured it's about time we revisited this face mask which consists of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. In fact, you may have even enjoyed some of them for breakfast.

Never ever considered making your own skincare? Well, guess what, I hereby pronounce this your day to get started.

Let's put breakfast on our faces!

(Just to set your mind at ease, no eggs or bacon are involved).

Breakfast Ingredients

This super moisture boosting face mask calls for

1. Ripe banana

2. Natural yoghurt

3. Ground oats (see this post to make your own ground oats)

4. Raw honey

I know what you're thinking:

• Does it really boost moisture?

• Can it make skin feel deliciously smooth?

• Will it leave your face feeling like you've gotten an instant face lift?

I don't blame you a bit for thinking all that, because one wouldn't imagine ordinary breakfast foods could do anything of the sort.

But to answer your questions:

Yes to all of the above.

Here's why putting these particular foods on your face can be beneficial for your skin:

Yoghurt

has a natural content of lactic acid and offers gentle exfoliation (REF - this blog)

Oats

are all around fabulous for skin in more ways than you can count (seriously -- try counting them -- you'll be busy until next week)

Banana

adds both moisture and an instant glow. (Some banana fans claim there are skin lightening properties which can help hyperpigmentation, but I need to do some research on this before I can be sure if this particular claim has any substance to it)

Raw Honey

Honey has so much to offer skin that even science can't deny it. Truth: I'm a bit of a honey addict. (do a google search for 'LisaLise honey' and you'll see what I mean)

Ready to get busy putting breakfast on your face?

Excellent!

This is enough for a single portion for immediate use.

Step 1

Peel and mash about a third of the banana.

Step 2

Add a generous tablespoon of natural yoghurt and generous teaspoon of honey - stir thoroughly.

Step 3

Drizzle in ground oats while stirring to reach your desired texture. The texture should be soft and easily spreadable yet hold together enough so it doesn't drip off your face.

Step 4

Apply to face and neck (and include the backs of your hands if you have enough leftover). I used the flexible spatula you see in the pic to apply. You could also use the back of a teaspoon or a soft brush. Allow the mask to sit for 15-20 minutes.

This mask won't dry out, so in theory you could keep it on for a full hour if you like. Your skin will love you for it.

To Remove

1. Using a spoon (or the flexible spatula), gently scrape off and discard the mask.

2. Rinse face

3. Finish with a spritz of hydrosol and a few drops of face oil.

4. Rejoice in your instant glowing beauty!

Do Tell

Have you ever thought of putting breakfast on your face?

More Stuff You Might Find Interesting

Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Banana, Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry (LINK)

Banana from peel to pulp, Ethnopharmacology, source of bioactive compounds and its relevance for human health (LINK)

PS: If you liked this mask, the book below (available in Spanish and English) is a beginner friendly guide to making your own cosmetics and includes a whole section with fresh food masks

Make Your Own Preservative Free Natural Cosmetics With 21 Ingredients

Haz tus propios productos cosméticos naturales sin conservantes con 21 ingredientes