Eggs – there’s no beating them for healthy skin!

If you’re looking for an eggcellent face or body mask you can prepare at home, the ingredient you can’t do without is eggs!

What is it about eggs that skin just adores? The whites are rich in protein, which enhances cell regeneration, tightens pores and can remove excessive oil, while the yolks contain fatty acids that can have a moisturizing effect. It’s important to state from the outset that these benefits are based largely on anecdotal evidence rather than being scientifically documented. But, given the tens of egg-based facial remedies we found online, we like to think there’s something to it.

We’ve picked a few interesting looking recipes to feature here – scroll down to find the recipe that suits your particular skin issue.

A few tips before you begin:

1. Do a patch test – apply the chosen recipe to a hidden area of skin and wait 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Look out for redness, itching, swelling or any other sign of an adverse reaction – if you see them, don’t continue.
2. Make sure your skin is clean and thoroughly dry before you begin.
3. Apply your face mask using strong, upward strokes.
4. Do not apply a mixture to any open wounds or broken skin.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs.
6. Once you’re done, use a quality moisturizer.

Enlarged pores – egg and lemon juice (www.femina.in)

1. Separate 2 eggs.
2. Beat the whites.
3. Add 1 tsp of fresh lemon juice.
4. Mix well and apply to your face, concentrating particularly on the areas with open pores, and avoiding your eyes.
5. Allow the mixture to dry.
6. Wash off with lukewarm water.

NOTE: Lemon juice can sting – wash it off immediately if you experience any discomfort.

Dry skin – egg and honey (www.femina.in)

1. Crack open 1 egg.
2. Add ½ tsp of honey.
3. Mix well and apply to your face and neck.
4. Allow the mixture to dry.
5. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Oily skin – eggs, honey, lemon juice (www.standardmedia.co.ke)

1. Separate 1 egg.
2. Beat the white until stiff.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (to absorb excel oil) and 1 teaspoon of honey (to add moisture without adding oil).
4. Mix well and apply to your face.
5. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes
6. Rinse off with warm water.

NOTE: Lemon juice can sting – wash it off immediately if you experience any discomfort.

Under-eye bags or puffiness – egg white (www.femina.in)

1. Separate 1 egg.
2. Whip slightly until frothy.
3. Apply carefully under the eye area.
4. Leave on for 10 minutes.
5. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Exfoliating body scrub – egg shell, salt, honey (www.standardmedia.co.ke)

1. Grind the shell of four hard-boiled eggs.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of honey.
3. Use a loofah or your hands to rub the mixture over your body.
4. Rinse off.

So, there you have it – for a simple and affordable at-home beauty treatment, with basic ingredients you’ll probably find in your store cupboard, you can’t beat eggs!