I was enraged after reading about this! A face mask can do many things for your skin's health and beauty. But, there are many face masks on the market that do more harm than good. Some of them can actually increase your risk of cancer.

You may be tired of hearing about all of the different things that cause cancer, but this is one that you can easily avoid. It's called estrogen.

I'm sure that you recognize the name. It is often present in face masks that are advertised as "instant face-lifts". The ingredient that you see on the label may be estradiol, placenta or amniotic fluid. Estradiol is the most concentrated form. The others contain estrogens and a variety of other hormones.

A face mask that contains any of those ingredients "works", at least temporarily. It attracts fluids that cause the skin to "puff up". Basically, what you have is swelling. Swelling is inflammation. Inflammation can hasten the signs of aging. So, even if you look better for a few days. You'll look worse in the long run.

But the big problem is that face masks containing those ingredients increase your risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and uterine cancers. They are even more hazardous for men. Their bodies do produce some estrogen, but only in very small amounts. There is really no clear indication of exactly how bad the adverse effects could be. It's safe to say that both sexes should avoid those ingredients.

A beneficial face mask may either provide deep cleansing of the pores and removal of excessive oils or have a deeply moisturizing effect. Some companies recommend alternating the two on a weekly basis. Because over-cleansing is not good and over-moisturizing is not beneficial.

Over-cleansing can cause excessive dryness. If the ingredients are good over-moisturizing is simply a waste of time, because once a balance is achieved, the skin's cells will stop absorbing the moisturizers.

The best face masks do not dry out. You either rinse them off, if it is a cleansing face mask or wipe off the excess with a tissue, if it is designed for moisturizing. The ingredients for each differ slightly.

Clay extracts, such as bentone gel and kaolin, pull dirt, grime, makeup and pollution out of the pores. They also absorb excessive oils.

Both macadamia oil and allantoin are beneficial ingredients for either cleansing or moisturizing. When included with the clay extracts, it prevents the clay from drying out and becoming stuck in the pores, a problem with some of the older clay face masks.

Allantoin is a plant extract that reduces inflammation and prevents irritation. It has been scientifically proven to stimulate the growth of new skin cells and help restore skin that has been damaged by sun, wind or other elements.

In conclusion, Active Manuka honey, another beneficial ingredient, has cleansing and preventative activities. As a natural antibacterial agent, it helps heal and prevent blemishes. As a natural antioxidant, it protects against free radical damage. Any face mask that you use should contain manuka, allantoin and macadamia oil. The benefits are simply amazing.

Visit my site to learn about masks with natural skin care substances for anti aging you have probably never heard of.