Egg White Face Masks: Benefits, Recipes & Natural Alternatives

• Egg white is rich in proteins that act as humectants – compounds that attract and hold water molecules. Their action leads to hydrated and moisturized skin.
• Egg whites also contain vitamins and minerals that protect skin from UV and environmental damage through their antioxidant activity.
• Egg white face masks help treat acne by killing acne-causing bacteria, healing wounds and reducing the appearance of blemishes.

While the nutritional aspects of eggs are well-known, they can also benefit the skin in multiple ways. An egg white face mask is one of the simplest ways to address problems associated with dry, acne prone or dull skin at home.

Benefits of Egg Whites for the Skin

Egg whites are great for hydrating the skin due to their protein content. Proteins are humectants, meaning their chemical structure allows them to attract water.

When these proteins are present on the skin surface, they “grab” the water molecules close to the skin surface. The upper surface of the skin (stratum corneum) absorbs water to ultimately become hydrated.

Egg whites are rich in lysozyme, an antibacterial compound. It is an enzyme that destroys bacteria by disrupting their cell walls. An egg white face mask kills acne-causing bacteria and is beneficial for acne-prone skin.

Moreover, egg white is helpful in healing wounds. It thus not only kills acne-causing bacteria but also expedites the healing of pimples.

Egg white contains selenium which is an important part of the antioxidant defenses of the body, including skin. It helps fight free-radical damage by UV radiation and reverses signs of aging like wrinkles, loss of elasticity, etc.

How to Make Egg White Face Masks

Egg white face masks can easily be made at home and can become part of a natural skincare regimen.

The first step is to carefully remove the egg white after cracking the egg. Ensure that there are no shell pieces in it. Whisk the egg whites until they are frothy and the mixture is able to hold its consistency. It should resemble a thick paste.

Apply this froth generously all over the face and neck, staying away from the sensitive areas around the lips and eyes. Leave the mask on for around 10-15 minutes during which time it will completely dry off. Gently scrape off the mask with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

You can make a face mask with egg whites alone or you may add other ingredients to it to make a more powerful combination.

DIY Egg White Face Mask Recipes

Egg white face mask for acne and blackheads

The bacteria-fighting and wound-healing properties of egg whites, lemon and honey make them an excellent treatment for acne and for removing blackheads.

Ingredients

• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon honey

Directions

1. Take the egg white and lemon juice in a clean glass bowl. Whisk until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add honey and stir well.
3. Wash face with warm water and a mild face wash. You can also use an alcohol-free cleanser to remove any makeup.
4. Apply the face mask generously all over face and neck.
5. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, or until dry.
6. Remove the mask with warm water and wash your face thoroughly.
7. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Tips

1. Apply the face mask from chin upwards, to cheeks and then to the forehead using a slow circular motion.
2. This mask tightens the skin while drying. Avoid the sensitive areas around the mouth and eyes, since this tightening mask may cause wrinkling around these areas.
3. This face mask is an excellent remover of excess oil. If you have dry skin, please do not use this mask as it will dry your skin further.

Skin lightening egg white face mask

To create a great skin lightener, add a dash of turmeric and orange juice to your egg white face mask. This will also help you remove blemishes and skin discolorations caused by acne and give your skin an even tone.

Ingredients

• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon orange juice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Directions

1. Add an egg white and orange juice to a mixing bowl and whisk till the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add turmeric powder and stir well to form a smooth, even paste.
3. Wash face with warm water and a mild face wash. You can also use an alcohol-free cleanser to remove any makeup.
4. Apply the paste on the face and neck and massage using a gentle circular motion.
5. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes.
6. Gently scrub off the dried mask and wash your face with warm water. Apply moisturizer to your face and neck.

Tips

1. The turmeric tends to color clothing so make sure to wear an old T shirt while applying this mask.
2. This is a drying mask, so make sure to liberally apply moisturizer after you have washed the mask off. A few drops of olive or coconut oil serves as a good natural moisturizer.
3. While you are waiting for the mask to dry off, avoid talking, smiling or laughing as stretching the tight skin may cause wrinkling.

Hydrating egg white face mask

The hydrating effects of egg white and avocado combine in this face mask that is suitable for dry, dull skin. The result is well-moisturized, supple and soft skin.

Ingredients

1. 1 egg white
2. ¼ ripe avocado
3. 1 teaspoon yogurt

Directions

1. Using a fork, mash the avocado to make a smooth paste.
2. Add egg white and yogurt. Mix well to make a smooth, even paste.
3. Wash face with warm water and a mild face wash. You can also use an alcohol-free cleanser to remove any makeup.
4. Apply generously onto the face and neck and let sit for about 15 minutes.
5. Wash off the mask with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

Tips

1. Using a ripe avocado will make it easier to mash it into a lump-free consistency. Freezing the avocado and then thawing before use will help you to mash it easily. Better still, use a blender to get a smooth paste.
2. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt without any additives for best results.
3. This mask may become drippy. Apply it over your kitchen or bathroom sink to avoid the mess.

What About Using Egg Yolks Instead?

An egg yolk face mask is great for dry, flaky skin. The fats and nutrients in the yolk hydrate and nourish the skin. Egg yolk is also rich in vitamins A, B2 and B3. Vitamin A helps in tissue regeneration and acne treatment. Vitamin B2 helps stop acne breakouts and vitamin B3 is an anti-inflammatory agent that soothes painful skin conditions and helps preserve moisture in the skin.

An egg yolk face mask can easily be made at home by collecting yolks in a clean glass bowl and whisking vigorously to make an even mixture. Apply this generously on the face and neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes or until dry, and wash off with warm water.

You can also add other ingredients like almond oil, avocado mash, honey, yogurt, and banana mash to the egg yolk to create combinations that target specific skin problems, like acne, dryness, wrinkles, etc.

Understand the Risks

Applying raw egg to the skin comes with a few risks that you should understand.

When applied as a face mask, egg whites may elicit an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to eggs. If you do not eat eggs because you are allergic to them, you shouldn’t apply them on your face either.

A rare, but possible risk is that of a Salmonella infection. Sometimes, the bacterium Salmonella may be present in raw eggs. If you get contaminated with such eggs, you may experience the symptoms of Salmonellosis, which include severe gastrointestinal discomfort for up to 10 days. Using free-range and organic eggs will greatly reduce your chances of bacterial infection. 

Sometimes, applying an egg white face mask may cause skin irritation and mild redness. It may also aggravate an already present skin condition. If you experience itching or irritation after applying an egg white face mask, wash it off immediately and apply a soothing moisturizer to your face after drying it.

Natural Alternatives

Banana face masks

Banana makes an excellent skincare ingredient. It is rich in nutrients that help skin regain its youthful charm. Compounds like zinc, vitamin A and lectin fight acne-causing bacteria, while vitamins B complex, C and E fight skin damage due to UV radiation and solve common skin problems like blemishes and excess oil.

To make a banana face mask, mash the banana in a bowl until it’s soft and mushy. You may also add other ingredients like honey, turmeric, baking soda, lemon juice, orange juice and yogurt to make a combination face mask.

Oatmeal face masks

Oatmeal is rich in skin-beneficial compounds that have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. These compounds help reduce skin damage due to UV radiation and fight signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin while also soothing skin problems like rosacea and acne.

You can make an oatmeal face mask by mixing rolled oats in warm water to form a smooth, even paste. You can also use oatmeal powder. To make a combination face mask, you can add ingredients like milk, yogurt, turmeric, honey, almond oil, lemon juice, applesauce, etc.

Clay face masks

“Healing clays” have been used for ages for skincare. Bentonite clay, Fuller’s earth clay, kaolin clay, French green clay and Rhassoul clay contain a variety of chemicals that benefit your skin in many ways. Clay face masks remove toxins from within the deeper layers of the skin, remove excessive oil, treat acne, lighten skin tone, remove blemishes, heal wounds and hydrate the skin.

You can make a clay face mask by taking a small quantity of clay in a mixing bowl and adding water to it gradually while mixing, to form a smooth, non-drippy paste. Apply generously over your face and neck and leave it on for 15 minutes, or until dry. Wash it off with warm water, using circular motions with your fingertips for a gentle exfoliating action. 

Takeaway

An egg white face mask is extremely beneficial for the skin. Its high protein content makes it a great hydrating agent. The presence of vitamins and minerals like selenium help rebuild damaged skin, heal skin conditions like acne, protect from free radical damage due to harmful UV rays, absorb excessive sebum and moisturize the skin.

Regular use of an egg white face mask can help solve common skin problems like dryness, acne, and oiliness. An egg face mask carries certain risks like potential allergic reactions, skin irritation and, very rarely, a Salmonella infection.