This DIY flaxseed facemask is an excellent way to add nutrients and hydration to your skin while connecting with nature! With only a few ingredients you can make this in under an hour and have a hydration boost ready for your skin. Use this as a hair mask as well if you need tender loving care on your scalp and hair. It is great to use for dry, itchy or irritated scalp.
Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, anti-inflammatory, and can help your skin retain water. You have to use this during the winter months if you live in a cold climate! It is also tightening when applied to the skin which can help with fine lines and wrinkles. Flaxseed is said to help with hair growth and soothe scalp irritation. Using a flaxseed mask and incorporating flaxseed into your diet can have a positive impact on your hair and skin.
Use this mask with just flaxseed and water or you can add other supporting ingredients like aloe, calendula, vitamin E, rosemary, or lavender. This recipe has calendula and aloe for an added boost in hydration and skin healing properties.
Equipment You Need
You only need a few things from the kitchen to whip up this facemask!
- Saucepan– a small to medium-sized saucepan to hold 3 cups of water.
- Cheesecloth– a cheesecloth works best, you can use a fine mesh strainer or even tights if you don’t have cheesecloth.
- Medium-Sized Bowl– a medium-sized bowl will be needed to strain the mixture into. It will be messy to try and strain directly into a storage jar.
- Storage Jar– a small to medium-sized jar. I used a pint mason jar and it filled it about half way.
- Label– Recommend to label what is in the jar and the date it was made. This can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredients
- Flaxseed– I used this one. It is on Amazon or your local grocery store.
- Water– Any water will work (tap, bottled, purified, spring, distilled).
- Calendula– Organic calendula from a sustainable source. I purchased this one from Starwest Botanicals.
- Aloe– I have grown two aloe plants that I use for fresh aloe gel.
How To Make
Mix 1/2 cup of flaxseed and 3 cups of water into a medium saucepan. If adding additional herbs like calendula, rosemary, lavender, etc.; add 2 to 3 tablespoons now. I added 3 tablespoons of organic calendula flower.
Turn on the burner to medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts simmering turn the heat to low. Let simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. The water will start to turn into a gel. Once it is a gel consistency, it is done.
Now that the water has turned into a gel consistency, remove from heat. Pour mixture carefully into a cheesecloth-lined bowl and let cool. This may take 20 to 30 minutes. I recommend putting it in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling time. It needs to be FULLY cooled before the next step.
Once cooled it’s time for the fun part! If you have sensory issues maybe call in for some help on this step! It is a slippery mess and can be a bit tough getting all the gel strained through. It’s worth the effort! Squeeze the gel through the cheesecloth into the bowl. Try and keep the top secure so the seeds don’t fall in. If they do a little bit, that’s okay!
Mix the fresh aloe gel or vitamin E into the mixture or skip if you aren’t putting it in. It’s optional! Pour the mixture into your jar and you’re done! I recommend putting on a label or writing on the jar the date made and the name of your mask. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks!
How To Use
For face mask use: Apply to clean skin and let dry for 20-30 minutes. Wash off with warm water and finish your skincare routine as normal.
For hair mask use: Apply to roots and massage into scalp. Can also apply to the rest of your hair paying special attention to the ends. Rinse with warm water; shampoo and condition as normal.
Can be used multiple time per week!
Flaxseed Face Mask
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
- 1 cheesecloth
- 1 medium-sized bowl
- 1 storage jar
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Flaxseed
- 3 cups Water
- 1 piece Aloe Leaf Optional
- 3 TBSP Calendula Flower Optional
Instructions
- Combine 1/2 cup of flaxseed and 3 cups of water in a saucepan. Use medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer on low for 15 minutes.
- Once you have a gel-like consistency, pour into a cheesecloth-lined bowl and let cool for about 20 minutes. Can put it in the refrigerator to speed up cooling.
- Once cooled, squeeze the gel through the cheesecloth into a bowl.
- Cut Aloe and mix aloe gel into the flaxseed gel. Pour into a jar and label with name and date. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
