Eggs are a staple ingredient in numerous recipes, from omelets to cakes to stir-fry dishes. But did you know that egg whites may also offer several skin benefits?
A DIY egg white face mask is touted to tighten and tone your skin, reduce excess oil, and even provide anti-aging benefits. To determine if these claims are accurate, we’re going over exactly what’s in an egg white and how this DIY mask may benefit your skin.
As you probably already know, an egg has two parts: the egg white and the yolk. The egg white, also called albumen or glair/glaire, is the clear liquid inside the egg. In chickens, the egg white is formed around fertilized and unfertilized egg yolks and is essential to protecting the yolk. Furthermore, the egg white provides proper nutrition for the embryo's growth once fertilized.
The egg white mainly consists of water (about 90%) into which about 10% of proteins are dissolved. The proteins found in egg white include albumins, mucoproteins, and globulins. The main protein in egg white is called ovalbumin, which makes up approximately 55% of the total protein. Unlike the yolk, which is high in lipids (fats), egg white contains almost no fat and less than 1% carbohydrate.
Egg white face mask benefits
A DIY egg white face mask is claimed to help with multiple skin conditions, such as acne, scarring, dark spots, dry skin, oily skin, and signs of aging (fine lines, wrinkles, etc.). It is also said that you can use an egg white face mask for glowing skin. That’s a pretty impressive list of benefits! But are these claims valid? To determine the validity of these claims, we must evaluate how each of the components in an egg white affects the skin.
Boost skin hydration
One of the benefits of an egg-white face mask is its ability to increase skin hydration. The proteins in an egg-white face mask may function as humectants. A humectant is a hygroscopic substance that has a molecular structure with several hydrophilic (water-loving) groups, such as hydroxyl groups (OH) and/or amine groups (NH2). Ovalbumin contains both OH and NH2 groups in its chemical structure, as do many other proteins in the egg white. The OH and NH groups hydrogen bond with water, essentially “grabbing” it and holding it on the skin. Humectants slow water down from evaporating and keep the skin hydrated.
Temporarily plump skin
Since the proteins in an egg-white face mask can help to bind moisture to the skin, they may also lead to temporary anti-aging benefits. This is because the extra hydration is the additional volume, which effectively plumps the skin and makes lines and wrinkles less noticeable. However, this effect is transient – as soon as the moisture content in the skin decreases, lines and wrinkles will return to standard size. Due to this, an egg-white face mask can be used to provide a temporary skin-tightening effect.
Destroy acne-causing bacteria
Another egg white face mask benefit is its antibacterial activity due to the protein lysozyme. Lysozyme can lyse (break down) the wall of certain Gram-positive bacteria. Propionibacterium acnes is the Gram-positive bacteria that causes acne. Precisely, blemishes form when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Then, P. acnes accumulates, and the pore becomes inflamed, thus leading to pimple formation. Since the lysozyme protein in egg white can destroy P. acnes, an egg white face mask could help prevent blemishes' formation. An egg white face mask can also help to absorb excess oil from the skin, which further helps to reduce the chances of pores becoming clogged.
False Claims About DIY Egg White Face Masks
Since this post is telling you the truth about egg white face masks, we also want to share with you some claims about egg whites that are simply false. For instance, numerous beauty blogs claim that egg whites are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that can benefit the skin’s overall appearance. However, egg whites are primarily composed of water and contain few nutrients other than protein.
Another purported benefit of an egg white face mask is that the egg white will help “shrink” or “tighten” pores. However, this is not possible because pores do not have muscles around their opening to allow them to open and close. As we said above, an egg-white face mask can help to tighten and plump the skin temporarily. However, it won’t do much for your pores.
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What You MUST Know Before Trying An Egg White Face Mask
Since eggs are a prevalent food item, you might assume that using an egg white face mask is safe. However, there are several things you must know before trying an egg-white face mask. Before you crack that egg, read these tips to ensure your safety.
Remember when you were younger and wanted to lick the bowl after making a cake recipe, but your parents always said no? Well, this was for a good reason: the raw eggs used in that recipe could have contained a type of pathogenic bacteria called Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. The same thing goes for DIY egg white face mask recipes. If you apply the raw egg white to your face and accidentally ingest it, there’s a possibility you could contract food poisoning.
The next thing you must know before trying an egg white face mask is that not all DIY egg white face mask recipes are the same, and some could even be harmful to your skin! For example, mixing lemon juice into your egg white face mask is commonly recommended. Lemon juice is claimed to be a natural option for brightening the skin. However, no research demonstrates that lemon juice has a positive effect on brightening an uneven skin tone. Plus, lemon juice is highly acidic, with a very low pH that’s quite sensitizing to the skin. Lemon juice is also known to cause photosensitivity (a reaction causing redness and inflammation on patches of sun-exposed skin) due to the volatile fragrance chemical limonene, which is abundant in lemon juice.
Another popular ingredient that is suggested to be used in a DIY egg white face mask recipe is baking soda. Baking soda is claimed to be a “natural deep cleanser and oil remover.” While baking soda is abrasive and will exfoliate the skin, skincare experts consider it to be too harsh. Plus, baking soda has a high pH of 9, which is typically too alkaline for the skin to tolerate since the skin’s normal pH is about 4.5 to 5.
DIY Egg White Face Mask Recipes
A simple DIY egg white face mask recipe starts with separating the yolk from the egg white. Once the egg components are separated, mix the egg whites into a frothy foam. After cleansing your face, spread the egg whites over the skin of the face evenly. Leave the egg-white face mask on for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water and apply your normal moisturizer. It is typically recommended to use an egg white face mask once per week; however, you may adjust the frequency according to how your skin reacts to the mask.
There are also DIY egg white face mask recipes that include additional ingredients. However, as we mentioned above, it’s important to avoid adding in ingredients that will do more harm than good, such as lemon juice and baking soda. You can either try just a simple egg white face mask with only frothed egg white, or you could add in ingredients like honey, plain yogurt, coconut oil, almond oil, or avocado, which are beneficial to the skin. Many of these foods are probably readily available in your kitchen, so you can quickly whip up a DIY egg white face mask.
Other Egg White Face Mask Recipes
While the above recipe is the easiest way to make an egg white face mask, there are other recipes you can try if you’re looking for extra skin hydration. Here are some other recipes you can try:
1. For Saggy Skin: Egg White Skin Tightening Face Mask
As we age, our skin tends to get saggier due to elastin and collagen production slowing down. This is partly due to mother nature and the sun’s harmful UV rays, which break down the skin’s elasticity. When collagen breaks down, and our bodies don’t replenish it quickly, our skin begins to sag.
Luckily, there’s an egg white face mask you can try that will help fight sagging skin. For this face mask, you will need the following:
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon honey
Mix all of the ingredients and apply the mask to your face. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. While the egg whites tighten and tone your face, the honey will kill bacteria while plumping your skin.
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2. For Sensitive Skin: Soothing Egg White and Chamomile Face Mask
If you have sensitive skin, then you need to try this soothing egg white and chamomile face mask. Some people are born with sensitive skin, while others have sensitive skin because they suffer from a chronic condition, such as eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea.
Those with sensitive skin should avoid harsh exfoliants, astringents, and fragrant laundry detergents. Instead, you should stick to organic cleaning supplies and use mild soap when washing your face.
Some store-bought face masks can be too harsh for sensitive skin, which is why an egg-white face mask is a great alternative. To make an egg white face mask for sensitive skin, you need the following:
- 1 egg white
- 1 tsp. Chamomile tea
- 1 tsp. Aloe vera
Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Then, apply the mask to clean, dry skin and allow it to dry for about 20 minutes. The chamomile tea and aloe vera will work with the egg whites to reduce inflammation and redness.
3. For Your Eyes: An Anti-Aging Egg White Eye Mask
The skin around the eyes tends to develop fine lines quickly, as it’s fragile. As a result, it’s common to develop fine lines around your eyes before you develop wrinkles on the rest of your face.
Decreasing your sun exposure, hydrating, and using a gentle eye cream can help prevent aging around the eyes. You can also use an egg-white face mask to prevent fine lines around your eyes.
For this egg-white face mask, you’ll need the following:
- 1 egg white
- 1 tsp. Aloe vera
- 1 tbsp. Finely shredded carrot
Combine the carrots, egg whites, and aloe vera in a small bowl. Beat the mixture with a fork until it’s frothy. Apply the face mask under your eyes, being careful to avoid your eyelids. If desired, you can apply the mask to your entire face.
Click here to say goodbye to age spots!
4. Eye De-Puffing Egg White Mask
People suffer from puffy eyes for various reasons, including aging, hereditary differences, fluid retention from salt intake, or lack of sleep.
Limiting your salt intake and cutting down on fluids before bedtime can help prevent puffy eyes. You can also place a cool washcloth under your eyes to alleviate the puffiness. Or, you can try an egg-white eye de-puffing mask.
For this mask, you need the following:
- 1 egg white
- 2 tsp. Ground coffee (Unused coffee grounds are best, as they contain the most caffeine. However, used grounds are acceptable if the coffee has just been made.)
Combine the coffee and egg white in a small bowl. Beat the mixture with a fork until it starts to froth, for about one minute. Apply the mask gently under your eyes with a brush or clean hands.
Allow the egg-white face mask to dry for ten minutes, then use a soft, wet towel to wipe it away gently.
5. For Nourishing Your Skin: Egg White and Grapeseed Face Mask
An egg white and grapeseed face mask is perfect if you’re looking to provide some nourishment to your skin. For this mask, you’ll need the following:
- 1 egg white
- 6-7 grapes
Combine the egg whites and grapes in a blender, and combine until the mixture is completely smooth. Blending crushes the seeds, which contain the nourishing grapeseed oil.
After blending, use a facial brush to apply the mask to your face. Leave the mask for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and finish with your regular moisturizer.
6. Pore Cleansing Egg-White Mask
Clogged pores develop when oil, dirt, and dead skin get trapped in the pores. Hormones and genetics can also cause pores to clog. Clogged pores can often lead to acne, so you want to keep your pores clear as much as possible.
You should avoid touching your face to prevent your pores from clogging. If your pores are clogged, you should avoid squeezing them. Instead, try an egg white mask to unclog your pores. You’ll need the following:
- 1 egg white
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 2 tsp. Cornstarch
Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply the mask to your face. Allow the mask to dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then slowly peel it off. Rinse your face with warm water.
7. For Oily Skin: Egg White Exfoliating Mask
An exfoliating mask can help your appearance if you suffer from oily skin. Oily skin occurs when your body produces too much sebum. Often, oily skin can lead to acne and irritation.
If you want to control your oily skin, an exfoliating egg white mask can help. You’ll need the following:
- 1 egg white
- 1 tsp. Raw honey
- Flour or ground oats
Whip together the honey and egg white until well combined. Add the flour or ground oats and stir until the mixture becomes a paste. Then, apply the mask to your face and leave it for about 10 minutes.
Related: A Simple Guide to Acid Peels
Final Thoughts On DIY Egg-White Face Masks
As you can see, egg white contains beneficial proteins that can increase skin hydration, destroy the bacteria that cause acne, and provide temporary anti-aging benefits, such as tightening the skin and plumping fine lines and wrinkles. While an egg white face mask may benefit your skin, it’s important to remember that you’re not going to get the same benefits of using a professionally formulated skincare product.
Our final thoughts are that while a DIY egg white face mask is an at-home and cost-effective skin treatment, you will see much better results by using an actual skincare product, such as a cream or serum, that is designed to specifically target your skin concerns.Are you looking to purchase some facial products? Click here to start shopping!