Acne is one of the most common and widely spread chronic skin disorders affecting millions of people around the globe.
According to a survey, at any one point of time approximately 85% to 90% teenagers face the problem of acne breakouts.
A lot of methods and medications have been introduced with time which ranges from antibiotics to various herbal and home remedies.
This article will discuss the importance and effectiveness of egg white masks, in the treatment of acne breakouts so as to cause a reduction in the severity and frequency of the breakouts.
How does an egg white mask treat acne
Egg white has often been said to be extremely beneficial to the bodily health of the person and as such has a large consumption, for this reason, and for its taste, around the world.
However, its benefits to the skin have also not been unknown and it is widely being used topically to heal various skin conditions like acne as well as to improve the texture of the skin in general.
Egg whites pose antibacterial and antiviral properties apart from having a high protein value.
An ingredient called albumin contained in the egg white has been attributed with its antiviral property while the presence of another enzyme known as lysozyme is known to exhibit antibacterial properties as it tends to digest the bacterial wall.
These properties as such help in fighting the acne-causing bacteria and ensure their destruction so that the skin pores are clear of the bacteria ensuring prohibition of any further breakouts.
Egg whites further tighten the pores and thereby squeeze the accumulated dead skin cells from the pores causing them to move out and unclogging the pores.
This tightening of skin is possible because of the ability of the egg whites to draw oil from the pores which would otherwise have helped in aggravating the breakouts.
Furthermore, the protein that egg white has helped in nourishing the damaged skin and facilitates the healing process.
Egg whites are used topically in form of the facemask.
Some of these mask recipes are given below:
Honey – Egg White Mask
This simply requires you to mix 1 egg white with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and ½ tablespoon of honey.
Mix all 3 to make a smooth, consistent face and apply it on your face.
Leave it on for a pack to dry before you wash it off with water.
While honey adds to the antibacterial property along with moisturizing the skin, lemon too acts as a strong astringent and antibacterial
Turmeric – Egg White Face Mask
This mask is specifically used for skin lightening and requires mixing 1 egg white with 1 teaspoon orange juice and 1 teaspoon turmeric.
This should be made into a consistent paste and applied on the face gently.
The mask can be left on for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off.
In case the mask causes extreme dryness, olive oil can be used later on to moisturize the face.
While the orange juice works as a good skin toner, turmeric has good lightening properties
Yogurt – Egg White Face Mask
This simply involves mixing ¼ lump of avocado which can be achieved by mashing it, 1 egg white and 1 teaspoon yogurt to form a consistent, uniform paste.
This paste can be applied on the face and left to stand for about 10 to 15 minutes till it dries out before washing it off with water.
While yogurt acts as an antibacterial, avocado tends to moisturize the skin.
Benefits
There are numerous skin and health benefits of using an egg white mask. Some of these benefits are enumerated below:
- Egg whites have a great nutritional value
- They do not contain fat and cholesterol
- Egg whites are extremely high sources of protein
- They contain a trace amount of vitamin b which is vital for our body
- They are low in calories and thus prove to be extremely healthy and facilitate weight loss
- They are an inexpensive source of nutrition
Side effects
There are extremely rare and minor side effects associated with the consumption or application of egg white. Some of these side effects have been enumerated below:
Allergic reactions may include rash, irritation, hives, redness, swelling, diarrhea and vomiting.
It may also include sneezing and watering of the eyes and nose along with breathing problems
Consuming raw egg can lead to the deficiency of biotin also otherwise known as vitamin B7. Lack of biotin can lead to skin disorders
Egg whites might contain salmonella, a bacterium which often causes food poisoning. Food poisoning can lead to nausea and dehydration along with abdominal pain.
Precaution
In order to ensure complete and maximum results from the egg white mask, you must follow the following precautions:
- You must do a patch test for allergies and in case you are allergic to eggs, it is advised that you do not use it
- Egg whites can be extremely runny and messy and you must wear an old cloth while applying the mask
- The smell of the egg can be very strong
- While buying the egg you must ensure its hygiene
Customer Review of Egg White Masks
We did an analysis of online consumer review to check how effective egg white has been in dealing with skin problems, based purely on the experience of people who have used it. Here is a summary of what they like and dislike about it:
What they liked about it
Soft skin: A lot of consumers felt a better and softer skin after they started using egg white mask. It keeps your skin nourished with all the protein that it contains and also facilitates in healing and improving the skin texture rather than just leaving it damaged
Glow: Apart from making the skin soft egg white has also been known to provide additional shine and glow to the face. Many consumers experienced the same and were quite happy with the same.
Cystic acne: Egg whites have been quite effective in dealing with cystic acne in a lot of cases as consumers affirmed. Its effect is not limited just to the surface of the skin but also penetrates deep down to the layers of the skin in order to ensure maximum effect.
What they did not like about it
Dryness: Some consumers complained that egg whites, when used as a mask, caused excessive dryness.
This is mostly because of the tightening of pores and it is advised that in cases of extreme dryness you might use a moisturizer to keep your skin moist
Irritation: Though a few consumers have complained of irritation, it usually is a result only when the person is allergic or due to extreme dryness.
In case of allergy, it is usually advised that you do not use the mask.
Summary
Egg whites are probably one of the most inexpensive and readily available home remedies for your acne problems.
Its antibacterial properties and high nutritional values not only fight the acne-causing bacteria but also nourish your skin to keep it moist and hydrated.
It is probably kept on your kitchen shelf and you do not have to go out to get it either.
Apart from reducing the breakout frequency, it will also make your skin softer, more supple and will make it shine.