Lakes Dermatology Stay at Home Pantry Mask
This fun and relaxing mask can be easily adapted 1) to the ingredients you have at home and 2) based on how your skin is feeling. It’s safe and easy --- you can make it for yourself or as an activity with your kids. Skip any ingredients that you have had allergies or reactions to.
Optional ingredients:
Oatmeal: oatmeal is the base of this mask – it’s soothing and anti-inflammatory. Use oatmeal on its own, or add any of the other ingredients (see combination suggestions below). ½-1 cup cooked and cooled.
Honey: bees work hard to make this superfood. Honey is full of anti-oxidants and it’s also anti-microbial - honey has been used since ancient times for its wound-healing properties. Add ½ teaspoon to your mask.
Turmeric: turmeric is used as a spice in cooking around the world. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly helpful to calm down mild rashes and acne. Add ½ teaspoon to your mask.
Avocado: avocado not only tastes great – full of omega-fatty acids, avocado is very moisturizing and anti-inflammatory. Add 2 tablespoons to your mask.
Banana: soothing and moisturizing, ripe banana is another great addition. Add 2 tablespoons to your mask.
Coconut oil: for a boost in moisture for anyone not prone to acne breakouts. Add ½ teaspoon to your mask.
How to apply:
Apply the mask to clean skin – apply enough so that you can’t see your skin through the mask. Avoid your eyes and nostrils. Include your mouth if you’re hungry. For an extra boost, open pores with a clean, warm (not hot) wet towel or washcloth.
Try these combinations for your skin:
Use any or all of these ingredients – remember, this is a relaxing mask, so use what you have available.
If you have acne try: Oatmeal, turmeric, honey
If you have rosacea try: oatmeal, turmeric, avocado
If you have dry skin try: Oatmeal, avocado or banana, coconut oil
Dr. Ahmed’s clinical expertise includes pediatric, general, surgical and cosmetic dermatology with special interests in skin cancer surgery/Mohs micrographic surgery, laser treatments and cosmetic procedures, including BOTOX®, Radiesse, Sculptra, Juvederm and Voluma. Dr. Ahmed is available for appointments in our Minnetonka and Burnsville locations.
Dr. Ahmed attended the Johns Hopkins University and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Behavioral Biology. She graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Alpha Omega Alpha. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine and her residency in Dermatology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Ahmed is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is an active member of several dermatological organizations. She comes to dermatology with a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and a background in clinical research. Her research emphasis includes cancer development and survivorship issues. She currently has a grant to test the effects of a new medication on squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, and also works with a group at the University of Minnesota, lead by Dr. DeAnn Lazovich, to understand the effects of indoor tanning on melanoma. Dr. Ahmed's work has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA, among other places. She is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota, where she is active in research. In addition to her academic work, she writes frequently on cosmetic dermatology and simple skin care regimes at goodskinsimple.com.
Dr. Ahmed was born and raised in Minneapolis, where she still lives. She enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with family and friends. She is married and the proud mother of two.