Using egg white on your face as a skincare treatment can vary depending on your skin type, sensitivity, and individual preferences. Egg white is often used in DIY skincare routines due to its potential benefits for tightening the skin, reducing the appearance of pores, and absorbing excess oil. Here are some guidelines on how often you can use egg white on your face:

1. Normal to Oily Skin: If you have normal to oily skin, you might use an egg white mask once or twice a week. This can help control excess oil and temporarily tighten the skin.
2. Dry or Sensitive Skin: If you have dry or sensitive skin, using egg white masks might not be suitable for you as they could potentially be drying. It’s a good idea to do a patch test before applying egg white to your entire face to check for any adverse reactions.
3. Combination Skin: If you have combination skin, you can focus the egg white mask on areas that are more oily or prone to enlarged pores, such as the T-zone.
4. Special Occasions: Some people use egg white masks as a quick fix before special occasions to temporarily tighten their skin and reduce the appearance of pores. However, using them too frequently or excessively may not yield better results and could potentially lead to over-drying or irritation.
5. Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin responds after using an egg-white mask. If you notice any redness, irritation, or excessive dryness, reduce the frequency of use or discontinue using it altogether.

When using egg white on your face, follow these general steps:

1. Cleanse: Start with clean skin. Gently cleanse your face to remove any dirt, makeup, or impurities.
2. Separate Egg White: Separate the egg white from the yolk. You can use the egg white alone for your mask.
3. Application: Apply a thin layer of egg white to your face, avoiding the delicate eye and mouth areas. You can apply it with clean fingers or a brush.
4. Drying: Allow the egg white to dry for about 15-20 minutes. You will feel it tighten on your skin as it dries.
5. Rinse: Once the egg white is dry, gently rinse your face with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
6. Moisturize: Follow up with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate your skin.

Eggs are common ingredients in our diets. If they are not incorporated in cakes or stir fry rice, they are eaten alone as omelets.

However, the use of eggs is not confined to the kitchen only as it can be used as a skincare product. Egg white to be specific is touted to be a beneficial face mask.

It is claimed to reduce excess oil, tighten and tone skin, and provide anti-aging benefits. Read on to find out if these claims are true.

Q: How Many Times a Week?

A: General Answer: Supporters of the DIY egg white mask recommend using it once or twice a week. Using the mask daily could strip the skin of its natural oils and cause protein build-up.

Egg White Basics

Egg white, also known as albumen or glaire, is the clear liquid found in an egg. The egg white is responsible for providing proper nutrition to the embryo. It is made up of 90% water and 10% protein. Some of the proteins found in the egg white are albumins, globulins, and mucoproteins.

Egg White Face Mask Benefits

Egg white is popularly used in facial masks because of purported benefits such as;

• Improved skin hydration
• Temporary skin plumping
• Destruction of acne-causing bacteria
• Facial hair removal
• Blackhead removal
• Wrinkle reduction
• Detoxifies the skin
• Reduced skin oiliness
• Lightens and brightens skin

Does Science Support These Claims?

Although beauty hack gurus swear by egg white masks, we cannot take their word for it. Scientific studies agree that egg whites;

Can treat acne

According to a study conducted at Our Lady of Fatima University, respondents agreed that egg whites were effective in treating their acne. Egg whites reduce skin oiliness which in turn prevents the appearance of pimples and cysts. Egg whites also contain lysozyme enzymes which destroy acne-causing bacteria.

Can improve skin hydration

Dr. Marie V. Hayag, a dermatologist in Manhattan, claims that egg whites have moisturizing properties. According to her, the proteins present in egg whites work as humectants thus binding moisture to the skin. For that reason, fine lines and wrinkles may be temporarily plumped up.

Can lighten and brighten skin

In a study by Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, patients with burn wounds were placed under ointment-based egg whites to support healing. The study concluded that the burn wounds improved in terms of wound depth and surrounding skin color.

You can also read about:

• Ginger for Face Pimples
• Garlic for Pimples
• Face Whitening with Tomato

What This Mask Can’t Do

However, this mask cannot improve shrink or tighten pores as claimed by some blogs. Pores do not have muscles at their openings to allow this shrinking or tightening process.

Potential Risks Associated with Using Egg Whites

• Salmonella infection- raw eggs may contain salmonella which if accidentally ingested can cause infection. To avoid this ensure to use pasteurized eggs only.
• Allergic reactions- If you are allergic to egg whites, chances are applying it topically will also cause severe itchiness, hives, or breathing difficulties.
• Skin irritation- regardless of whether you are allergic to egg white or not, you may develop skin irritation after using this mask. It may appear in the form of redness, mild itching, or bumps.
• Secondary infection- If you have recent cuts or wounds, raw eggs could cause secondary infection.
• Surface contamination- When applying an egg white mask, you may contaminate surfaces such as sinks and counters. If not careful, you may put others at risk of getting infected.

References;

• https://cdu.herdin.ph/index.php?view=research&cid=53970
• https://mariehayagmd.com/blog/the-truth-about-using-egg-whites-to-treat-acne-breakouts/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526036/
• https://beautymunsta.com/how-many-times-a-week-should-i-use-egg-white-mask/