I noticed that many of the domestic skincare products I bought claim to contain extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen). I happen to have some Danshen powder at home, so I wanted to ask if Danshen powder can be used as a facial mask?
Can Danshen Powder be Used as a Facial Mask?
Yes, it can.
Danshen powder is a fine powder made from grinding the roots and rhizomes of the plant Salvia miltiorrhiza. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, cooling blood and resolving abscesses, and regulating menstruation and relieving pain. It has no obvious toxic side effects and can be taken internally or applied externally. Therefore, Danshen powder can be used as a facial mask.
What are the Benefits of Using Danshen Powder as a Facial Mask?
Removing Freckles and Acne
When the skin is exposed to excessive external stimuli, the production of melanin in the body will gradually increase. In addition, if the blood and Qi circulation in the body is not smooth, it can lead to the formation of freckles. Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Danshen powder has strong effects in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, which can improve the blood circulation of the facial skin, unblock stagnated blood vessels in the body, accelerate metabolism, and reduce skin pigmentation. Therefore, using Danshen powder as a facial mask can have certain effects on freckles, acne, and acne scars.
Improving Skin Texture
Danshen contains active compounds such as salvianolic acid, salvianone, protocatechuic aldehyde, and protocatechuic acid, which have antioxidant effects and can eliminate free radicals in the body, helping to improve skin texture and make the skin radiant and smooth.
Slowing Down Aging
As age increases, the moisture in the body's cells gradually decreases, and the vitality of the cells decreases. As a result, wrinkles appear on the skin. The blood-activating effect of Danshen can promote blood circulation, increase the supply of blood oxygen and moisture to cells, restore cell vitality, and slow down skin aging.
How to Make a Danshen Powder Facial Mask?
Danshen, Baiji, and Fuling Facial Mask
1. Grind Baiji and Fuling into fine powder.
2. Take 5 grams each of Danshen powder, Baiji powder, and Fuling powder and put them into a facial mask bowl.
3. Add an appropriate amount of honey or egg white and mix well.
4. After cleansing the face, apply the mask evenly on the face and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
5. Rinse off with water.
6. Use 2-3 times a week.
Effect: Freckle removal, acne removal, whitening.
Danshen and Chinese Yam Facial Mask
Ingredients: 15 grams of Danshen powder, 15 grams of Chinese yam powder, 10 grams of honey.
1. Pour Danshen powder and Chinese yam powder into a facial mask bowl.
2. Add an appropriate amount of honey and water, and mix well.
3. After cleansing the face, apply the mixed mask evenly on the face.
4. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse off.
5. Use 2-3 times a week.
Effect: Moisturizing, making the skin smooth and radiant.
Can Danshen Powder Facial Mask be Used Daily?
It is not recommended to use it daily.
Although Danshen powder facial mask has many benefits, it is not recommended to use it daily because the blood-activating and blood-stasis-removing effects of Danshen powder are relatively strong and may cause some irritation to facial skin. Daily use may make the skin unable to tolerate it, and even lead to thinning of the facial stratum corneum, red blood vessels, and peeling. It is generally recommended to use it 2-3 times a week.
What Should be Paid Attention to When Using Danshen Powder Facial Mask?
1. Prevent Allergies
Some people may be allergic to Danshen powder, so when using Danshen powder facial mask for the first time, special attention should be paid to avoid causing allergic reactions such as itching all over the body, urticaria, chest tightness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. You can first apply a small amount of Danshen powder on the inner side of the wrist, behind the ear, or other areas where the skin is relatively delicate, and observe for about 1 hour. If no allergic reaction occurs, you can continue to use it.
2. Do not Leave it on for Too Long
If the facial mask stays on the face for too long, it may affect the skin's ability to breathe, resulting in skin hypoxia and dehydration. It is generally recommended to leave the Danshen powder facial mask on for 15-20 minutes.
3. Thoroughly Cleanse
The natural pigments in Danshen powder are easily absorbed by the skin, so when using Danshen powder facial mask, it is necessary to thoroughly clean any residual mask on the face.
4. Be Cautious for People with Thin Stratum Corneum
People with dry skin and fragile facial stratum corneum should be cautious when using Danshen powder facial mask because the strong blood-activating effect of Danshen powder may aggravate the stimulation to fragile skin and cause skin allergies.
