Buying quality skin care products is expensive. Many popular brands contain unwanted chemical additives and preservatives. This may motivate you to look for at-home alternatives to these products.
If you have a little time and only a few ingredients, you can make face masks at home. These do-it-yourself masks are easy and fun to make, and their benefits to your skin rival those of the most expensive commercial masks. Try some of our easy recipes and see the benefits first hand.
Before using any of these masks, it is best to wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser. This allows the mask to penetrate into your pores. After using the masks, rinse your face clean with lukewarm water. Then rinse it with cool water. This closes your pores. Gently pat your face and neck dry.
- Banana Facial Mask
To make a banana facial mask, the easiest way is to simply mash up a ripe banana and apply it to your face. This mask is smoothing and moisturizing, providing a fresh faced glow.
If you have a few more ingredients around the house, try mixing a little plain yogurt and honey into your mask. The yogurt adds moisturizing power and the honey naturally fights acne.
- Strawberry Mask
Another fresh, seasonal ingredient to mix into your DIY facial mask is the strawberry. Strawberries are naturally very high in Vitamin C. They also contain several beneficial fruit acids to combat skin aging and soothe acne prone skin. Salicylic acid, an ingredient in many over-the-counter acne products, is present in the strawberry.
This exfoliating mask will brighten your skin. Mix a few mashed strawberries with a little lemon juice. Apply gently to your face and neck. After 15 minutes, rinse the mask from your face. This mask works even better if used after exfoliating the skin with a natural scrub such as brown sugar and honey.
- Oatmeal Facial Masks
Oatmeal is a proven moisturizing ingredient that soothes the skin. It is used in many commercial lotions and bath products, especially for those with dry, itchy skin. See the benefits of oatmeal for yourself by trying one of these facial masks.
In a blender or food processor, puree a small amount of whole rolled oats with a little milk until the mixture has a soft texture. You can also use cream if your skin is severely dry. Gently smooth this mixture over your face and let it sit for 20 minutes.
For oily skin, mix oatmeal, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is an astringent which gently dries the skin and also combats bacteria without being too harsh. The oatmeal will absorb excess oil from your skin.
Let 3 tablespoons of oatmeal soak for a few minutes in ¼ cup hot water. Then add a teaspoon of honey. Blend these ingredients together. Whisk in 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. When the mixture has cooled a bit, gently smooth it over your face and neck. Let it sit for 20 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
- Avocado Masks
Another superfood ingredient that is great for your skin is avocado. Avocado contains high levels of oleic acid, a plant acid that helps your skin retain moisture. Avocado is also a source of antioxidants and Vitamin C. The plant oils in avocado keep your skin soft and supple.
For a moisturizing mask, mix ½ of a mashed ripe avocado with a little plain Greek yogurt. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to make the mask even richer for your skin. Blend well and let it sit on your face for 15 minutes.
Avocado also goes well with oatmeal in another moisturizing mask. Mix ½ cup of mashed ripe avocado with ½ cup of oatmeal. Blend the mixture well and apply to your face and neck.
With only a few simple ingredients from your pantry and from the produce section, you can make easy DIY facial masks for any skin type. Try some of these recipes today and see the benefits for yourself. Alternatively, you can be creative and mix some of these recipes together for your own special touch.
