DIY face masks are the rage nowadays. They are easy to prepare, cheap, and use natural and common ingredients anyone is likely to have at home. More importantly, they work. The foods used in these masks are carefully selected for their properties and nutrients that can even tackle specific issues such as blackheads or dry skin. If you’re curious about their performance, check out the following easy DIY face masks.
7 DIY face masks for a glowing and beautiful skin
Each of these DIY face masks is designed to treat different problems and support the skin so it can glow healthy and beautiful and you always wanted. Nonetheless, save for the one for oily and dry skin, which are very specific, you can try all of them without any problem. In fact, you will even notice that some ingredients are common to most of them.
Face mask for acne
Lemon has many beauty uses and one of them is helping treat acne. This fruit has antimicrobial properties that together with its acidity clear the skin from the bacteria causing acne to thrive. The raw honey supports this effect since it also presents antibacterial properties and reduces inflammation. Moreover, it is a food rich in vitamins and minerals that help nourish the skin, thus treating the acne while leaving it more beautiful and smooth.
Lastly, the green tea has caffeine which improves blood circulation on the most superficial skin layers, working as a tonic to give the face a healthy glow.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp of green tea;
- 1 tbsp of raw honey;
- 1 tsp of lemon juice.
Directions
Combine all the ingredients in a clean dry bowl and stir until achieving a thick paste. Apply the mixture to the face with circular motions and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water and apply your regular moisturizer cream afterwards.
Peel off face mask
Besides having antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, honey is also a humectant. This means that it attracts water to the skin, supporting better hydration, without triggering the production of oils.
Milk contains several vitamins and mineral that help nourish the skin, but the main reason why it’s so popular in DIY facial masks is its content in lactic acid. This acid belongs to the AHA category and it works as a very gentle peeling to remove the most superficial dead cells of the skin, without causing irritation or impacting on its thickness.
When preparing this recipe, be aware that vegetal milk (soy, almond, oats, etc.) does not contain lactic acid, so it won’t work as effectively in this mask.
Ingredients
- 1 egg white;
- 1 tsp. of raw honey (or Manuka);
- 10ml of cow or goat milk, warm and unsweetened;
- 1 gelatine leaf.
Directions
In a bowl, place the gelatine leaf, add enough warm water to cover it and stir with a spoon. Set it aside.
Mix the remaining ingredients in a different bowl and warm the mixture by placing the bowl inside another one filled with warm water. Add the gelatine, stir until combined and apply the mask with the help of a clean brush.
Wait until the mask has dried completely and peel it off. Wash the face with cool water and apply a toner and a moisturizer in the end.
Face mask for blackheads
Aspirin is a common ingredient in many DIY face masks to treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory effect but in the case of blackheads is the salicylic acid that is important. This component softens and helps to dilute the impurities and dead cells blocking and darkening the pores.
Cinnamon also has antibacterial properties while the oats soothe irritations and inflammation and moisturize the skin thanks to their humectant effect as well as lipids and proteins.
Ingredients
- 2 aspirins, non-coated;
- 1/4 cup oats, finely grounds;
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon;
- Water.
Directions
Mash the aspirins until achieving a fine powder and mix with the oats and the cinnamon. Add enough water to make a paste. Be careful not to add too much of it or the mask will drip.
Apply the mask paying special attention to those areas where you have more blackheads concentrated. Avoid the skin around the eyes or the cinnamon will produce a burning effect. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
Rub the mask gently after this period, as if you were exfoliating. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Turmeric face mask
Turmeric has a wide range of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help the skin recover a glowing and healthy look, while the remaining ingredients will cleanse and moisturize.
Be aware that DIY face masks containing turmeric may stain the face and leave a yellow residue. This is normal and temporary, but you may want to restrain yourself from preparing this mask right before leaving the house.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. of yogurt, unsweetened and unflavored;
- 1 tsp. of turmeric powder;
- 1 tsp. of raw honey or Manuka;
- 1 lemon juice.
Directions
Wash, cleanse and pat dry your face very well. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until fully combined and apply the mask. Avoid the sensitive skin around the eyes.
Let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Moisturizing face mask
Shea butter and coconut oil are by now two of the most widely known natural moisturizers. This mask will infuse your skin with hydrating and nourishing ingredients that will support its beauty and strength.
The aloe vera has healing and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and it is also rich in polysaccharides which support skin hydration.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. of Shea butter;
- 1 tbsp. of coconut oil;
- 1 tbsp of aloe vera gel.
Directions
Warm up the coconut oil in the microwave or by putting it into a dry bowl inside another with warm water. The goal is for the coconut to melt and become liquid not for it to become hot.
Add in the Shea butter and the aloe vera and stir until achieving a smooth cream. Apply the mask to the face with circular motions and pay special attention to the dry areas. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Face mask for oily skin
Contrary to popular belief, one of the most frequent causes of oily skin is lack of moisturization. Because the skin is dry, it tries to overcompensate by releasing more natural oils.
The honey will moisturize and nourish the skin while the lemon will cleanse the oil excess and other impurities from the pores that could potentially be causing the unbalanced production. The banana contains vitamin C and A among other nutrients that also nourish the skin and give it a natural glow in a gentle way.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana;
- 1 tbsp of raw honey or Manuka;
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice.
Directions
Mash the banana with a fork. Add the mashed banana and the remaining ingredients to a blender and mix until you get a consistent paste. Cleanse your face and dry it thoroughly before applying the mask. Do it using small amounts at a time to prevent dripping.
Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off with cool water. Apply a moisturizer suitable for oily skin afterwards.
Hydrating face mask
Avocado is rich in is fatty acids, vitamins A, D and E, potassium, lecithin and antioxidants that nourish and moisturize the skin, and, together with the remaining ingredients, increases the hydration levels of the skin.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado;
- 1 tbsp. of olive oil;
- 1 tbsp. of raw honey;
- 2 tbsp. of plain yogurt, unsweetened.
Directions
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl until the texture is creamy and similar to guacamole. Cleanse and dry your face, and apply the mask. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.
DIY face masks in action: how peeling off works
DIY face masks can look suspicious sometimes. Their consistency and mix of ingredients can easily make you wonder if you’re following the recipes correctly or if they will work at all. Peel masks, in particular, raise a lot of questions for their very liquid texture.
Check the video below to get to know another recipe of a DIY peel mask and to see how the texture of these masks changes and adapts to the skin.
