Washing your face twice daily is a great first step to a good skincare routine. But you can take this practice one step further by using an occasional face mask. Sure, there are plenty of face mask products sold in stores, but these often contain questionable chemical compounds that can dry out and irritate your skin. With a more natural approach in mind, below are a couple DIY versions of facial cleansing masks to try for beautiful skin.
Benefits of Face Masks
Depending on what ingredients you put in your face mask recipe, you can see different positive results in your skin. For example, some face masks provide deep cleaning benefits, while others unclog pores, get rid of dead skin cells, or help the skin look brighter and more glowing. There are face mask recipes that are better for oily skin or dry skin and more generally, there are relaxation benefits to treating yourself to a little self-care at home.
Common Ingredients in DIY Face Masks
If you are interested in experimenting with DIY face masks, it’s a smart idea to stock up on a few key ingredients that can be used with multiple recipes. Here are some common ingredients that you’ll often see in DIY face mask recipes.
Basics of Face Mask Application
Face masks can be messy, which is why some people choose to apply them in the bathtub so the mess can easily be washed away. Even if you apply the mask at a sink, pull your hair back so it doesn’t get into the mask mix and wear clothing that you don’t mind getting a little messy.
Wash your face with a mild cleanser before applying the mask and then use your fingers to gently spread the mixture onto damp skin. Avoid the eyes and nostrils and apply the mask to your neck as well. Most masks are best to leave on your face for about 10 minutes, so do something relaxing, such as reading a book or meditating, while the mask does its magic.
Sample Natural Face Mask Recipes
While there are many different combinations of food ingredients that you can apply to your face as a mask, here are a couple of our favorites. The first one is packed with omega-3 fatty acids to sooth dry skin, while the second recipe brightens up dull skin with all-natural ingredients. These are simple recipes that you may even have the ingredients for right now in your kitchen!
Dry Skin Avocado Mask
INGREDIENTS
- 1 medium size avocado
- 2 tbsp. plain full-fat yogurt
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
DIRECTIONS
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to your face immediately after mixing.
- Allow the mixture to stay on your face for 10 minutes.
- Rinse your face well and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.
Glowing Skin Citrus & Honey Mask
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup raw honey
DIRECTIONS
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Rub mixture onto your face and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse face with warm water and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.