5 DIY natural face mask recipes you can try today

A face mask is a great way to improve your skincare routine. They offer many benefits by taking care of specific skin care needs and concerns. They also help by infusing the facial skin with deficient vitamins and nutrients to help improve your skin’s overall health. 

Choosing a mask

Although there are many options available in the market today, DIY masks have their own unique appeal.

The mask you choose can depend upon your own specific skincare needs. Masks can help your skin in the following ways:

1.     Hydrate and moisturize dry skin
2.     Refine large pores
3.     Improve the elasticity and texture
4.     Absorb excess oil and dirt
5.     Open blocked pores
6.     Minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
7.     Reduce skin redness 
8.     Improve and reduce blemishes and breakouts
9.     Brighten and lighten dark spots
10. Reduce puffiness

Recipes

Here are a few simple Homemade Face Mask Recipes

1. Banana Face mask

Ingredients:

one ripe banana

How to make and use the mask:

1. 1.     Mash the ripe banana into a smooth paste
   2.     Gently apply to your face and neck 
   3.     Leave it on for 10-15 minutes 
   4.     Rinse off with lukewarm water.
   5.     Variation: Mix in 1/4 cup plain yogurt and 2 tablespoons honey

Benefits:

Bananas are rich in many vitamins. Vitamin A helps with dark spots and blemishes, vitamin B helps to reduce dryness, vitamin E helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and potassium helps to moisturize and hydrate. 

2. Lemon Face Mask

Ingredients:

• •       Juice from one lemon
  •       One tablespoon of honey or yogurt

How to make and use the mask:

1. 1.     Mix the ingredients together
   2.     Gently apply to your face and neck 
   3.     Leave it on for 10-15 minutes 
   4.     Rinse off with lukewarm water.
   5.     Variation: use 2 tablespoon olive oil or sweet almond oil instead of honey 

Benefits:

Lemons have two types of hydroxy acids, they help with removing the dead cells from our skin and help clear blackheads, acne, and discoloration.

3. Turmeric Face Mask

 Ingredients:

• •       One tbsp of turmeric powder 
  •       One tbsp of fresh lemon juice
  •       Add water to make a paste-like consistency

How to make and use the mask:

1. 1.     Mix the ingredients together
   2.     Gently apply to your face and neck 
   3.     Leave it on for 10-15 minutes 
   4.     Rinse off with lukewarm water.
   5.     Variation: Mix in 1 tbsp of honey or 1/2 a beaten avocado if you’ve used juiced turmeric
   6.     When using a turmeric-based mask do remember to wear gloves to protect your hands

Benefits:

Curcumin, in turmeric, is known for its antibacterial properties and has been clinically proven to address skin conditions like acne and pigmentation.

4.  Yogurt Face Masks

Ingredients:

• •       Two tablespoons of plain yogurt
  •       One tablespoon of honey
  •       One teaspoon of turmeric powder

How to make and use the mask:

1. 1.     Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste. 
   2.     Gently apply to your face and neck 
   3.     Leave it on for 10-15 minutes 
   4.     Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Benefits:

It helps improve the skin’s tone and texture by evening it out. Natural yogurt contains lactic acid which works on the skin’s rough surface cells and helps to uncover the new brighter cells underneath. Honey is also a ‘moisture magnet’ so it helps the skin feel supple and elastic. This is your go-to mask if you have been out in the sun too long!

5. Clay (Multani mitti) Face Mask

Ingredients:

• •       6 tsp Multani mitti powder
  •       2 tsp aloe vera juice
  •       1 tsp natural raw honey
  •       A splash of water to make it a spreadable consistency
  •       optional: a few drops of lavender essential oil

How to make and use the mask:

1. 1.     Mix all of the ingredients together to form a smooth paste
   2.     Gently apply to your face and neck
   3.     Leave it on for 15-20 minutes 
   4.     Rinse off with lukewarm water.
   5.     Variation: Mix in a few drops of lavender essential oil

Benefits:

This mask is to give your skin a moisture boost. The addition of a few drops of lavender oil helps calm and soothe the nervous system.

Takeaways

The good news is that masks are not gender specific, so both men and women can use them. However, you can keep the following factors in mind as you choose a face mask:

1.     Your skin type – dry, oily, or a combination skin type
2.     Skin concerns – hydration, blemishes or acne, pigmentation, or dark spots
3.     Skin sensitivity – avoid ingredients that you may be allergic to

Remember, a face mask that works well for your skin and gives you the benefits that you are looking for is the mask that is suited best for you. How about making a few extra masks so there is enough for you and your family to enjoy a spa day together at home this weekend!