DIY Face Masks that You can Try at Home

Who doesn’t love a good ole’ pampering session? Taking a long soak in the bath and washing your hair. Scrubbing your body and your face. Soaking your feet. And, the best part, giving your skin that ultimate TLC that it deserves. Pampering your face is one of those simple luxuries in life that just seem to bring calm and make you feel rejuvenated. The good news is, you don’t even need to go to a professional for a face mask. Have a little scratch around in your cupboards and fridge and create a concoction of your own. If this very thought startles you, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite DIY face masks. You’re welcome!

What are the benefits of a face mask?

Just like a serum or moisturizer, a face mask is a vital element of skincare. It provides your skin with a high volume of vitamins and nutrients and is great for your skin’s overall health. But, what exactly is the difference? Well, because they usually stay on longer, face masks create a physical barrier that locks in beneficial ingredients. This allows more time for the skin to draw in these nutrients and vitamins without you washing them off immediately.

Face masks are designed to be used regularly, but intermittently to give your skin an instant boost. So, you can do a mask once a week or even once a fortnight depending on your skin type and your schedule. Depending on what your skin needs, there are masks that can do one (or a combination) of the following:

• hydrate and moisturize dry skin;
• refine and shrink large pores;
• improve overall skin texture;
• absorb excess oil and dirt allowing you to clean it off easier;
• decongest clogged pores;
• minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles;
• enhance elasticity;
• reduce the chance of breakouts;
• brighten dark spots and blemishes.

These seem pretty standard for most masks. But what about your DIY ones? Well, these come with several benefits too, for example:

• more cost-effective than visiting a professional;
• you can choose your own ingredients;
• you have control of what is in the mask, especially if you suffer from allergies, are vegan or organic-conscious;
• you can whip it up quickly with whatever you have in the fridge.

What are the key ingredients for a DIY face mask?

Depending on your skin type and desired effect, certain ingredients will be more or less appealing to you. When making face masks, it’s handy to stick to a basic foundation ingredient and work from there. Below are some of the most common foundation ingredients and what they do.

For hydration and anti-aging:

• Bananas

  Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals that are crucial for healthy, glowing skin.

• Coconut oil & olive oil

  Besides being 100% natural, oils like coconut oil and olive oil are excellent for hydrating the skin. These oils are safe to use and gentle on the skin. Oils are also very effective at removing stubborn makeup, which is a great bonus.

  Remember: if you have oily or acne-prone skin, stay away from coconut and olive oil. Instead, try a dry oil such as grapeseed oil or rosehip oil.

For brightening and exfoliation:

• Yogurt

  The lactic acid in yogurt can act as an exfoliant as it is an alpha hydroxy acid. Similar to glycolic peels, lactic acid uses alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to remove dead cells from the surface of your skin. This reveals fresh, glowing skin underneath.

• Spices

  Don’t worry, we’re talking more turmeric and cinnamon rather than Cajun powder here! But still, be wary. They can cause skin irritations and are not suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Go easy on the turmeric as well, you may end up looking like a Simpson if not!

• Salt and sugar

  Salt and sugar can certainly exfoliate, but again be careful. The sharp edges of the salt and sugar crystals can cause micro-tears on the surface of your skin.

• Baking soda

  Baking soda is just one of those wonder ingredients that do everything from cleaning the oven to cleaning your teeth. And guess what? You can even use it on your skin! It can act as an exfoliant and it even has antibacterial and brightening properties.

For pimples, tightening pores, and reducing blackheads:

• Citrus

  Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits are great for oily skin, dark spots, acne, and blemishes. But again, even though they can brighten your skin, they may cause irritation. So, just be careful.

• Honey

  Honey is a well-known anti-bacterial, which is why it’s used in so many beauty care products.

• Egg whites

  Applying egg whites on your face can feel like it is tightening the skin due to their drying effect. They may not have many long-term effects, but egg whites are certainly helpful on very oily skin.

To reduce dark under-eyes and puffiness:

• Teabags

  Putting cooled tea bags over your eyes for 15-20 minutes can help reduce any swelling. Tea is rich in tannins, antioxidants, and caffeine. These are all-natural superstars that can provide you with instant well-rested and youthful eyes.

• Cucumbers

  Putting chilled slices of cucumbers on your eyes can be soothing. Like tea, cucumbers contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and swelling.

To reduce irritation and itching:

• Oatmeal

  Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve itchy, dry, and irritated skin.

• Aloe vera

  Aloe vera is well-known to be soothing and anti-inflammatory, but you need to use fresh aloe. If you’re into plants, keep an aloe vera plant around the house.

7 must-try DIY face mask recipes

Here are seven must-try recipes for you to experiment with! Just bear in mind your skin type, and if you notice any irritation or burning, wash it off immediately.

1. Banana Blast

This mask is perfect for you if you have mild to moderate acne! The banana promotes skin-cell turnover and helps pores stay clean. Turmeric fights acne-causing bacteria and baking soda absorbs the excess oil from your skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 mashed banana
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Preparation:

1. Mix all the ingredients together.
2. Wash your face using your usual cleanser and towel dry your face.
3. Layer on your face and leave for 10 minutes.
4. Wash off using warm to cool water.

2. Butternut and Honey Bliss

Apply this gorgeous face mask once a week for an even glow. The squash boosts collagen production, tea-tree oil to fight blemishes, and honey to brighten the skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 drops of tea tree oil

Preparation:

1. Puree the squash in the food processor.
2. Mix in the honey and tea tree oil.
3. Wash your face using your usual cleanser and towel dry your face.
4. Layer on your face and leave for 10 minutes.
5. Wash off using warm to cool water.

3. Glowy Green Tea Mask

This face mask is the one for you if you want to reduce redness or irritation. It will also act as a moisture surge for your skin!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

Preparation:

1. Combine all products.
2. Add just enough water to make a paste.
3. Wash your face using your usual cleanser and towel dry your face.
4. Layer on your face and leave for 15 minutes.
5. Wash off using warm to cool water.

4. Blemish-Fighting Milk Mask

Do you struggle with acne or other blemishes? Well, we have the solution for you! This mask is great at reducing acne due to its antibacterial properties and exfoliating properties.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 2 tablespoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons milk

Preparation:

1. Mix all the products to form a light paste.
2. Wash your face using your usual cleanser and towel dry your face.
3. Layer on your face and leave for 10 minutes.
4. Wash off using warm to cool water.

5. Cocoa Powder Dry Bomb

Struggling with dry skin. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This face mask gives your skin an extra blast of hydration and helps combat any dryness or flakiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of milk
• 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder

Preparation:

1. Combine everything into a bowl and mix.
2. Wash your face using your usual cleanser and towel dry your face.
3. Layer on your face and leave for 10 minutes.
4. Wash off using warm to cool water.

6. The Cleopatra

Milk and honey have nothing on this recipe! You can use his mask once or twice a week for soft, supple, and radiant skin or whenever you experience heat rashes

Ingredients:

• Half a cup of plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of honey

Preparation:

5. Combine everything into a bowl and mix.
6. Wash your face using your usual cleanser and towel dry your face.
7. Layer on your face and leave for 10 minutes.
8. Wash off using warm to cool water.

7. Skin Feast Mask

Say goodbye to oily skin with this face mask. It will soak up excess oil, balance oil production, hydrate, and soothe your skin. Wow, what a quadruple threat!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon brown rice flour
• ½ avocado
• 1 tablespoon apple juice (fresh-pressed, if possible)

Preparation:

1. In a small bowl, mash avocado with a fork.
2. Sprinkle in rice flour.
3. Stir until you’ve created a paste.
4. Add apple juice and stir well.
5. Wash your face using your usual cleanser and towel dry your face.
6. Layer on your face and leave for 10 minutes.
7. Wash off using warm to cool water.

Before you go…

Pampering yourself doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, you can do it from the very comfort of your home. Interested in really vamping up your pampering sessions and taking self-care to the next level? Then check out Beginning.com’s amazing sound journeys. Each sound journey features 3D sounds, binaural beats, and nature sounds that induce a meditative and calm state. Why not light some candles, pop a face mask on, and plug your headphones in? Unwind before bed with Beginning.com and make the most out of your self-care moments.