Let's Get Creative
Face masks are great for revealing a brighter complexion, brushing off dead skin cells and simply just for relaxing your skin. Using homemade masks can save you time and money, give you the chance to get creative and allows you to freely alter the recipe depending on your skin type.
Hydration Mask for Dry/Acne Prone Skin:
You will need:
- ½ mashed avocado
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp honey
Mix these ingredients together and apply the mixture to clean, dry skin, leaving on for 20 minutes. If you want to achieve a smoother texture, feel free to blitz up the mix in a blender. Now, grab a glass of wine and switch on your favourite Netflix show while this goodness soaks into your skin! Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and a flannel, pat dry and follow up with your skincare routine - most importantly a moisturiser.
Each element of this mask has great properties: the avocado will hydrate the skin, cocoa is used as an antioxidant, and honey is anti-inflammatory, helping to diminish dark spots.
Did you know:
Avocado has rich and buttery properties which makes it a great alternative to dairy products in baking, but can also be hydrating for the face too.
Face/Body Exfoliator for Skin Prone to Breakouts:
You will need:
- 200g brown sugar
- 100g soft coconut or olive oil
Mix the ingredients together until you have formed a paste, then simply rub around a wet face and/or body. Leave the scrub to sit for 5-10 minutes in order to hydrate the skin, however it’s not necessary to leave this mask on if you're simply looking to exfoliate. For best results when using this as a body scrub in the shower, turn the water off during application to avoid dissolving the sugar. If you are making in bulk, store the mask in a dry space at room temperature to avoid warm bathroom temperatures liquefying the mixture.
Sugar scrubs remove dead skin cells, reveal a brighter complexion and smooth your skin. Some scrubs can be too rough for those of you who suffer with sensitive skin, so using homemade alternatives can be the perfect solution. Brown sugar contains glycolic acid, which naturally removes dead skin cells whilst keeping moisture locked in.
Top tip:
This exfoliator can be used to remove old or patchy fake tan, as the coconut oil helps to loosen skin cells which have taken on colour and the sugar will lift them away.
Turmeric Mask for Dry/Acne Prone Skin:
You will need:
- 2 tbsp ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp coconut or olive oil
- 1 tbsp rice flour
- 1 tbsp honey
Combine these ingredients into a smooth paste, apply to the face and leave the mask on for around 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and finish with moisturiser. Note: if you have oily skin, try adding yogurt instead of oil. Alternatively, if you have particularly sensitive skin, add aloe vera era gel for natural soothing effects.
Tumeric has been used as a beauty treatment for centuries and has magical powers for brightening skin, removing dark spots and calming inflammation as well as acne scars.
Mix it up:
If you want to add an exfoliation element, add brown sugar. If you want to fight those wrinkles, simply combine ground turmeric with lemon juice and yogurt for added brightening properties.
Fruit Mask for Oily Skin:
You will need:
- 1 mashed banana
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
Combine these ingredients until you have achieved a paste, then apply the mask over your face, leaving to sit for around 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water and continue with your skincare routine.
A common myth is to use alcohol-laden products to dry out oily skin, but this will actually have the reverse effect by causing your skin to overproduce oil to compensate. Fruit juice or banana masks work to absorb excess oil and cleanse pores.
Top tip for oily skin:
Rosewater can act as a natural toner to help maintain the skin’s pH balance while controlling excess oil.
It's a 'Win-Win' for Your Skin
These at-home face masks will add the glow back into your complexion, and are super fun to get stuck into if you’re having a 'self-maintenance' evening! Most of these masks will last a good long time, however those that contain more moisture from fresh fruits will shorten the shelf life. It’s better to whip up a fresh batch of these when you feel like having a pamper session.
