Curious about natural skincare, but not sure where to start? An easy way to try out natural skincare is to use ingredients you already have at home. You can make your own mask with just a few ingredients.
Here are a few of my favorite DIY, at-home facial recipes:
DIY Yogurt Face Mask
Why Yogurt?
Yogurt is moisturizing, which helps with fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture. Since it's kept cold, it also provides a cooling sensation for irritated or sunburned skin. Yogurt contains lactic acid (a type of alpha hydroxy acid, a gentle exfoliant), which is a result of the fermentation process that turns milk into yogurt. Studies have shown that probiotics in yogurt are beneficial when ingested, and suggest that further research should be done on the effect of topical applications.
Base Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened and unflavored yogurt - milk or plant-based will work, just make sure it's not too runny, otherwise it'll slide off your face!
- 1 tbsp of honey
Add-on Ingredients (Optional):
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice, or
- 1 tbsp of oatmeal, or
- A few drops of essential oils like tea tree oil, thyme, cinnamon or rosemary
Pick an add-on based on your skin's needs. For example, lemon juice can help with dullness, and oatmeal provides moisturizing benefits for sensitive skin.
Instructions
To watch me apply this mask IRL, check out this IGTV Live I did with @coffeepeoplezine.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, and tie your hair back. Grab a hand or face towel, just in case things get messy.
Combine your yogurt, honey and add-on ingredient(s) in a small mixing bowl, using a spoon. Mix until evenly incorporated and apply to your face, using your spoon, a clean brush or your fingers. Avoid your eyes, mouth, nose and any extra sensitive areas of your face.
Allow the yogurt mixture to dry on your face for 5-10 minutes before wiping off and rinsing your face. If you added oatmeal or another solid add-on ingredient, consider composting the mixture, to avoid clogging your sink.
DIY Avocado Face Mask
Why Avocados?
Studies have found that avocado oil contains fatty acids like lioleic acid and linolenic acid, and β-carotene, lecithin, minerals, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, making it a great moisturizer for your skin. Research into topical uses of avocados and avocado oil have found that it promotes wound healing, collagen production and reduced inflammation.
Base Ingredients:
- 1/4 of a ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 tsp of lemon juice
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil
Add-on Ingredients (Optional):
- 1 tbsp of oatmeal, or
- A few drops of essential oils like tea tree oil, thyme, cinnamon or rosemary
Pick an add-on based on your skin's needs. For example, oatmeal provides moisturizing benefits for sensitive skin and certain essential oils can help with acne and other skincare concerns.
Instructions
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, and tie your hair back. Grab a hand or face towel, just in case things get messy.
Combine your avocado, honey, lemon juice, oil and add-on ingredient(s) in a blender. Blend until evenly incorporated and apply to your face, using a clean spoon, clean brush or your fingers. Avoid your eyes, mouth, nose and any extra sensitive areas of your face.
Allow the avocado mixture to dry on your face for 5-10 minutes before wiping off and rinsing your face. If your mask contains some solid pieces (eg. oatmeal), consider composting the mixture, to avoid clogging your sink.