10 Easy DIY Face Masks for Your Skin Needs

During this pandemic, a lot of us are feeling sort of "stuck" at home. Well, NOW is the perfect time to give your skin a little TLC.

If you have professional face masks that's always going to be optimum. However, you can make face masks with ingredients that you probably already have in your cupboard! Which makes DIY facial masks a great way to spend some of your time.

But before you just go and mix a bunch of random ingredients together, there is a little bit of a method to the messiness.

​Certain ingredients are going to be better for your skin type and your skin needs. So let's make sure that you're able to choose the ones that will best serve you.

What are the benefits of natural ingredients?

We're going to go through what the benefits of natural ingredients are said to be (and do) for your skin in just a moment, but first, a little realism.

You may need to be cautious, because even with natural products there is a chance that you may irritate your skin — as high concentrations can cause irritation when you have extremely sensitive skin or even open skin. Always make sure that you are doing patch tests to ensure that you do not have sensitivity/allergies. 

Further, let's make sure that our expectations are set correctly: natural ingredients aren't going to create miracles. LOL In fact, in spite a multitude of beauty blogs touting mind-blowing results, there are actually very few studies that show the efficacy of many of those touted natural ingredients when placed on your skin.

So just know that none of these face masks are going to completely transform your skin. You may see minimal results at best. 

​However, indulging in a little TLC & giving yourself permission to relax for a little bit comes with it's own set of benefits — which I'm all for!

Thus, I'm only listing masks that I believe are going to be the most effective when it comes to natural products. (If you're more interested in products that will give you noticeable results then go check out, "Skincare That Your Skin Will Love You For".)

Shall we begin? Alrighty, then.

Antibacterial Ingredients For Your Skin (aka For Acne)

The following ingredients are said to have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties to aide in the treatment of acne.

​But as it is with many things, it's important to also understand WHY you have acne. Is it hormonal? Due to bacteria? Poor diet? If you don't properly target "the why", then you will definitely not see results when you don't have the correct cause.

However, having said that, these may serve as a baby step in improving your acne-prone skin:

• Activated Charcoal - absorb bacteria & remove it from pores.
• Aloe Vera - anti-inflammatory & helps with moisture retention.
• Banana - antibacterial while hydrating.
• Egg whites - (caution: do not ingest & be careful about getting it on stuff besides your face) boosts skin hydration, temporarily tightens skin, & helps with bacterial acne.
• Honey - brightening and helps balance the bacteria on your skin while hydrating.
• Mangos -help clean pores and makes your face glow.
• Tea Tree Oil - anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It's thought to calm redness, swelling, and inflammation.
• Turmeric - anti-inflammatory & antibacterial.
• Witch Hazel (if you can, use the alcohol free version)  - natural astringent & anti-inflammatory.
• Yogurt - natural exfoliant; contains lactic acid & alpha hydroxy acid.

Oil Balancing Ingredients

In addition to the ingredients above serving your skin type, there are ingredients that may help regulate and balance oil production for my oily skinned peeps (that is if you truly have oily skin, because you actually could have dry or combo skin. Go read, "Oily Skin or Secret Undercover Dry Skin?")

So it might seem a little counter intuitive, but ingredients that protect & restore the lipid layer of your skin can actually help your skin's sebum production vs. using harsher ingredients that try to "dry out" the skin (which is one reason why I do not recommend putting lemons on your face). When you try to strip away the oil, your skin begins to over compensate and create more oil.

Here's some ingredients that may help you & you can use in a DIY face mask:

• Carrots - antiseptic, healing, & maintains moisture.
• Cucumber - soothes irritation, antiseptic, & provides a base for hydration.
• Grape Seed Oil - tones & hydrates
• Lavender - anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, & anti-aging (in terms of sun damage)
• Oatmeal - anti-inflammatory 
• Rosehip Seed Oil - anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial; may help reduce redness.
• ​Rosemary - anti-aging & anti-inflammatory

Naturally Moisturizing Ingredients For Dry Skin

When it comes to dry skin, there's ingredients that can help replenish moisture but using a natural oil is where you will likely see the biggest benefits. If you also have sensitivity or are more likely to get pimples you need to understand that there is a scale when it comes to how comedogenic an oil is. 

Some oils are a little higher on the scale (meaning they can cause some individuals to breakout), while other oils are less likely to give you acne. I find, as it is with many things, that you will just have to figure out what works for you.

If you don't have to worry about clogged pores then you have a bit more freedom to test out the heavier oils:
​

• Avocados - anti-inflammatory & hydrating
• Grape Seed oil - tones & hydrates
• Honey - brightening and helps balance the bacteria on your skin while hydrating.
• Jojoba oil - soothing anti-inflammatory, healing properties, moisturizing, and antimicrobial
• Olive Oil (acne-prone & sensitive skin avoid; only recommending for a face mask, not frequent use) - provides hydration
• Vitamin E Oil - blocks free radicals and replenish lipids

Hyperpigmentation Issues and Skin Dullness

If you're in need of brightening up your skin because it's starting to seem a little dull & drab. Then these ingredients might be worth adding into your DIY face mask:

• Dark Cocoa Powder (70 percent cacao or more)- increases blood flow to the skin and improve skin's complexion.
• Oranges -a potent antioxidant that brightens dark spots, smooths fine lines, and, importantly, scavenges free radicals from the environment, pollution, and UV radiation (Rejuvenation)
• Papaya -softens & brightens skin.
• Pumpkin - natural exfoliant & can help combat redness
• Tomatoes -lightens skin & promotes healing
• Yogurt - natural exfoliant; contains lactic acid & alpha hydroxy acid.

10 DIY Face Masks For Your Skin Type & Concerns

Alright, now that we have a list of potential ingredients that would benefit your specific needs you can either: go venture off on your own or you can simply choose one of these easy DIY Face masks that I've rounded up!

​You can swap out ingredients and use ones from the lists above to customize the masks to better serve your skin needs.

PRO TIP: Apply these face masks after you get out of the shower or after you wash your face because this will help the ingredients penetrate more deeply.

#1 Honey Avocado Hydrating Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of avocado
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 1/2 a mango

​Directions: Use a blender to mix all the ingredients together. If possible, I'd recommend using a synthetic makeup brush or even a synthetic artist brush for easier application — but if you don't mind the mess, then girl, get messy! After 20 mins you can remove the mask with a damp wash cloth.

#2 Cocoa Hydrating Glow Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of dark cocoa powder
• 2-3 tablespoons of plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Directions: Mix the powder and the yogurt into a paste (you want the consistency of brownie batter). Then mix in the honey. Apply with clean fingers or use a synthetic makeup brush. After 20 mins rinse with room temp water.

#3 Oh B.O.H! Face Mask for Acne

Ingredients:

• 1/2 of a ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1/2 teaspoon of orange juice

Directions: Mash the banana until it's well blended then add the honey and orange juice (or keep it simple and put it all in a blender LOL). Apply the mask with clean fingers or use a synthetic makeup brush. Let the mask sit for a minimum of 20 mins then remove with a damp wash cloth.
​*Pro tip: exfoliate your skin first & then apply the mask.*

#4 Deep Cleanse Charcoal Face Mask for Oily or Acne Prone Skin

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Aloe Vera Gel
• 1 tablespoon Witch Hazel
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil or jojoba oil
• 3 activated charcoal tablets (only use contents inside the tabs)
• 3-6 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)

Directions: Empty the contents of three charcoal tablets into a small bowl. Add the aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil and mix well. Then mix in the lavender oil. I really recommend that you use a synthetic brush to apply this mask (& be careful about using good towels as it may stain them). Allow the mask to sit for 10 mins and then remove with a damp cloth.

#5 Softening & Brightening Turmeric Face Mask

Ingredients:

• ​2 tablespoons of flour
• Pinch of turmeric
• Squeeze of orange juice
• tablespoon of plain yogurt
• 10 drops of Rose Water (optional)

Directions:  Mix the flour, turmeric, and orange juice into a bowl to make a paste.  Add the yogurt and rose water. If it's still dry you can add more orange juice or more rose water to make it more of a paste. Apply a thin layer to clean skin with clean fingers. Allow the mask to sit for 20 mins and then, over your sink, massage into your skin (use water on your fingers to soften mask if it has gotten too hard. Be nice to your skin.). Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

#6 Oatmeal Honey for Oily Skin

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup oatmeal
• 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 small egg white (optional)

Directions: Combine 1/2 cup of hot water to the oatmeal and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Then with clean fingers apply the mask to you your face. Let it sit for 10-15mins, then rinse with cool water.

#7 Soothing Cucumber & Aloe Vera Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cucumber
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera

Directions: Cut an unpeeled cucumber into slices and then add into a blender. Mix it until watery. Add the aloe vera and blend until smooth. With clean hands massage the paste onto your face and neck. Allow the mask to sit for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water.

#8 Brightening Papaya Honey Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of mashed papaya
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 whipped egg white
• 1-2 tablespoons of flour

Directions: Mix the ingredients in a blender to keep things simple. Allow the mask to sit for 5-10 mins and then rinse with lukewarm water.

#9 Glowing Carrot Mask for Acne

Ingredients:

• 2 peeled and cooked carrots
• 1 teaspoon orange juice
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1-2 tablespoons of flour (optional)

​Directions: Mash the cooked carrots and then mix in the rest of the ingredients until you have a good paste consistency (sort of like creamy mashed potatoes). Apply to clean skin and allow the mask to sit for 20-30 mins. Rinse off with room temp water.

#10 Simply Oats

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of oatmeal
• Warm water

Directions: Blend or grind the oats into a powder. Slowly add water and stir until it has a paste consistency. You could add other ingredients that you have on hand such as a tablespoon of olive oil plain yogurt, or a few drops of an essential oil; but that's totally optional! Let the mask sit for 15-20 mins and rinse with lukewarm water.

As you can see, making your own face mask can be quite easy. Most of the ingredients you likely already have in one of your cupboards, which means a little bit of self-care could be a breeze. 

Now I'd love to hear from you: Did you give any of the masks a try? What was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay Lovely,
xoxo

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