Reviewed by:
Nicole A. McCarthy, MD MSc
Reviewed by:
Nicole A. McCarthy, MD MSc
Treating Your Skin With Love
By: Narda
November 22. 2021
Our modern life exposes our skin to many pollutants that slowly but surely leave their mark. To avoid early or unnecessary damage to our skin and sometimes overall health, we need to take some necessary steps that include stopping the use of plastics, careful investigation of the products we buy at stores, making sure we know and understand their components and maybe, consider making our own.
We cannot neglect a well-balanced diet. Many years ago, our naturist doctor told us that health and beauty come through the mouth. I have learned to believe her.
One of the advantages of choosing to explore the satisfaction of making our own beauty products, is that we can experiment with homemade blends that we know do not include artificial colors or aromas, chemical, toxins and synthetic endocrine disruptors that could harm more than help.
Everyday available ingredients like aloe, avocado, oatmeal, yogurt, lemon, strawberries, honey, almonds, and others are over the counter, easy, healthy, and delicious.
ALWAYS:
- Before applying a mask, wash your face with water and a gentle soap, dry carefully patting your face with a towel; then, proceed to apply masks with small, gentle circular movements, avoiding eye area.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove them completely
- Do an allergy test before applying on your entire face
NEVER:
- Expose your skin to the sun with the mask on
FOR ACNE
- Oatmeal, honey and lime juice
Put together 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, two tablespoons of honey, 1/4 teaspoon of lime juice, Mix together, apply and leave 20 minutes. Almost miraculous!
From: The Vallejo Unpublished Home Remedies
- Strawberry, Honey, and Brown Sugar
This strawberry acne mask uses honey, lemon juice, and brown sugar to help tighten acne-prone skin. The salicylic acid naturally found in strawberries is great for skin, as is the beneficial properties of honey and lemon. In addition, brown sugar makes for a wonderful natural exfoliant. Keep this mask in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Cooled, the mask will feel even nicer when applied to the skin.
6 fresh strawberries
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
De-stem the strawberries and put them into a food processor. Add lemon juice, brown sugar, and honey. Blend in the food processor until a paste is made. If the paste is too watery, add a teaspoon of flour (or more if needed) to thicken. Apply mask to face for 10 minutes and remove with a warm wet washcloth.
From: https://www.byrdie.com/
- Homemade Avocado Face Mask
Author: Dr. Josh Axe Total Time: 3 minutes Yield: 1 1x
This homemade avocado mask is very hydrating and helps restore a youthful glow to your skin. Just as important, it kills acne-causing bacteria while providing essential nutrients.
2 teaspoon mashed avocado
1 teaspoon kefir
1 tablespoon raw honey
1 teaspoon olive oil
Glass jar
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix all ingredients in a glass bowl/jar
Apply to on face (avoiding eyes)
Leave on for 20–30 minutes and then rinse with water
- Avocado and vitamin E
In a glass bowl put the flesh of half an avocado and mash well
Add one gelcap of vitamin E
Mix well
Apply mask on clean skin and leave it on for 15 minutes
Remove gently with lukewarm water
Rub an ice cube to close pores
Pat dry gently
- Oatmeal & Coconut Oil Face Mask
Scoop 3 tablespoons of oatmeal into a mixing bowl.
Add ¼ cup of warm water.
Mix until you’ve made a paste.
Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and mix well.
Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to cleanse your face and open pores.
Apply the mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes.
When the 15 minutes are up, gently massage your entire face using small circular motions for another 2 minutes. This brief massage will help remove dead skin cells, that if left, can clog pores.
Finally, rinse the mask off with cool or lukewarm water.
Pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel.
Goodbye, acne. Hello, clear skin!
FROM: https://www.siobeauty.com/
- Honey, oat & whole milk face mask
Pour 3 tablespoons of dried oats into a blender.
Add 1 tablespoon of whole milk and mix until you’ve made a paste.
Mix in 1 tablespoon of organic honey.
Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores.
Remove the mixture From the blender and apply evenly.
Let the mixture dry for 15 minutes.
Rinse the mask off with warm water, then splash your face with cool water to close your pores.
Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
From: https://www.siobeauty.com/
- Baking Soda & Coconut Oil Face Mask
Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl.
Stir until the ingredients form a smooth paste.
If necessary, add more baking soda one pinch at a time until the paste becomes thick and smooth.
Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores.
Apply the coconut oil and baking soda mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Gently massage your skin with small, circular motions for 2 minutes.
Rinse your face with warm water to remove the mask, then rinse a second time with cool water to close your pores.
Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
FROM: https://www.siobeauty.com/
- Kefir & Honey Face Mask
Measure ¼ cup of kefir into a bowl
Add 1 teaspoon of honey
Mix well
Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores
Apply an even layer of the mixture to your face and let it dry for 15 minutes
Rinse your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove the mask
Splash your face with cool water to tighten pores
Gently pat dry with a soft towel
Aloe Vera & Tomato Juice Face Mask
If you’re looking for a way to simultaneously tone your skin, fight breakouts, and reduce acne scarring, then you’ll want to try an aloe vera gel and tomato juice face mask. It’s simple to make and especially effective at fighting acne.
Add 2 tablespoons of tomato juice into a large mixing bowl
Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
Mix well
Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores
Apply the mask and let it dry for 15 minutes
Remove the mask by rinsing with lukewarm water
Splash your skin with cool water to close and tighten pores
Pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel
- Egg White & Papaya Face Mask
Papaya is packed full of acne-fighting vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, beta hydroxy acid, papain, and potassium. When mixed with egg white and honey, papaya is ideal for reducing redness, healing acne, and shrinking pores.
Add 1 whipped egg white in a mixing bowl
Mash ½ cup of papaya and add it into the whipped egg white
Add 1 teaspoon of honey
Mix well
Wash your face and neck with warm water and an oil-free cleanser to remove makeup and open pores
Apply the mixture and let it dry for 15 minutes
Wash the mask away by rinsing with lukewarm water and a soft washcloth if necessary
Splash your skin with cool water to close and tighten pores, and then pat dry with a soft, clean towel
From: https://www.siobeauty.com/
- Mustard seeds mask
Mustard seeds contain bacteria-fighting sulphur, so this mask is especially good for skin sensitivity, acne, and inflammation. Pat your face with mild yellow mustard for a bracing facial that will soothe and stimulate your skin. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Try it on a small test area first to make sure it won’t irritate.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
Lemon facial mask
Lemons contain AHAs and BHAs, two types of hydroxy acid that remove dead skin cells and help clear up blackheads, acne, and discoloration. Create a homemade face mask by mixing the juice From one lemon with 1/4 cup olive oil or sweet almond oil. Or mix the juice of 1/2 lemon with a tablespoon of honey. Apply to your face, wait 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.
TO BRIGHTEN AND CLARIFYING SKIN TONE:
- Strawberries and yogurt
2 large strawberries
2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
Blend or mash together, apply avoiding eye area and leave on for 10 minutes, rinse with warm water and apply moisturizer. You may add ½ teaspoon of honey if you want.
- Honey and powdered cinnamon:
2 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Mix carefully and put on face with soft circular movements avoiding eye area. Leave on for five minutes (no more to avoid irritation) rinse carefully with warm water and apply moisturizer.
- Brown sugar and lime juice:
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
The juice of ½ lime
Mix together and apply carefully avoiding eye area. Leve on for five minutes, rinse carefully with warm water and apply moisturizer.
Banana, yogurt and honey
Mix 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey (a natural acne remedy), and one medium banana.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
- Lemon facial mask
Lemons contain AHAs and BHAs, two types of hydroxy acid that remove dead skin cells and help clear up blackheads, acne, and discoloration. Create a homemade face mask by mixing the juice From one lemon with 1/4 cup olive oil or sweet almond oil. Or mix the juice of 1/2 lemon with a tablespoon of honey. Apply to your face, wait 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. We also have six more beauty fixes with a lemon.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
Aloe Vera and Vitamin E face mask
Extract the pulp from one aloe vera stem
Add the oil of one vitamin E gelcap and mix well
Apply the mask over your clean face and allow it to dry entirely
Rrinse your face using cold water.
How it works: Aloe vera is known to contain allicin as well as antioxidants that can go in deep inside the skin layer, refilling the lost moisture of skin.
Repetitions: Twice or thrice a week.
Best time to apply: Morning
Tips: Keep your face clean before applying this mask.
From: https://www.beautyepic.com/vitamin-e-face-mask/
FOR OILY SKIN
- Yeast facial mask
This treatment, meant especially for younger people with oily skin, requires a package of dry yeast. Mix the contents of a 0.25-ounce (7-gram) packet with three drops of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of water until it forms a paste. (Add more water as needed to get it to the right consistency.) Spread the mixture on your face and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off for a refreshing deep clean.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
MOISTURIZERS, ANTI-WRINKLE, HYDRATORS
- Banana facial masks
Bananas are packed with ingredients for great skin: vitamin A to fade dark spots and blemishes and smooth out rough skin, vitamin B to reduce dryness, vitamin E to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and potassium to moisturize and hydrate. So, the fruit makes a perfect all-natural, homemade face mask that leaves skin looking and feeling softer.
To make: Mash up a medium-sized ripe banana into a smooth paste, then gently apply it to your face and neck. Let it set for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
- Youthful skin facial mask
The name of this homemade face mask says it all—banana acts as an astringent, helping to tighten facial skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In addition to the yellow fruit (the recipe recommends a medium-sized banana), you’ll also need 1/4 cup of whipping cream. Mash them together, then add the contents of one 500-IU Vitamin E capsule. (You can pierce the capsule with a needle to squeeze out the contents.) Stir the mixture and then spread it onto your face, removing after 10 to 15 minutes. For more simple DIY face masks like these, and homemade remedies of all types, check out the book Homemade: 707 Products to Make Yourself to Save Money and the Earth by the Reader’s Digest editors. And don’t miss these other everyday habits that can make you look younger.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
- Apple cider vinegar facial rinse and mask
Using vinegar as a skin toner dates back to the time of Helen of Troy, and it’s just as effective today. After you wash your face, mix 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with 2 cups water as a finishing rinse to cleanse and tighten your skin. You can also create a homemade face mask by mixing 1/4 cup cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. Gently apply the solution to your face and let it dry. Check out these other ways apple cider vinegar benefits your health. Avoid eye area.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
- Milk facial mask
Here’s another way to give yourself a fancy spa facial at home using DIY face masks. Mix 1/4 cup powdered milk with enough water to form a thick paste. Thoroughly coat your face with the mixture, let dry completely, then rinse with warm water. Your face will feel fresh and rejuvenated.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
- Oatmeal facial mask
If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up that will leave you feeling and looking better, give yourself an oatmeal facial. Combine 1/2 cup hot—not boiling—water and 1/3 cup oatmeal. After the water and oatmeal have settled for two or three minutes, mix in 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, and one small egg white. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water. (Be sure to place a metal or plastic strainer in your sink to avoid clogging the drain with the granules.)
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
- Mayonnaise facial masks
Why spend money on expensive creams when you can treat yourself to a soothing homemade face mask with whole-egg mayonnaise from your own refrigerator? Gently spread the mayonnaise over your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Then wipe it off and rinse with cool water. Your face will feel clean and smooth.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
CLEANSING MASKS
- Yogurt facial mask
You don’t have to go to a spa to give your face a quick assist. To cleanse your skin and tighten the pores, slather some plain yogurt on your face and let it sit for about 20 minutes. For a revitalizing homemade face mask, mix 1 teaspoon plain yogurt with the juice From 1/4 slice of orange, some of the orange pulp, and 1 teaspoon aloe. Leave the mixture on your face for at least five minutes before rinsing it off.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
REFRESHING MASKS
- Egg facial masks
For a little pampering, head to the refrigerator and grab an egg. If you have dry skin that needs moisturizing, separate the egg and beat the yolk. Oily skin takes the egg white, to which a bit of lemon or honey can be added. For normal skin, use the entire egg. Apply the beaten egg, relax and wait 30 minutes, then rinse. You’ll love your new fresh face.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
- Strawberry yogurt facial masks
For this refreshing (and tasty!) treatment, mash a handful of ripe strawberries with 3 tablespoons of ground almonds. Add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt and mix until the mixture has a pasty texture. Apply it to your face and rinse for soft, smooth skin. If you have any left over, make sure to keep it refrigerated.
From: https://www.thehealthy.com/
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Photography by: Ahmed Zayan, Ana Francisconi, Art Rachen, Ben Scott, Kelly Sikkema, Kimia Zarifi, Park Street @ Unsplash