02 Dec DIY Face Masks for All Skin Types

by Digital Perch, A Digital Health Magazine

Not only can face masks alleviate skin problems, but they can also double as a stress reliever during a long, hard week. While a trip to the spa is a nice treat, too many facial appointments can leave your wallet empty and your skin longing for more. For a quick, healthy, and cost-effective mask, go the DIY route by turning to ingredients you already have in your pantry and refrigerator.

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The Importance of Face Masks

Locking down a daily routine of cleansing, toning, and hydrating is great, but adding a mask once or twice a week can deliver additional ingredients that address issues such as dryness or breakouts almost immediately. While many masks on the market boast stellar reviews for a reason, a lot of them include unnecessary or filler ingredients for marketing purposes.

The benefit of making your own mask is that you can control what goes in the mixing bowl and learn what works best for your skin. Masks are most beneficial when you use active ingredients that target specific skin needs. Ready to mix up your own mask? Check out our list of DIY recipes for different skin types below.

Sensitive/Red Skin

Suffering from a sunburn or red, inflamed skin? Try one of these calming masks.

Honey mask

2 tablespoons honey (antibacterial)

1 teaspoon cinnamon (reduces inflammation and redness)

1 wedge fresh lemon (exfoliates and minimizes the appearance of dark spots)

Combine warm honey with the cinnamon and juice of one lemon wedge in a small bowl. Gently massage into your skin and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing.

Cucumber mask

½ cucumber (cools and reduces redness)

¼ cup milk (relieves sunburn)

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon brown sugar (gently exfoliates)

Puree the cucumber in a food processor, and then combine with the milk, honey, and brown sugar. Massage into your skin and rinse with cold water after a few minutes.

Acne Prone Skin

This mask has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to tackle stubborn bacteria that causes breakouts.

Turmeric blemish fighter

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon turmeric powder (reduces redness)

½ teaspoon dead sea salt (reduces infection)

Mix all the ingredients together and apply to your face, focusing on problem areas, using a clean foundation brush. Rinse off with warm water after 10 to 15 minutes. It’s a good idea to wear an old shirt since turmeric can stain.

Dry Skin

If you’re experiencing dry, flaky skin, try one of these masks to instantly boost hydration.

Cocoa hydration mask

¼ avocado (hydrates)

1 tablespoon cocoa powder (soothes)

1 tablespoon honey

Mash the avocado in a small bowl, and then mix in the cocoa powder and honey. Apply the mixture to clean, dry skin, and rinse off with warm water after 10 minutes.

Squash mask

1 butternut squash (boosts collagen production) don’t you need to say that this is cooked?

1 tablespoon honey

2 drops tea-tree oil (fights blemishes)

Puree the butternut squash before combining with honey and tea-tree oil. Apply once a week to even your complexion and prevent breakouts.

Dull Skin

When your complexion looks a little lackluster, use one of these masks to revitalize skin and reveal a glow.

Tropical banana mask

½ banana (promotes glowing skin)

1 tablespoon orange juice (exfoliates and brightens)

1 tablespoon honey

Mash the banana in a small bowl, then mix in the orange juice and honey. Apply to your skin and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Egg white mask

1 egg white (tightens pores and kills acne-causing bacteria)

1 teaspoon orange juice

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and apply to your skin. Leave on for 15 minutes, let dry, and rinse with cool water.