8 DIY Facial Masks for All Skin Types

It’s always nice to feel a little pampered, but the spa can be expensive and store-bought cosmetics have too many ingredients we need to be keeping away from our bodies.

Instead of using harmful cosmetics full of chemicals, try some of these Do-It-Yourself face masks for refreshed and clean skin you can feel good about!

Why Use a Face Mask?

It doesn’t matter what type of skin you have, you can benefit from using a face mask. There are plenty of options out there for homemade cleansers and masks, so finding the right one can be easy. Simply determine your skin type as dry, oily, combination, aging, or acne prone, and choose the ingredients that fit you.

You may want to see an esthetician to help create a skin care routine specifically for you and your skin type if you’re having trouble assessing yourself.

The Benefits of a Face Mask

“There are many benefits,” says Lana Storchak from the Ritz-Carlton Toronto spa. “Masks can be used to moisturize, detoxify, increase circulation and replenish nutrients. Above all, they add an extra dimension to your skincare routine. Plus, they’re truly pampering!”

Whatever you’re searching for to improve your facial skin, a face mask can help. It can help clear acne, give a face lift, reduce signs of aging, and keep your skin bright and even.

It really helps that these homemade recipes can be made safely and with organic ingredients. This will help stop your skin from becoming reliant on certain chemicals found in store-bought cleansers and masks that actually make your skin worse the minute you stop using them.

Homemade Natural Facial Recipes

Lifting Lemon Mask

Great for oily or acne prone skin, this mask will help create a firming effect for a great DIY face lift! It can also help fade acne scars and age-spots.

Mix 2 tbsp plain yogurt with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice.

Apply to a clean face and neck. Leave to dry for 20-30 minutes. Hint: Leave it longer for more face-lifting effects!

Rinse with lukewarm water and follow it with a cool rinse to close the pores.

You can do this 2-3 times a week, or whenever you feel in need of a little lift.

Tea Tone

Toning can help reduce puffiness and energize your skin. This tea tone can be done in two ways.

The first way is to simply make some green tea! Steep the green tea for 5 minutes before removing the teabag. Squeeze out excess water and apply to eyes for 15 minutes for a quick rejuvenation.

For an all-around face toner, use this recipe:

Steep 1 mint teabag and 1 chamomile teabag for 10 minutes. Cool tea and add to spray bottle.

Spray face after cleansing for a refreshing feel. This recipe will keep for 2-3 weeks.

Moisturizing Oatmeal Mask

Soothe dry skin with this oatmeal and fennel face mask.

Make a tea with 1 tbsp fennel seeds and ½ cup boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain.

Allow to cool. While cooling, grind 1 tbsp oatmeal in a blender.

Combine room temperature tea with ground oatmeal. Mix in 1 tbsp raw organic honey.

Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a cool rinse.

Do this twice weekly.

Apple-Brightening-Cider Mask (ABC Mask)

This mask can exfoliate and brighten skin to refine pores and heal acne heals.

Mix together 2 tbsp yogurt, 2 tbsp raw organic honey, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.

Apply to face and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Wash with warm water.

Strawberry Scrub

Exfoliate with strawberries for clean, healthy looking skin.

Mash 2 large strawberries (organic preferred) and mix with 2 tbsp of finely ground oats.

Apply to face for 15-20 minutes. Wipe with a warm cloth and rinse with cool water.

Make some extra and it can last in the fridge for 2 weeks.

Essential (oils) Face Cleanse

Don’t be afraid to use oils on your skin! Essential oils can work wonders for your pores and leave your skin clean and blemish-free.

Mix together 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 2 tsbp olive oil, and ½ tsp lemon oil (not lemon juice!).

The cleanser will be runny but shouldn’t be easily poured. Massage over skin and immediately wipe clean with a warm cloth.

Swap out the store-bought cleanser for this natural, daily face cleanse!

Sweet Oatmeal Scrub

This scrub has the best of both worlds with honey and oatmeal to exfoliate and moisturize at the same time.

Cook a packet of oatmeal with less water than called for, to create a thick paste.

Add 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp olive oil. Apply to face, using circular motions over the skin. Rinse with warm water.

Do this twice weekly.

Sources:

www.womansday.com/style/beauty/advice/a5005/8-do-it-yourself-home-facials-106030
http://www.ellecanada.com/beauty/face/skin-care-101-the-benefits-of-face-masks/a/77741#.VVX7nJNViko
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/publications/downloads/2010/two-ingredient_cosmetics.pdf