Homemade Face Mask Recipes That Work

Using a face mask is a great technique to correct many mild skin problems. Most of us experience times when our skin misbehaves just before a special event or a social gathering. A homemade face mask can offer a healthy, natural and effective alternative to a commercially made product or a salon facial. The majority of face masks available from high street retailers contain many synthetic ingredients from pore blocking mineral oils to dangerous paraben preservatives. These chemical filled products can actually encourage the very problems they are supposed to solve due to their unhealthy ingredients, especially if used regularly over a long period of time.

The skin is a living organ and capable of absorbing a percentage of whatever we apply to it, and it does not differentiate between toxic and beneficial ingredients. To keep it looking and feeling healthy it needs to be nourished and fed with the same quality of natural and fresh ingredients topically just as a healthy body needs nourishing internally. This makes using 100% natural skincare products including face masks even more important.

Here are some tried and tested face mask recipes that are simple and easy to make.

Avocado Face Mask Recipe for Dry Skin

Nourishing and hydrating

• Flesh of half ripe avocado (mashed)
• One tablespoon of heavy cream

Mix both ingredients and apply to cleansed face and neck for 15 minutes avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly and moisturize.

Honey Face Mask Recipe for All Skin Types

Soothing and rejuvenating

• One tsp of honey
• one tsp aloe vera gel

Mix both ingredients and apply to cleansed face and neck for 15 minutes avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly and moisturize.

Indian Gooseberry Face Mask Recipe for Sallow Skin

Brightening and clarifying

• One tsp of Bentonite Clay
• Half tsp of Indian Gooseberry powder
• Half tsp of Almond oil
• A little water/rosewater

Mix the first three ingredients with enough water/rosewater to make a smooth paste. Apply to cleansed face and neck avoiding the eye area for up to 10 minutes depending on sensitivity. Rinse thoroughly and moisturize.

Neem Face Mask Recipe for Acne Prone Skin

Deep cleansing and detoxifying

• One tsp of fullers earth
• Half tsp of Neem powder
• Pinch of Turmeric powder
• Rosewater for mixing

Mix the dry ingredients with enough rosewater to form a smooth paste. Apply to cleansed face and neck avoiding the eye area for up to 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and moisturize.

Tips to Get The Best Results from Homemade Face Masks

• Always apply face mask to cleansed and preferably exfoliated skin.
• Make a fresh mask prior to use and discard any unused face mask
• Rinse thoroughly making sure ALL mask is removed.
• If irritation occurs remove mask immediately.
• Always moisturize after a mask treatment.
• Avoid wearing makeup or carrying out any facial treatments immediately after using a face mask especially after using a clay based mask.
• If your skin is inflamed/hypersensitive consult your health practitioner/dermatologist before using a homemade face mask.

Disclaimer: If you have any medical problems/skin conditions/sensitivities please consult your health practitioner before carrying out any home facial treatments.

The Author:

Marisa is a therapist and founder of Alive Earth Skincare.