DIY: Face Masks For Any Skin Type

We all love a good DIY project, but why limit that to household projects or home improvement? I love all these DIY face masks simply because I can use ingredients that I already have in my home! Taking care of my skin has always been a top priority of mine. My grandmother always told me that someone will be able to tell your age based off of the condition and appearance of your skin (especially your neck and hands). I’ve been told this since I was a little girl, so skincare has always been important to me. It’s always nice to treat yourself to a fancy spa facial, but when you don’t have the time or money these quick and easy DIY masks are perfect for those Bachelorette Monday nights or Netflix marathons!

The Perfect Banana Face Mask– Bananas are not only a nice snack, but they have many powerful nutrients that benefit your skin. They contain amino acids, that nourish and strengthen connective tissues, to help to maintain the skin’s elasticity and strength. Potassium hydrates and moisturizes dry and blotchy skin. Vitamin A helps to smooth out aging skin and fades acne scars/dark spots, and lectin destroys bacteria that causes acne. Overall, the best part of this mask is that it truly helps to fight wrinkles!

What you will need– ½ Banana, 2 Tablespoons of Honey, and 1 Tablespoon of Water.

1. Mash the banana until are the clumps are gone.
2. Add in the honey and water together. Mix well.
3. Coat the face mask all over face and neck.
4. Leave on for 20-25 mins.
5. Remove mask for a warm wash cloth.
6. Finish with your favorite moisturizer!

Yummy Chocolate Mask– Often times, as soon as we hear the word “chocolate” we think, “ I can’t, I’m on a diet!”- Little did I know, cocoa has many health benefits that are perfect for our skin! Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants (even richer than wine and green tea). These antioxidants help to repair sun damaged skin by neutralizing free radicals.

What is a free radical you might ask? Free radicals are tiny chemical particles that are usually the result of an inflammatory chemical process. A free radical  may be formed through natural human physiological processes, as well as from the environment. Simply put, they are healthy cells turned bad as a result of some sort of trauma; the more free radicals we have, the faster our skin ages and the faster we look older. They may be the result of diet, stress, smoking, alcohol, exercise, inflammation, drugs or exposure to sunlight and air pollutants. When combined with the natural aging process, we experience dead, lifeless skin, uneven skin tones, blemishes, pigmentation and wrinkles. This is the perfect anti aging mask (that you can also nibble on if you like).

What you will need– ½ Cup Cocoa Powder, 3 Tablespoons Oatmeal, ¼ Cup Honey, and 4 Tablespoons of Cream.

1. In a bowl combine all ingredients.
2. Apply a thin layer of the mask to moist, clean skin.
3. Leave on for 10-15 mins.
4. Gently rinse off with a warm wash cloth.
5. Finish with your favorite moisturizer
6. Repeat weekly for best results!

Honey Mask for Calming– Honey is often used as a natural sweetener, but what most do not know is that honey has a ton of skin benefits too. Honey is a natural antibacterial agent. It works wonders for acne treatment and prevention. Honey is so moisturizing naturally, that it helps to create a “glow” on the skin. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm red or irritated skin. The slight acidity of honey promotes tissue healing and regeneration by balancing the PH of the skin.

What you will need– 2 Tablespoon of Raw Honey, 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon, and 1 Slice of Fresh Lemon.

1. Warm the honey in the microwave for 5 seconds.
2. Combine honey, cinnamon, and lemon in a small bowl.
3. Gently massage the mixture onto face/neck.
4. Leave on for 15-20 mins.
5. Rinse with a warm wash cloth.
6. Finish with your favorite moisturizer.

Quick Tip– Having a bad break out? Use raw honey to zap red, swollen pimples. Apply a drop of honey to pimple, leave on for 20 mins and rinse. The honey will calm the skin and help to bring down inflammation.

Written by Allie Shigeno