Given the state of unregulated, toxic chemicals in the personal care and cosmetics industries, you might consider a natural facial mask, especially if you can use organic ingredients. Because you actually absorb the components of the mask into your skin and lymphatic tissue, it’s important to use ingredients that not only nourish your skin short- and long-term, but also that don’t cause the long-term health risks of conventional, chemically-laden products. Here are 5 simple, but effective, homemade facial mask recipes you can make and apply, that have stood the anecdotal test of time. You might notice that some of these contain ingredients that the more expensive mainstream products feature, though these recipes won’t have the chemicals that make these products so hazardous to use.
- Banana-Honey-Yogurt: This mask combines the youthening effects of the banana masks, honey masks, and yogurt masks into one. Just mix ¼ cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 banana into a paste and apply to your face and neck. It should set for anywhere from 10 minutes to 25 minutes before you can wash it off with water. The combination of these three ingredients can leave your skin moisturized and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Lemon and Olive Oil: A mask solution consisting of the juice of a lemon and ¼ cup of olive oil works to exfoliate and smoothen skin by combining the stimulatory effects of the lemon with the monounsaturated fat of olive oil.
- Egg: Raw eggs actually have every micro- and macronutrient needed to survive, minus vitamin C and minerals from sea salt. The vitamin and healthy fat content nourishes skin while its liquid nature moisturizes skin naturally. For oily skin, try using only the egg whites, while using the whole egg for normal skin. Beat the egg solution and apply to the skin for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Just make sure to use organic eggs.
- Oatmeal and Onion: Oatmeal and onion masks work by less as moisturizers than as purifying agents. The onion has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and the spice can open up pores, while the oatmeal works to clean pores of impurities.
- Pumpkin Mask: Pumpkins are full of vitamins, and are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, beta carotene, and a host of antioxidants. In conjunction with the other ingredients—eggs, milk, and honey—this mask infuses your skin with vitamins while exfoliating, reducing redness associated with inflammation, discouraging breakouts, and brightening complexion. Just combine ¼ cup of pureed pumpkin, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl and mix until done. Apply to the skin for 20 minutes before rinsing and seeing your skin exude a more radiant glow.
Sources:
http://www.brit.co/diy-face-masks/
http://petitelefant.com/how-to-pumpkin-mask/
http://www.rd.com/slideshows/homemade-facial-masks-recipes#slideshow=slide9
http://beauty.about.com/od/oilyskinmaskrecipe/tp/Face-Mask-Recipes-For-Oily-And-Acne-Prone-Skin.htm
