During natural disasters, at-home beauty treatments have gone from option to option. The transition was painful for some (reluctant DIYers), but it also popularized the DIY face mask, one of the more enjoyable (and practical) skin care options.
Whether you have access to a spa or salon, a homemade face mask with simple ingredients is a great way to take care of yourself. Not only do you take the time to slather your face in glowing salve, but you also know where each ingredient comes from—from your refrigerator or pantry, chosen by the person who knows your skin best.
FYI, before you DIY:
However, it’s essential to know that just because a mask is simple or labeled “natural” (or the internet tells you to) doesn’t mean it’s directly safe for your skin or that your face will like it.
“You probably shouldn’t take a random pill before you know how it can affect your body, so you should also use a rule of thumb for your skin,” says Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology At school. MD from Yale University, says ISLF. “The wrong things can quickly ruin your at-home beauty routine.”
Dr. Gohara says you should consult a dermatologist if you’re unsure about anything. Still, she recommends avoiding homemade masks: lemon and apple cyder vinegar (their high acidity can lead to exasperation and stinging) and parsley flavoring. Bright yellow colors include turmeric (which can cause discoloration) and cinnamon (a known skin irritant).
Regarding the best ingredients for DIY masks, research on using refrigerators and foods as skin care products is limited. However, the simple skin helpers below are generally well-tolerated, says Ife Rodney, RD. Dermatologist from Eternal. A dermatologist in Columbia, Maryland, tells SELF:
- Oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal (whole oatmeal – you can buy it or grind it into powder) can help reduce dryness and retain moisture. /or irritated skin.2
- Avocado: High in fatty acids that increase skin moisture and vitamin E, an antioxidant that can protect against free radical damage.3
- Honey: Honey is an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces redness and irritation. It has also been shown to help exfoliate and hydrate the skin. , including additional antioxidants.6
- Green tea: contains high amounts of polyphenols, antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.7
- Milk and yogurt: Contain exfoliating lactic acid with moisturizing properties and proteins that soothe inflamed skin.
- Aloe: Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.
However, no matter the ingredients in your homemade face mask, you should always do a cover test first since we all have unique skin that reacts differently to certain ingredients, says Dr. Rodney. Here’s how: Apply a small amount of the mask you choose behind your ear, rinse off after 15 min, and wait 24 hours to see if you experience any soreness or irritation.
Oh, and one last thing: don’t make a big batch of DIY masks and save them for later. “When you make a homemade mask, you need to use it immediately,” the doctor said. Rodney. “Not only does it quickly begin to lose its efficiency when exposed to air and light, but depending on the ingredients, the longer it sits, it can develop bacteria, eventually clog pores and cause acne.
Simple Recipes For Diy Masks That You Can Prepare At Home.
You want to get creative with your kitchen decor. How was it? We’ve smoothed up nine dermatologist-approved DIY mask methods you can try at home—some from prettiness brands and blogs, some directly into doctors’ mouths. And if you’re still in the “why do this when I can buy it” camp, don’t worry.
1. Simple Manuka Mask from Dr. Gohara
Benefits: Reduced redness and irritation, increased moisture, and rashes.
Steps:
- Apply a thin layer of manuka honey (made by bees harvesting the flowers of New Zealand’s manuka bush, which has been shown to have more antibacterial properties than traditional honeys) to hydrate your skin.
- Leave for 15 minutes, then gently rinse off with a damp cleanser.
2. Beauty mask-scrub with brown sugar from Brit.
Benefits: increased hydration peeling.
Steps:
- Mix 2 tbsp. Brown sugar with 2 tbsp. Coconut oil
- Apply gentle circular motions to the face, leave for five minutes, then rinse with warm water.
3. Brightening green tea mask from Dr. Rodney
Benefits: Reduced redness and irritation, increased moisture.
Steps:
- Mix 1 tbsp. Mix green tea, honey, and baking soda, then add enough water to form a paste.
- Apply to face, leave for 15 minutes, then clean with warm water.
4. Blemish-Fighting Milk Mask from Huda Beauty
Benefits: Acne reduction (antibacterial), exfoliation.
Steps:
- Mix 2 tbsp. Raw honey, 2 tbsp. Nutmeg and 2 tsp. Milk to form a thin pulp.
- Apply to face, leave until dry, then rinse with warm water. Use an approved skin moisturizer.
5. Two-Ingredient Oatmeal Mask from Dr. Gohara
Potential benefits: Reduced redness or irritation, increased moisture.
Steps:
- Add 1/4 cup warm water to ½ cup oatmeal.
- Apply to face, leave for 15 minutes, then clean with warm water.
6. Comforting Chocolate Mask from Glamrs
Benefits: increased humidity, flaking, and chocolate smell.
Steps:
- Mix 3 tbsp. Unsweetened cocoa or cocoa powder, 1 tbsp. Cream and 2 tsp. Raw honey, add ¼ cup milk, and mix to pulp.
- Apply to face, let dry, then rinse with warm water.
7. Hydrating Avocado Mask from Dr. Rodney
Benefits: Reduced redness or irritation, increased moisture, and rashes.
Steps:
- Mix ½ ripe avocado (mashed), 1 tsp. Raw honey and 1 tsp. Regular, whole-fat yogurt.
- Apply to face, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
8. Soothing mask with aloe and honey applied to the skin.
Benefits: Reduced redness or irritation, increased moisture.
Steps:
- Add 1 tbsp. Pure aloe vera gel and 1 tbsp. Raw honey for making the paste.
- Distribute it evenly over your face, leave for 20-30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
9. Calming Oatmeal Mask from Dr. Rodney
Benefits: Reduced redness or irritation, increased moisture.
Steps:
- Mix 2 tbsp—colloidal oatmeal with 1 tsp. Baking soda, then add adequate water to form a paste.
- Please apply to the face, leave for 15 minutes, then wash it with warm water.
And for those of us who prefer to buy rather than DIY…
Want to reap the beauty benefits of some of the simple, skin-approved mask ingredients listed above without rummaging through your refrigerator or pantry?
