Recipes for homemade facial masks

Facial masks are used for cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, or soothing your face and neck. Before using a facial mask always cleanse your face and neck thoroughly. Facial masks also work better if you “steam” your face for several minutes before applying the mask. Do this by placing your face about 10 inches above a pot of very hot or recently boiled water (remove from stove before steaming).

Here’s a tip for busy moms. Apply a facial mask after you get out of the shower to save time. Your face and neck are already clean, plus the steam from the hot water softens the skin making it easier for the facial mask to do its job. Always apply moisturizer after using a facial mask.

Whether you have dry, oily, or normal skin, a facial mask is a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to pamper yourself without leaving home. Below are five recipes for facial masks that you can easily make at home. All of the ingredients used in these recipes are sold in supermarkets or in health food stores. Use a stainless steel or glass bowl for mixing ingredients, because aluminum may react chemically with some ingredients.

Recipes

1. Avocado and Yogurt Mask for Dry Skin

One Hass Avocado

1 tablespoon of Whole Milk Plain Yogurt

1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice

In a medium sized bowl, mash one avocado with a fork. Add yogurt and mix thoroughly. Add lemon juice and stir until smooth. Massage into face and wait 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm or cool water. Pat skin dry.

2. Banana and Oatmeal Mask for Normal Skin

One Ripe Banana

2 tablespoons of Rolled Oats (Oatmeal)

1 tablespoon of Olive Oil

Mash the ripe banana in a medium sized bowl. Fold in the oats until they are mixed with the banana. Add olive oil and stir into a smooth paste. Apply to face and neck. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water and pat face dry.

3. Cucumber and Aloe Vera Mask for Oily Skin

One large Cucumber

2 tablespoons of Rolled Oats (Oatmeal)

2 tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel

One Egg White

Peel cucumber and then chop into small chunks. Place the cucumber in a blender and puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and then add the oats. Add aloe vera and mix thoroughly. Using a whisk or a fork, slowly add egg white to the cucumber mixture. Apply to face and neck and let dry, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat face dry.

4. Lavender Sugar Mask for Exfoliating

2 tablespoons of Honey

1 teaspoons of Sugar

1 tablespoon of Jojoba Oil

2 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

Mix honey and sugar in a bowl. Slowly add the jojoba oil, stirring constantly. When mixture is smooth, add lavender essential oil. Rub gently on face using a circular motion. Leave on for 5 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. Gently pat face dry.

5. Rosewater and Honey Mask for Soothing

2 tablespoons of Rosewater

4 tablespoons of Honey

1 tablespoon of Jojoba Oil

2 drops of Rose Essential Oil

Place honey in a bowl, and then slowly add rosewater and jojoba oil while stirring constantly. When mixture is smooth, add rose essential oil. Apply mixture to face and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry face.