Head to your fridge, grocery store, garden or local farmer’s market and you will find plenty of inspiration for whipping up skincare recipes at home. I remember getting an expensive oatmeal and honey body scrub at a high end spa years ago and feeling pampered. My skin felt amazing — and I quickly realized I could make a similar scrub at home.
The same is true for facial masks you would have applied as part of a spa facial. When I was working as an aesthetician, I would use many naturally based ingredients on clients. You do not have to spend hundreds of dollars at the spa, though, to help nourish the skin. The beauty of DIY skincare is that there really is no right or wrong — experiment until you find what you like the best. Some ideas will help you get started though, so I am sharing some of my tried and true recipes.
Chocolate milk face mask for brightening and antioxidant protection
Pure, unsweetened cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and provides your skin with protective benefits. Milk contains natural lactic acid to help soften and exfoliate the skin, encouraging it to shed dead skin cells. When you mix the two together, you are left with brighter skin and may notice a softening of fine lines. To make this mask, combine the two ingredients to form a paste and then apply to damp skin. Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Oatmeal and honey for wrinkle fighting and exfoliation
Honey is one of nature’s greatest skincare gifts. Not only is it moisturizing, but it also contains antioxidants and offers antibacterial properties. Oatmeal acts as a gentle exfoliant, revealing smoother and more youthful skin. It also contains selenium, zinc, and copper to fight wrinkles. Combine equal parts honey and oatmeal and stir gently. Apply this mask to damp skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Jojoba and blueberries provide anti-aging benefits for more oily skin types
Blueberries are naturally rich in Vitamin C and contain something called anthocyanins, which boost collagen levels in the skin. Jojoba oil mimics skin’s own sebum and will not clog the pores, yet is highly nourishing. It it rich is essential fatty acids, making it a superior anti-aging oil. Combine ¼ cup of blueberries and 1.5 tablespoons of jojoba oil. Puree in the blender. Apply to skin with a facial brush and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Papaya and yogurt will help act as a tonic
Papaya is rich in an enzyme called Papain, which helps to slough away dead skin cells to reveal glowing skin. Greek yogurt is protein rich and full of lactic acid. Plain Greek yogurt, when applied topically, can tighten the pores. Simply mix equal parts of the two ingredients and apply a thick layer to the skin. Lie down and relax. Rinse off after 15-25 minutes. For extra brightening, you can squeeze in a bit of lemon juice or pineapple juice.
Strawberry and egg whites to help fight acne
This is a wonderful anti-aging mask for those who may also be suffering from acne. Strawberries contain salicylins, which are related to BHA (beta hydroxy acid). These gentle fruit acids are oil soluble, meaning they can reach into the pores and draw out bacteria. Not only will the mask help treat blackheads, but it can help rejuvenate wrinkled skin. Simply mash some berries and whisk with an egg white to make a tightening face mask. Leave on the skin for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Green tea and avocado to increase hydration and minimize inflammation
This mask is a lovely mixture of avocado and green tea. Avocado is a potent anti-aging ingredient in skincare, as it can increase skin elasticity and decrease inflammation. Antioxidant green tea is soothing, protective, and boosts skin radiance. To make this mask, mash ½ of an avocado with 1 tablespoon of chilled green tea. Massage gently into the skin and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.