DIY Face Masks for Any Skin Type

So you want to give your skin a little boost, but the skincare aisle at the local drugstore is lined with pricey products filled with ingredients written in scientific jargon. Even products that slap on the word “natural” to their packaging can be filled with chemicals that are more harmful than helpful for your skin.

Instead of scanning the store wall, raid your kitchen cabinets for foods that are as beneficial to your skin as they are delicious. Certain foods, when whipped into a mask, contain ingredients that will remedy your skin, no matter its type.

Oily skin

Excess oil is a pain, no doubt. Overactive glands produce excess oil that make the skin appear greasy and can result in acne. The key to working with oily skin is to limit the use of store-bought products and masking it with natural, oil-reducing agents.

Lemon juice: Tames oil, brightens skin and fights off bacteria that may cause acne.

Strawberries: A natural astringent. Strawberries are a source of salicylic acid, an ingredient found in most over-the-counter acne medications.

Eggs: Not only clear oil, but also shrink pores.

Honey: Contains clarifying power to help clear up acne and heal scarring.

Yogurt: An anti-inflammatory agent that works to reduce acne. For those with sensitive skin, swap for sour cream. It is gentle, but still contains lactic acid that leaves oily skin hydrated.

Cinnamon: Works well for oily complexions. It improves circulation and leaves the skin looking plump.

Depending on what you have in the pantry, any of the listed ingredients can be combined to create the perfect face mask for oily, acne prone skin. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Pore Minimizer

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon honey

Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes (or the entirety of a dance-off to Beyonce’s “Run the World”). Apply to entire face and let it sit for 20 minutes (Beyonce x4, no problem!). Rinse off with warm water and unveil visibly smaller pores.

2.  Acne Mask

• 6 fresh strawberries
• Honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend the mixture until the consistency is a thick paste. Apply the mask in small circular motions to gently exfoliate the skin. Rinse off after 10 minutes with warm water.

Dry Skin

As winter approaches we are more vulnerable to flaky, chapped areas on our face. There are plenty of natural remedies to combat this unwanted dryness.

Avocados: The perfect addition to any facemask for dry skin, as they have a high concentration of oils. Not only with this super food offer moisture to the skin, but also fights aging and helps to unclog pores.

Bananas: Contain many essential vitamins and provide a soothing sensation, along with incredible moisture.

Oats: A miracle worker on dry skin. Oats reduce irritation and can help cope with extreme dryness and eczema.

Cucumbers: This veggie is a spa stereotype for a reason. Their hydrating power helps to sooth the skin and clear puffiness, commonly seen around the eyes.

Brown sugar: Acts as a gentle exfoliate, removing dry/dead skin.

Below are a few combos perfect for those with dry skin:

1. Ultimate Moisture Mask

• ½ an avocado
• ½ a banana
• 1 teaspoon honey

Add all ingredients together in a blender to achieve a smooth, paste-like texture. Leave on the skin for 10 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.

Bonus: Double your recipe and there will be enough to double as a face mask and a hair treatment!

2. Gentle, Exfoliating Oatmeal Mask

• ½ cup oats (cooked)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Water (optional)

After cooking the oats as instructed, combine all ingredients in a bowl. If the mixture is too thick you can add water to create the desired consistency. Leave on the skin for 10 minutes and rinse off.

Get creative! Regardless of your skin type, these items can be mixed perfectly for you. Give yourself a spa treatment from the comfort of your kitchen.