Specifically, these ingredients have all the benefits of store-bought masks without any of the harmful chemicals commonly found in commercial skincare products when combined into a nourishing face mask.
Below, you’ll find several of the best ingredients for a homemade face mask, many of which are probably already waiting in your fridge.
1. Clay Face Masks: Detox
Clay has a number of benefits for the skin, especially when it comes to removing impurities.
Highly Absorptive
Clay is a popular ingredient in many facial masks sold in stores, mainly due to its absorption powers. When mixed with water, it swells into a highly porous substance that has the ability to “pull” impurities like dirt, dead skin, and even toxins like heavy metals from the pores.
Antibacterial and antifungal
Not to mention, clay may also be beneficial for any type of skin condition relating to a fungus, such as eczema. This is because clay carries a negative electric charge when mixed with water, while many fungi and bacteria carry positive charges. As a result, the fungi are susceptible to being absorbed by the clay instead of remaining on the skin.
Nourishing
As a bonus, clays like bentonite (a popular version used for face masks) are also chock-full of a variety of minerals like zinc, manganese, copper, and calcium that nourish and refresh the skin while removing toxins.
Fights Excess Oil
The absorbing properties of clay are also wonderful for acne-prone skin, which can become clogged with excess oil and dirt, forming blackheads. Clay acts to gently pull this debris out of pores, giving the skin a chance to heal.
Increases Circulation
Clay has been used in mud spas to not only aid in the removal of toxins but also stimulate circulation. While this treatment was commonly used to soothe the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, increased circulation to the face can help shuttle additional nutrients to the skin.
Fights Inflammation
Studies have shown that a clay application helps fight inflammation associated with acne. One study in particular found a 54 percent reduction in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions in just six weeks of clay-mask treatment.
Try the mask below 1-2 times per week to loosen up blackheads, clear skin, and remove excess oil.
Bentonite Clay Mud Mask
Ingredients
- 1 t bentonite clay
- 1 tbsp. water (or more until you can form a thick paste)
- 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil
How to Make It
- Before applying any type of mask, make sure your face is clean. I recommend a gentle cleanser of diluted apple cider vinegar in water over the commercial versions that contain chemicals.
- In a small glass bowl, combine your clay with warm water until a thick paste forms. Stir in the lemon essential oil.
- Apply it evenly to your face and neck, and let it sit until the clay begins to harden (about 10–15 minutes).
- Rinse off the clay and follow with a natural moisturizer like coconut, olive oil, or even aloe gel.
Masks with avocado as the main ingredient are a go-to for those looking for an antioxidant-rich and moisturizing skin treatment. Specifically, avocado contains high amounts of vitamin A and E, which have been proven to be excellent for maintaining supple skin. They are also rich in nourishing fatty acids that lock in moisture in the skin, helping to prevent future wrinkles.
Moisturizing Avocado Mask
Ingredients
- 1/2 mashed avocado
- 1/2 t lemon juice
- 1 t. raw honey
How to Make It
- In a small bowl, mash all the ingredients together into a thick paste.
- Apply it to clean skin and allow it to sit for about 20 minutes.
- Wash it off and marvel at your newfound glow.
3. Berry Masks: Brighten
The next time you’re snacking on a bowl of antioxidant-rich strawberries, you might want to save a few to slather on your skin.Many fruits, especially berries, are bursting with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, that deeply nourish the skin.
In addition, fruits like strawberries also contain certain enzymes and acids, like salicylic acid, that buff away impurities and dead skin cells. As for acne, salicylic acid is one of the most-used ingredients in topical acne products, making these masks ideal for taming breakouts.
While the masks below use strawberries and pumpkins as a base, you can also experiment with raspberries, blueberries, and any other berries you have handy.
Strawberry Mask
Ingredients
- 5-6 strawberries
- 2-3 cherries
- 1 T raw honey
How to Make It
- Blend all the ingredients together until a paste forms.
- Apply it to clean, dry skin, let it sit for 20 minutes, then wash it off.
Note: While you can mash the ingredients with a fork in a bowl, I recommend pulsing them in a clean food processor to get the best texture.
4. Honey Masks: Moisturize
Raw honey is one of the best ingredients to use in a face mask in order to lock in moisture. This is because honey is naturally a humectant, which, by definition, draws in water.Honey also has strong antimicrobial properties due to its natural hydrogen peroxide content, which activates when combined with water. This antimicrobial effect is so powerful that honey has even been used as a wound dressing to help clear infections.
This makes it an unbeatable ingredient for acne sufferers with dry skin, as it seeks to cleanse and moisturize the skin simultaneously.
In addition, raw honey also contains an array of beneficial living enzymes, proteins, and amino acids that aid in fighting wrinkles and skin conditions.
Try this honey mask a few times a week, whether you have acne, are looking to brighten your complexion, or are looking to help prevent wrinkles by locking in moisture. It truly is beneficial for all skin types!
Raw Honey Moisturizing Mask
Ingredients
- 1 T raw honey
- 1/2 t turmeric
- A small squeeze of lemon juice
How to Make It
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Apply to a clean face and leave on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly, being sure to get off all traces of turmeric (the yellow color likes to stick sometimes; don’t worry, it won’t stain your skin).
There is nothing like a skincare treatment that not only works but is so natural you can eat it!
