Home beauty treatments became a necessity during the pandemic. The good news is that DIY face masks have gained popularity as one of the most satisfying and practical skincare options. Whether you have access to a spa or salon or not, making a homemade face mask using simple ingredients puts the self in self-care. Plus, you get to choose each ingredient carefully, knowing exactly what you are putting on your face. It’s time to indulge yourself and make your skin glow!
FYI before you DIY:
Before diving into DIY mask recipes, it’s essential to understand that not every mask is safe for your skin, even if it seems simple or has a “natural” label. Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, recommends being cautious with DIY masks. She suggests avoiding certain ingredients such as lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, which can cause irritation and burning due to their high acidity. Additionally, spices with heavy yellow coloring like turmeric and cinnamon, a well-known skin irritant, should be avoided. When in doubt, consulting a dermatologist is always a good idea.
The Best DIY-Mask Ingredients:
While there is limited research on using household staples as skincare, some ingredients have shown promising results. Ife Rodney, M.D., lead dermatologist at Eternal Dermatology, recommends the following ingredients for DIY face masks:
Oatmeal:
Colloidal oatmeal, which is ground-up oats, can improve dryness and lock in moisture. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe itchy and irritated skin.
Avocado:
Avocado is rich in fats that increase skin moisture. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects against free-radical damage.
Honey:
Honey is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredient. It reduces redness and irritation while promoting exfoliation and moisturization. Raw honey is preferred for its additional antioxidants.
Green tea:
Green tea is packed with polyphenols, which are antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects.
Milk and yogurt:
Milk and yogurt contain lactic acid, known for its exfoliating and moisturizing properties. They also have proteins that can calm inflamed skin.
Now that you know the best ingredients for DIY face masks, it’s time to get creative and make your skin glow. Remember to choose ingredients that suit your skin type and preferences. Enjoy the process and take time for yourself, because you deserve it!
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