by Jenn |
Last Updated: May 18, 2021 When you buy something using the links on our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
At CompleteHomeSpa.com we know there’s a lot of stress and anxiety floating around these days. It’s a lot more than what we normally deal with on a regular day at the office or at home. It’s a time for self-care with simple and affordable things like a DIY spa day. A tranquil and soothing evening awaits when you sit down on your favorite recliner and slather on a homemade face mask.
Not just great for better looking skin, these DIY face masks are great for quieting a stressed mind. Masks at the store can be expensive, and you never know quite what filler ingredients are in them. Save money and avoid chemicals when you make your own masks.
We’ve got six homemade face mask recipes so you can let your hair down and put your feet up.
Coconut Craze Face Mask
Coconut oil is an incredible plant product. It is non-comedogenic and anti-bacterial, meaning it does not clog your pores, AND it helps to prevent infection. If your skin needs a little extra moisture, it’s a great choice as the oil is thick and sinks in the skin quickly. (1)
Brown sugar helps to slough off dead skin cells and makes you glow, while cinnamon has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. You don’t need a lot — it is spicy, after all. (2)
Ingredients
- Coconut oil: 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Cinnamon: One stick or ½ teaspoon of powder
How to Make
Using a coffee or spice grinder, pulverize a quarter of a fresh cinnamon stick (if you don’t have a stick, use cinnamon powder). Add this to your coconut oil and brown sugar in a small bowl.
Place the bowl in the microwave for 10 seconds. Stir and microwave again, in 5-second increments, until the oil is liquid and the ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
How to Use
Since sugar is very rough, use this mask with care. Use your fingertips to gently rub the mixture onto your nose, temples, and forehead. This mask is also great for those small sebaceous bumps (aka whiteheads) between your lower lip and chin.
Leave on for 5–10 minutes. For extra relaxation, wrap a warm towel on your face and lay back in the bathtub.
Chamomile Face Mask for Tranquili-tea
Most masks are made for the top of your skin. Only certain ingredients really penetrate the outer layers to bring brightness and health from inside.
The chamomile plant has long been used in traditional medicines and has been proven to treat many internal ailments. But one of its skin healing properties is its ability to penetrate those outer layers to moisturize and act as an anti-inflammatory. (3)
This mask is great for acne, as honey is full of antibacterial goodness.
Pro-tip: If you are suffering from cystic breakouts, you can also try these Korean face masks for acne.
Ingredients
- Chamomile tea bag
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Distilled or bottled water
How to Make
First, make yourself a nice mug of tea. I like to use bottled water since tap H2O can have chlorine and fluoride (which isn’t great for your skin). Use water just before boiling, so you don’t burn the tea.
Let the tea steep for a few minutes and remove the bag. Careful — it’ll be hot! Use scissors to open the bag and dump the wet leaves into a bowl with your honey. Mix well.
How to Use
Spread a thin, even layer on your skin and let it sit for 15–30 minutes while you drink your tea. Rinse off and follow with your favorite moisturizer. This mask is great for those with acne, sunburn, or rosacea.
Udder-ly Cultured Yogurt Face Mask
Yogurt, homemade or store-bought, is amazing for your body — and your skin! Studies have shown that yogurt increases elasticity in your skin, which can help prevent fine lines and sagging. (4)
It contains a wealth of bacteria (the good kind, I promise), and since it’s made of milk, yogurt contains lots of healthy fats. Moisturizing and toning, you’ll feel a glow after whipping up this easy-to-make mask.
Ingredients
- Yogurt: ½ cup
- Oatmeal: ¼ cup, ground fine.
- Lemon juice: ½ tablespoon
How to Make
I like to use full fat or Greek yogurt for my mask, but any non-flavored variety should do. Toss it in the freezer for about 20 minutes, until it’s cold and just starting to freeze.
Use a blender or spice grinder to grind the oatmeal into a fine powder and mix with your cold yogurt. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to help brighten your skin.
How to Use
Gently massage the mask into your skin. The cool yogurt and oatmeal will help to tame any redness, while the gentle exfoliation helps smooth your skin. Any extra can be smoothed onto your neck and decolletage.
A word of caution: using yogurt can result in bleaching of the skin. Take care not to overdo it. Occasional use can help with dark spots and freckles, but overuse can damage your skin. Also, since this mask has lemon juice, don’t use it near your eyes and lips. (5)
Stop and Smell the Roses Face Mask
There’s nothing like fresh flowers to brighten up your home. Before they wear out their welcome, steal a few petals to create a homemade face mask for yourself.
Roses contain lots of phenolics, like antioxidants and antimutagens, that can prevent skin aging. They also fight free radicals and have anti-inflammatory properties. (6)
Gelatin is made from collagen, which is what prevents wrinkles. However, since collagen is an animal byproduct, this mask is not vegan friendly. (7)
Ingredients
- Fresh rose petals: Handful
- Rose water: 4 tablespoons (plain water is fine if you can’t find it)
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tablespoons
How to Make
Begin by crushing a handful of rose petals in a mortar and pestle, or with the bottom of a heavy drinking glass on a cutting board. Warm your rose water (usually found in the baking aisle) in a bowl for about 20–30 seconds in the microwave. Add the crushed rose petals and allow them to leech out their goodness.
Once the rose water has cooled, strain, so you are left with just liquid. Warm it again for about 20–30 seconds, and add to the gelatin. Most gelatin uses a 2:1 ratio, but consult your package for the best results.
How to Use
Using a brush, apply a thin layer to dry skin. If you have leftover petals, press them into the mask, especially around the cheeks and forehead. Perfect Instagram moment — #beautiful.
When the mask is dry, peel from the bottom up. Rosewater is an excellent toner, so it can help shrink pores and prevent excess oil.
Egg-cellently Enhancing Face Mask
Ah, the “Incredible, Edible Egg.” It’s great for breakfast, but how about your skin?
Egg membranes can help reduce wrinkles and promote elasticity of your skin. The whites are also used to treat burns, helping to grow new tissue and collagen. This mask could be great if you have a bit of sunburn or fine lines. (8)(9)
Ingredients
- 3 fresh eggs
- Tweezers
How to Make
Crack your eggs, separating the yolks and whites, and saving the eggshells. You can use the yolks later for yummy brownies or other cooking adventures.
Whip your egg whites, either in a stand mixer or with a whisk, until they form soft peaks. Make sure to use a glass or ceramic bowl, as plastic can cause the eggs to fall flat.
How to Use
Using the tweezers, peel the membrane out of the inside of the eggshells. The fresher the egg, the easier it will be to peel. Use these membranes under your eyes, where bags form.
Apply the whipped egg white onto your face, focusing on areas that need tightening. After 15–30 minutes, the whites will harden slightly. You can rinse it off, followed by your favorite gentle face wash.
Remember, eggs are like raw meat. If used improperly, they can spread bacteria. Make sure to clean your area after use and wash your face well afterward.
Luxuriant Lavender Face Mask
Lavender has long been used to relax through aromatherapy. In this recipe, you can use lavender oil, or if you’re lucky, use the flowers themselves. What’s important is the calming smell. (10)
Ingredients
- Lavender oil: 1–3 teaspoons
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 4 tablespoons
- Almonds: 5–10 nuts, ground fine
How to Make
If you’re using lavender oil, simply combine all ingredients and mix well. Toss in the microwave for 10–20 seconds to warm the oil and honey.
If you have dried lavender flowers, pulverize them in your trusty blender or coffee grinder and place them in the olive oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, for a total of 2 minutes. Combine with the honey and almonds.
How to Use:
I like to use this DIY mask in the bath, and I might even use a few more drops of the lavender oil into the water.
Rub the mixture between your palms and apply to the face and neck using an upward motion (never down). The almonds and dried flowers are a gentle exfoliant, so don’t rub too hard! Rinse off after 10–20 minutes.
Precautions
Please read the ingredient lists carefully and avoid using any ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction. If you are unsure of your sensitivity, make a small amount of the mask and place it on the inside of your forearm. Let dry and clean. Wait 24 hours and see if your skin has developed redness or itching.
Conclusion
It’s important to take the time to relax. Days can be stressful, but using a homemade face mask with ingredients you have on hand in your kitchen can help you keep you calm, anytime.
Honey, yogurt, and oils are moisturizing and soothing for tired skin. Aromatic ingredients like lavender and roses can entice your brain to slow down and be at peace.
Natural ingredients that you can find in your kitchen spa will save you time and money, and you can feel good knowing exactly what has gone into your DIY face mask. You deserve a bit of time to yourself. Enjoy your spa day!
References
- Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(1), 70.
- Kawatra, P., & Rajagopalan, R. (2015). Cinnamon: Mystic powers of a minute ingredient. Pharmacognosy research, 7(Suppl 1), S1.
- Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: a herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular medicine reports, 3(6), 895-901.
- Yeom, G., Yun, D. M., Kang, Y. W., Kwon, J. S., Kang, I. O., & Kim, S. Y. (2011). Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf.(F-YOP). Journal of cosmetic science, 62(5), 505-514.
- Smit, N., Vicanova, J., & Pavel, S. (2009). The hunt for natural skin whitening agents. International journal of molecular sciences, 10(12), 5326-5349.
- Boskabady, M. H., Shafei, M. N., Saberi, Z., & Amini, S. (2011). Pharmacological effects of Rosa damascena. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences, 14(4), 295.
- Liu, D., Nikoo, M., Boran, G., Zhou, P., & Regenstein, J. M. (2015). Collagen and gelatin. Annual review of food science and technology, 6, 527-557.
- Jensen, G. S., Shah, B., Holtz, R., Patel, A., & Lo, D. C. (2016). Reduction of facial wrinkles by hydrolyzed water-soluble egg membrane associated with reduction of free radical stress and support of matrix production by dermal fibroblasts. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 9, 357.
- Jahani, S., Ashrafizadeh, H., Babai, K., Siahpoosh, A., & Cheraghian, B. (2019). Effect of ointment-based egg white on healing of second-degree wound in burn patients: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial study. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 9(3), 260.
- Koulivand, P. H., Khaleghi Ghadiri, M., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.
Author: Jenn Miller
Don’t be fooled by her innocent baby face. Jenn’s a demanding shopper who WILL push each and every beauty product to its limit.