DIY Face Masks That Are Winter Therapy for Your Skin
Homemade is all the rage—because, let’s face it, no one really wants to put toxic products on their face! Unless you’re careful to check each and every ingredient listed on all of your skin-care products, from face lotions to cleansers and even under-eye creams, you’re probably introducing a whole bunch of chemicals to your skin (which is then absorbed into your body). But the good news is, some of the best, most hydrating skin products are hiding in your fridge and pantry. Here are some quick and easy face mask recipes that will help heal dry, cracked skin brought on by winter weather minus all those chemicals you can’t pronounce.
Avocado + Greek Yogurt + Honey
Ingredients:
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1 teaspoon plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
Why it works: You just can’t go wrong with nature’s perfect beauty food, avocado. Even when enjoyed on a salad or in a delicious bowl of quinoa, it moisturizes your skin from the inside out. Applying it topically, in the form of a mask, only speeds up that process. Plus, it’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, a key anti-inflammatory—and the less inflammation in our body, the better we feel and look on the outside. Honey is also an anti-inflammatory with antibacterial properties, so it’s great for preventing acne. The lactic acid and vitamin C from the Greek yogurt work to lightly exfoliate the skin and leave it feeling smooth.
Egg Whites + Orange Juice + Turmeric
Ingredients:
- 1 organic egg white
- 1 teaspoon fresh-squeezed orange juice
- ½ teaspoon turmeric spice
Why it works: Did you know that egg whites have the ability to minimize and close up large pores? It’s their astringent properties that help do this, tighten and lift the skin and control oil. (Time to seriously stock up on organic eggs!). Oranges are alkaline foods, meaning foods that help promote a healthy pH level in your body. Not only are these foods known to protect against certain types of cancer, but keeping acidity levels in check will keep your face glowing, too. And lastly, the lovely yellow-orange spice turmeric has the gifted ability to tame inflammation, thanks to its active ingredient curcumin and antioxidant properties.
Honey + Lemon + Cinnamon
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- ½ fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon spice
Why it works: If this sounds almost good enough to eat, go ahead and serve it as a topping on your oatmeal or yogurt! As mentioned earlier, honey has incredible anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that keep the skin clean and clear. Lemon, another alkaline food, helps exfoliate the skin and might even diminish the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage. The cinnamon spice not only helps exfoliate by adding a little texture, but it’s also known to reduce inflammation and redness.
Coconut + Brown Sugar
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Why it works: Trust me on this: coconut cures. There’s a growing body of research that proves this edible plant grease can work wonders, not only on your face, but on your arms, hair, legs, you name it. It’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal, an excellent moisturizer, can penetrate hair better than other oils, and it’s incredible, beachy, exotic scent doesn’t hurt! Brown sugar is an excellent exfoliator because it’s much softer than regular sugar, but strong enough to scrub away dead skin cells.
Hello beautiful!
MORE: For a skin-saving meal (that’s also delicious!) check out my almond-encrusted salmon recipe.