The Ultimate Guide to DIY Face Masks: Get Glowing Skin Without Breaking the Bank
The pandemic has brought about a significant shift in our beauty routines, with many of us turning to DIY home treatments as a convenient and cost-effective alternative to salon visits. One of the most popular DIY beauty treatments is the face mask, and for good reason. Not only can a homemade face mask be tailored to your specific skin type and concerns, but it’s also a great way to pamper yourself and relax.
The Benefits of DIY Face Masks
Using a DIY face mask can be a great way to take care of your skin, and there are many benefits to using simple, natural ingredients found in your fridge or pantry. According to Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, “Making your own face mask using simple ingredients puts the self in self-care.” By taking the time to anoint your face with nourishing ingredients, you’re not only treating your skin to a dose of TLC, but you’re also getting to know your skin better.
Before You Start: Safety First
Before you begin concocting your own DIY face mask, it’s essential to keep in mind that not all ingredients are created equal. Dr. Gohara warns that “just because a mask is simple or has a natural label doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe for your skin.” To avoid any adverse reactions, it’s crucial to do your research and patch test any new ingredients before applying them to your face.
Some ingredients to avoid include:
- Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, which can be too acidic and cause irritation and burning
- Spices with heavy yellow coloring, such as turmeric, which can cause discoloration
- Cinnamon, a known skin irritant
The Best DIY Mask Ingredients
While there’s limited research on using fridge and pantry staples as skincare, some ingredients have been shown to be effective and gentle on the skin. According to Ife Rodney, M.D., lead dermatologist at Eternal Dermatology in Columbia, Maryland, the following ingredients are generally well-tolerated:
- Oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal can help improve dryness, lock in moisture, and soothe itchy and irritated skin
- Avocado: Rich in fats and vitamin E, avocado can increase skin moisture and protect against free-radical damage
- Honey: A natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredient, honey can reduce redness and irritation, and help with exfoliation
- Green tea: Packed with antioxidants, green tea can have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect on the skin
- Milk and yogurt: Containing lactic acid, milk and yogurt can help exfoliate and moisturize the skin
- Aloe: Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties, aloe can be a great addition to your DIY face mask
How to Make a DIY Face Mask
Before you start mixing and matching ingredients, it’s essential to follow a few simple guidelines. Dr. Rodney recommends doing a patch test behind your ear before applying any new face mask to your face. Apply a small amount of the mask, rinse off after 15 minutes, and wait 24 hours to see if you experience any redness or irritation.
Additionally, it’s best to use your DIY face mask immediately, as it can lose its effectiveness when exposed to air and light, and may even develop bacteria, which can clog pores and cause acne.
9 Easy DIY Face Mask Recipes You Can Try at Home
Inspired to get creative in the cosmetic kitchen? Here are 9 dermatologist-approved DIY face mask recipes you can try at home:
- Super Simple Manuka Mask: Apply a thin layer of Manuka honey to damp skin, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse off gently with a moisturizing cleanser
- Beautifying Brown Sugar Scrub Mask: Mix 2 Tbsp. brown sugar with 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, apply to face in gentle circular motions, let sink in for 5 minutes, and wash off with warm water
- Glowy Green Tea Mask: Mix 1 Tbsp. matcha green tea, 1 Tbsp. raw honey, and 1 Tbsp. baking soda, add just enough water to make a paste, apply to face, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water
- Blemish-Fighting Milk Mask: Combine 2 Tbsp. raw honey, 2 Tbsp. nutmeg, and 2 tsp. milk to form a thin paste, apply to face, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water
- Two-Ingredient Oatmeal Mask: Combine 1/4 cup warm water with 1/2 cup colloidal oatmeal, apply to face, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water
- Comforting Chocolate Mask: Combine 3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder, 1 Tbsp. cream, and 2 tsp. raw honey, add 1/2 cup milk and stir to form a paste, apply to face, leave on for 10-15 minutes or until dry, and rinse off with warm water
- Hydrating Avocado Mask: Mix a ripe avocado (mashed), 1 tsp. raw honey, and 1 tsp. plain full-fat yogurt, apply to face, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water
- Soothing Aloe Honey Mask: Combine 1 Tbsp. pure aloe vera gel and 1 Tbsp. raw honey to form a paste, spread evenly over face, leave on for 20-30 minutes, and rinse off with warm water
- Calming Oatmeal Mask: Mix 2 Tbsp. colloidal oatmeal with 1 tsp. baking soda, add just enough water to make a paste, apply to face, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water
Ready-Made Face Masks: A Great Alternative to DIY
If you’re not in the mood to DIY or prefer the convenience of a store-bought face mask, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here are some dermatologist-approved face masks that you can buy:
- Fresh Crème Ancienne Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask ($17.8)
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oatmeal Mask ($24)
- Burts Bees Restoring Antioxidant Mask ($15)
- Aveeno Oat Face Mask with Pumpkin Seed Extract ($7)
- Kiehls Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask ($15)
By following these simple DIY face mask recipes and using the right ingredients, you can achieve glowing, healthy-looking skin without breaking the bank. Happy masking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a DIY face mask?
Using a DIY face mask can be a great way to take care of your skin, and there are many benefits to using simple, natural ingredients found in your fridge or pantry.
What ingredients should I avoid when making a DIY face mask?
Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, spices with heavy yellow coloring, and cinnamon are some ingredients to avoid as they can cause irritation, burning, or discoloration.
What are some effective and gentle ingredients for a DIY face mask?
Oatmeal, avocado, honey, green tea, milk, yogurt, and aloe are some ingredients that are generally well-tolerated and can be used to make a DIY face mask.
How do I patch test a DIY face mask?
Apply a small amount of the mask behind your ear, rinse off after 15 minutes, and wait 24 hours to see if you experience any redness or irritation.
How long do I leave a DIY face mask on?
The time may vary depending on the recipe, but most DIY face masks should be left on for 10-30 minutes.
Can I store a DIY face mask for later use?
No, it’s best to use a DIY face mask immediately, as it can lose its effectiveness when exposed to air and light, and may even develop bacteria.
Are there any store-bought face masks that are dermatologist-approved?
Yes, some dermatologist-approved face masks include Fresh Crème Ancienne Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oatmeal Mask, and Kiehls Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask.
