You work hard, so you deserve to take time to invest in yourself once in a while. Self-care takes many different forms from a relaxing spa day at home to an evening spent catching up with friends. One of the most popular forms of at-home self-care is the face mask
Though the term ‘face mask’ has lately come to be associated with the form of personal protective equipment (PPE) that helps prevent the spread of germs, it also refers to a skincare product applied to the face. Face masks are intensive skin treatments, typically formulated to focus on a specific concern such as hydration, brightening, or healing. The efficacy of a face mask is determined by the active ingredients and their concentration.
The benefits of face masks are undeniable but there’s one problem: store-bought face masks aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be.
Purchasing face masks from a skincare boutique or beauty retailer can be expensive – you could end up paying as much as $5 per application. Add that to the reality that many commercial beauty products contain synthetic ingredients like chemical preservatives and artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin.
So, what’s the solution? Make your own face masks at home!
With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up your own all-natural skin mask that is catered to your specific needs. It’s so easy to customize your your own recipe according to your skin type and focus on benefits like hydration, clarity, or anti-aging.
In this post, you’ll receive an in-depth introduction to face masks to learn what they are, what benefits they provide, and how to apply them properly. You’ll also learn which ingredients are most effective and how to make your own DIY skin masks at home.
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What You Need To Know About Face Masks
A face mask is a skincare product that sits on the skin, trapping moistures and/or active ingredients in and against the skin to deliver benefits.
The term occlusive is often used to describe skin masks and how they work. Occlusives are a category of skincare ingredient that forms a protective layer on the surface of your skin. They’re typically used as moisturzing agents because they create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss.
In addition to preventing moisture loss, face masks can trap active ingredients to prolong contact with the skin and improve absorption. They can also provide the opposite effect, however, by pulling impurities out of the skin or absorbing excess oil.
There are three main types of face masks. The first is the sheet mask – a single-use sheet infused with active ingredients that you apply directly to your face.
Sheet masks are typically made from one of three ingredients: cotton, hydrogel, or biocellulose. Cotton sheet masks are usually drenched in serum while hydrogel masks are infused with them. Biocellulose masks are made from cultured bacteria and generally have the strongest occlusive effect of the three materials.
Most other sheet masks are clays, creams, or gels – products you spread on the skin. Clay masks help absorb excess sebum to improve skin clarity and reduce inflammation. Charcoal masks provide a similar benefit while other masks support hydration, brighten dark spots, or address the visible signs of aging. Masks in this category are generally designed to be worn for a certain period of time and them washed off.
The third category of face mask is the peel-ff mask. Just like it sounds, a peel-off mask is one you allow to set on your skin before peeling it off. These masks don’t typically include ingredients – they’re more for exfoliation.
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What Benefits Do They Provide?
There’s a face mask for every skin concern under the sun. Whether you’re trying to reduce pigmentation from acne scars or deliver an intensive dose of hydration to dry skin, a facial mask can be incredibly beneficial addition to your daily skincare routine.
Here are 5 types of face masks and a summary of the benefits they provide:
1| Moisturizing Mask
Perfect for individuals with dry and sensitive skin, these masks help restore the skin’s moisture balance. Not only do they contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid which draws moisture into the skin, but they often have occlusive ingredients that help build the skin’s protective moisture barrier to prevent mosture loss.
2| Antioxidant Mask
These masks are ideal for mature skin types but can also be beneficial for healing acne scars. They typically contain active ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and resveratol. In addition to renewing your skin, antioxidant masks can help bolster the skin’s ability to protect itself against oxidative damage caused by environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays.
3| Brightening Mask
In addition to addressing specific skin problems, face masks can also help brighten dark spots and balance skin tone to make your skin look softer, smoother, and more radiant.
4| Cleansing and Clarifying Mask
A good cleanser helps remove surface oil, dirt, and makeup from the surface oil, dirt, and makeup from the skin but a cleansing or clarifying mask goes below the surface to draw out impurities. These masks offer deep-cleansing benefits that may be particularly helpful for individual with acne-prone skin.
5| Clay and Charcoal Masks
These masks are recommended for oily skin types because they help absorb excess sebum from the surface of the skin. By absorbing surface oil and unclogging pores, these masks may help control breakouts in people with acne-prone skin.
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Tips For Applying Face Masks
Masks can be messy to apply but that’s half the fun! If you’re worried about getting the mask all over the place, apply the mask before soaking in the tub. Feel free to spread it all over your face, throat, and neck then kick back and relax.
Here are some simple tips for applying face masks safely and effectively:
1| Always cleanse your face before applying the mask – you want to remove makeup as well as surface dirt and oils to maximize the mask’s effectiveness.
2| Pull your hair back to avoid getting the mask on it on consider wearing a button-down shirt in case you need to change before the mask has set.
3| Apply a small amount of eye cream to protect the delicate skin around your eyes before putting on the mask.
4| Dampen your fingertips before applying the mask or use a damp makeup brush to apply it.
5| Smooth the mask over your skin like you’re frosting a cookie – do not rub it into your skin.
6| Avoid the eye area when applying the mask and keep the nostrils clear – don’t be afraid to apply it on your neck and throat.
7| Let the mask set for 10 to 20 minutes (according to product recommendations) so your skin gains the full benefit.
8| To remove the mask, wet a washcloth with warm water and place it over your face – hold it in place for a few seconds to loosen the mask.
9| Remove the mask gently, using plenty of water to wash it off without having to rub it too much.
10| Pat your skin dry after removing the mask and apply an alcohol-free toner followed by your favorite moisturizer.
There’s nothing inherently dangerous about facial masks, though you should be mindful of which type you choose and which active ingredients you use on your skin.
For example, individuals with very sensitive with very may want to avoid using peel-off masks. These masks are designed to remove the top layer of skin as a form of exfoliation, but the treatment can be irritating to sensitive skin. If you’re looking for anti-aging benefits, be careful about combining retinol and vitamin C. Try using a vitamin C product during the day and a retinol facial mask at night to avoid irritation.
The best way to protect your skin is to do a patch test before using a new face mask.
Apply a small amount of product to the skin inside your wrist and leave it on for the amount of time you’d let the mask set before washing it off. Repeat the process daily for several days and, if your skin doesn’t develop a negative reaction, you can go ahead with the full mask.
Warning signs of irritation from a facial mask may include redness or a burning sensation, hives or breakouts, dryness or peeling skin, and pain when removing the mask.
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How Often Should You Use Them?
If you want to maintain your skin’s health and youthful appearance, skincare should be a daily habit rather than an occasional activity.
Your daily skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated but it should include cleansing and moisturizing in the morning and evening. Adding a mask one to three times a week can give your skin a boost and help you focus on specific concerns like acne, dry skin, or uneven skin tone. Even healthy skin can benefit from a hydrating mask once a week.
At the very least, incorporating weekly face masks into your routine provides an opportunity for you to rest relax for a few minutes. It’s a quick and easy form of self-care that your skin will thank you for.
The Top 10 Ingredients For DIY Face Masks
With a few simple ingredients, you can create a DIY face mask that fits your budget and your skin type. The best part is you don’t have to be exact – you can combine ingredients that offer the benefits you desire and let the mask work its magic.
While there’s plenty of flexibility to be had with DIY face masks, it’s important to start with a strong foundation. The base for your mask determines its thickness and texture. If you’re looking for a creamy feel, go with something like avocado or blended cucumber. For exfoliation benefits, choose something with a little texture like cooked oatmeal.
Here are some of the best ingredients to consider for DIY face masks:
1| AVOCADO – Not only does avocado have a smooth and creamy texture, but it’s packed with essential fatty creamy texture, but it’s packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins. This makes a great base for DIY face masks.
2| OATMEAL – Best when cooked until tender, oatmeal is a gentle exfoliator for face masks but it also offers soothing benefits for sensitive or irritated skin.
3| YOGURT – Another popular base for face masks, yogurt contains lactic acid which helps tighten your pores and improve skin texture. Plain, unsweetened yogurt works best.
4| COCONUT MILK – Go for canned, full-fat coconut milk as a base for DIY face masks. A tablespoon or two of this ingredient adds hydration but also helps control oil production.
5| ALOE VERA – Like oatmeal, aloe vera is both a hydrating and a soothing ingredient. It can also have cooling benefits for inflamed, irritated skin.
6| HONEY – Manuka honey and raw honey are great for softening and moisturizing the skin. It may also help unclog pores to clarify the complexion.
7| TURMERIC – Though it may temporarily stain your skin, turmeric offers powerful anti-inflammatory benefits for blemish-prone and acne-scarred skin.
8| LEMON – If you’re looking for an ingredient to brighten the skin and fight breakouts, fresh vitamin C rich lemon juice is the way to go. You shouldn’t need more than a tablespoon.
9| COFFEE GROUNDS – Another gentle exfoliant like oatmeal, coffee grounds also have the benefit of invigorating tired skin. It may help boost circulation and reduce under-eye puffiness.
10| BLUEBERRIES – Antioxidant-rich berries like blueberries and raspberries can help firm the skin and heal scar tissue while also giving your DIY face mask a fruity aroma.
Making your own face masks will require a little bit of trial and error. It’s best to start with small amounts at first, especially if you’re using perishable ingredients like avocado or eggs. Once you get the hang of making single portions you may be able to scale the recipe but some recipes may need to be stored in the refrigerator and should be used within 5 to 7 days.
7 Hydrating Face Masks
Making your own face masks at home is easy once you know what ingredients to use. Depending which benefits you hope to gain, you can combine the ingredients from the previous section in many different ways.
To get started with DIY face masks, try one of the recipes below.
1| Balancing Mask for Dry Skin
Dry skin also tends to be sensitive and can become irritated or even inflamed. This balancing face mask contains lavender essential oil for its calming effects and clay to reduce redness and inflammation associated with breakouts. Manuka honey offers healing benefits while aloe vera juice adds a dose of intense hydration.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons powdered clay mask
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera juice
- 1 teaspoon Manuka honey
- 2 to 3 drops pure lavender essential oil
- Spring water, as needed
INSTRUCTIONS
- Spoon the powdered clay mask into a small glass jar.
- Add the aloe vera juice, honey, and essential oil.
- Stir until well combined, adding a splash of water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Apply the mask to freshly cleaned skin on the face and neck.
- Allow the mask to set for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Follow with an alcohol-free toner and your favorite moisturizer.
2| Hydrating Avocado Mask
If hydration is your primary concern, this avocado-based mask is just what your skin needs. The omega fatty acids from the avocado and olive oil help heal dry, damaged skin while the honey and yogurt offer soothing benefits. Your skin will be left feeling soft and supple.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 small avocado
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit.
- Spoon the avocado into a small bowl and mash with a fork.
- Add the yogurt, olive oil, and honey.
- Stir until smooth and well combined – there should be no lumps.
- Apply the mask to set for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Allow the mask to freshly cleansed skin on the face and neck.
- Follow with an alcohol-free toner and your favorite moisturizer.
3| Smoothing and Soothing Mask
A little exfoliation goes a long way for rough, dry skin. Featuring cooling cucumber and soothing honey, this facial mask gently exfoliates away dead skin cells to restore your skin’s natural softness and healthy glow. To boost the hydration benefits, swap in full-fat coconut milk for the milk called for in the recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 seedless cucumber
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Manuka honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
- Coarsely chop the cucumber then place in a food processor.
- Pulse the cucumber several times then puree until very smooth.
- Spoon the cucumber puree into a small bowl.
- Add the milk, honey, and brown sugar.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Apply the mask to freshly cleansed skin on the face and neck, moving your fingertips in gentle circles to exfoliate the skin.
- Allow the mask to set for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Follow with an alcohol-free toner and your favorite moisturizer.
4| Moisturizing Mask for Oily Skin
Hydrating oily skin can be tricky because you don’t want to trigger a breakout. This DIY mask features oatmeal which soothes the skin and reduces redness while the protein in the egg helps bind moisture into the skin. A little bit of lemon juice has an astringent effect, tightening the pores to deliver a clarifying and mattifying effect.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 small egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the oats according to the directions – they should be tender.
- Cool the oats to room temperature in a small bowl.
- Add the egg and lemon juice.
- Stir the ingredients until the mixture is well combined and as smooth as possible.
- Apply the mask to freshly cleansed skin on the face and neck.
- Allow the mask to set for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Follow with an alcohol-free toner and your favorite moisturizer.
5| Hydrating Honey Mask
Honey is a natural humectant which simply means that it boosts the skin’s ability to retain mmoisture without making it oily. It also has calming properties and may help heal blemishes and acne scarring. Combined with avocado and oat bran in this recipe, it helps moisturize dry skin.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 medium avocado
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- Oat bran, as needed
INSTRUCTIONS
- Spoon the avocado into small bowl and mash gently with a fork.
- Stir in the raw honey until smooth and well combined.
- Add oat bran, stirring slowly, until the mixture achieves the desired texture.
- Apply the mask to freshly cleansed skin on the face and neck.
- Allow the mask to set for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Follow with an alcohol-free toner and your favorite moisturizer.
6| Nourishing Aloe Vera Mask
Healthy skin requires nourishment and aloe vera is packed with nutrients. In addition to being rich in vitamins A,C, E and various B vitamins, aloe vera has soothing and hydrating properties for the skin. It pairs well with the exfoliating properties of papaya and circulating-boosting benefits of cacao powder to leave your skin looking soft and healthy.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 fresh papaya
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the papaya in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Spoon the papaya into a small bowl.
- Add the aloe vera gel and cacao powder and stir smooth.
- Apply the mask to freshly cleansed skin on the face and neck.
- Allow the mask to set for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Follow with an alcohol-free toner and your favorite moisturizer.
7| Cooling Cucumber Mask
Perfect for oily and irritated skin, this cooling mask will leave the skin feeling fresh and clean. Cucumber is rich in hydrating moisture while avocado delivers a healthy dose of moisturizing essential fatty acids. This creamy mask goes on smooth and helps relieve inflammation, regulate oil production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 medium avocado
- 1/4 seedless cucumber
INSTRUCTIONS
- Spoon the avocado into a processor.
- Coarsely chop the cucumber and add to the food processor.
- Pulse the ingredients several times then blend smooth.
- Spoon the mask into a small bowl or glass jar.
- Apply the mask to freshly cleansed skin on the face and neck.
- Allow the mask to set for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Follow with an alcohol-free toner and your favorite moisturizer.
Conclusion
At the end of a long day, there’s nothing more relaxing than applying a creamy face mask and settling into a hot bath. In just ten to twenty minutes you’ll feel the stress of your day starting to melt away, all while your skin reaps the benefits of intense hydration.
You could easily spend a small fortune stocking your medicine cabinet with boutique skincare products, but taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, all you need is a few simple ingredients to whip up a DIY face mask and enjoy an indulgent spa day at home.
Customizing your own DIY face mask is easy. For an extra dose of hydration, add coconut milk or shea butter. Encourage exfoliation with additives like coffee and oatmeal, or tighten pores to achieve a more youthful appearance with antioxidant-rich blueberries or probiotic yogurt. If you simply want to turn your face mask application into an aromatherapy session, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance.
Applying a DIY face mask is a simple way to relax while also rejuvenating your skin. This type of self-care pairs with Hydrova to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
