In the pursuit of a non-toxic lifestyle, every store-bought product suddenly comes under scrutiny. Even some drugstore brands that claim to be “natural” fall short of the non-toxic mark. If you’d like to keep your beauty routine pure, simple, and inexpensive, a DIY face mask is a great way to treat your face to some all-natural nourishment. Scroll down to see some of our favorite face mask recipes for different skin types.

Skincare maskFace Mask for Dry Skin

For skin that tends to be dry or flaky, this moisturizing avocado mask can deliver rich fatty acids and antioxidants straight to the skin cells where they are sorely needed. These nutrients can help to nourish skin and protect it from environmental elements at the same time. This is how it’s made:

  • Half an avocado, pureed
  • 1 teaspoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

Mix all ingredients and apply directly to skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with water and follow with an all-natural moisturizer.

Face Mask for Irritated or Acne-Prone Skin

Skin that has a tendency to break out in redness, irritation, and acne needs a combination of cleansing and calming ingredients. Cucumber and oatmeal are both soothing, anti-inflammatory agents. These ingredients are a perfect match for unsweetened Greek yogurt and sage, both of which work to gently cleanse away bacteria and dead skin cells while delivering nutrients at the same time. Here’s how to put it all together:

  • 2 tablespoons pureed cucumber
  • 2 tablespoons oatmeal, soaked in milk to soften
  • 2 tablespoons plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage

Combine ingredients well and apply to clean, damp skin for 15 minutes. Cleanse away with cool water.

Face Mask for Anti-Aging and Wrinkles

Although this particular recipe may sound a lot like breakfast, it also serves as a potent anti-aging remedy for the skin. Powerful proteins, potassium, and vitamins in the eggs work to revitalize tired skin cells and protect against environmental stressors. At the same time, antioxidants in the fruit and a unique enzyme called papain (found in papaya) promote skin’s natural regeneration and self-healing properties:

  • 2 tablespoons papaya pulp
  • ½ banana, mashed
  • 1 whole egg

Whisk the egg until frothy bubbles start to form, then whisk in banana and papaya until well combined. Apply the mixture to the skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off with water. Follow with a non-toxic moisturizer.

Face Mask for Lightening and Fading Spots

If your skin has become darkened and prone to spots or uneven pigmentation, a natural lightening and brightening treatment will be just the thing. Lemon is famous for its gentle bleaching properties and, surprisingly, raw potato contains an enzyme called catecholase that may be able to  lighten unsightly spots.

  • Fresh juice from 1 lemon
  • 1 small potato, peeled

Grate the potato into a fine pulp and mix well with the lemon juice. Apply the resulting mixture directly onto clean skin and leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing with water.

Additional Resources

If you try one of the masks above, let us know how it worked for you in the comment section below. Of course, our busy lives can sometimes get in the way of the time and attention we’d love to devote to self care. If you don’t have time to make your own skin masks, there are brands that do create truly natural and non-toxic products. Just make sure to do your research about which skincare ingredients to avoid before purchasing.

You can also find out more about all-natural skincare on the Living Clean blog:

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