DIY Face Masks For Glowing Skin by Simone Sydel

Simone Sydel at theskincareculture.com 

Whether it's in the mornings, evenings or on our days off from work, we can all agree that doing a face mask is the most indulgent step in our skincare routine. Whether you prefer a deep cleansing and detoxifying clay mask or a hydrating leave-on overnight formula, or even a quick and simple sheet mask, there is no better way to take care of your skin than taking 15-20 minutes of your day and devote them on masking. But what do you do when you are having a lazy Sunday and you just can't bring yourself to leave the house and spend money but you really want to pamper yourself with a face mask? Or even worse, when you just woke up and noticed that your skin is starting to act up so you need something quick and easy to solve the problem before you go about your day. You get down to mixing, of course. A number of fruits, vegetables, and ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen can be used to make simple but effective masks that will give you that instant glow. Here are five face masks for glowing skin to the rescue when you are having "one of those days".

1. Revitalized & Youthful Skin

Quick, easy and suitable for all skin types. This power trio naturally cleanses and tones the skin. It also works on tightening the pores while giving a brightening effect to dull skin.

What Do You Need?

• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon of Manuka honey

How Does It Work?

The egg white helps to clear blackheads and purify enlarged pores on the skin surface. Lemon acts as a natural brightening agent and helps to reduce discoloration and lighten pigmented areas. Honey is a natural humectant that will bring moisture and lock it into the skin. It will make the skin look smooth and supple. Whisk the egg white and lemon juice together before adding the Manuka honey and stir well. Apply the mixture on perfectly clean skin and let it dry for 10-15 minutes before washing it off using lukewarm water. Gently pat your skin dry with a tissue paper and follow with your regular routine.

2. Supple & Soft Skin

Nourish your dry skin with three abundant sources of vitamins and minerals. These natural ingredients will quickly relieve your skin from dryness and dry patches as well as flakes and rashes while giving it an instant glow.

What Do You Need?

• ½ ripe avocado
• ½ ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How Does It Work?

The benefits of using avocado directly on your skin seem to be endless. Whatever the problem is and it has anything to do with dryness - avocado is your "go-to" remedy. It is everyone's favourite beauty booster and it works amazingly good in reducing inflammation and moisturizing the skin. It has powerful anti-aging properties that stimulate collagen regeneration and plump the skin and it is loaded with antioxidants that help fight against the damaging free radicals. Banana contains potassium and plenty of vitamins such as A, B, C and E that work around the clock to provide total moisturization and maintain healthy and glowing skin. And finally, we can't overlook one of the most effective ingredients for moisturized and glowing skin. Olive oil is a natural remedy for dry skin and it contains saturated and polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The predominant fatty acid in olive oil is oleic acid which according to studies is excellent for reducing inflammation. Mash the banana and avocado in a bowl and continue adding olive oil until all the ingredients become a consistent and creamy past. Apply it to perfectly clean skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Being a moisturizing and non-drying mask, feel free to leave it up to 30 minutes on the face as it is highly unlikely that it will cause redness or a tingling sensation.

3. Rejuvenated & Hydrated Skin

Reduce inflammation and tone your stressed skin with this hydrating and moisturizing mask.

What Do You Need?

• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons rosewater

How Does It Work?

Yogurt is a multi-vitamin superfood used in many homemade mask recipes due to its ability to promote beautiful and youthful skin. It is packed with many beneficial ingredients with some of them being calcium that besides being good for the bones it also helps in healthy and effortless skin renewal. Zinc is one of the main ingredients in yogurt and this mineral is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties and promoting cell reproduction and tissue growth. If your face is looking dull and tired the lactic acid which is an alpha hydroxy acid and it's present in yogurt will help hydrate and gently exfoliate the skin, therefore alleviate the tired look and brighten your complexion. Honey is an ingredient that has a myriad of beauty benefits when applied to the skin. It is packed with antioxidants and it has antibacterial properties that help fight bacteria. This will help to keep your pores free of pollution, oil, and dirt while at the same time keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized. Rosewater has antioxidant properties which help to strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissues. This helps with toning the skin and reducing the signs of aging. It gives the skin a refreshed look and it is excellent for hydrating and moisturizing dehydrated and dry skins. Apply the mixture on perfectly clean skin and leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water to close your pores. Gently pat your face dry with a tissue.

4. Smooth & Velvety Skin

Allow this goodness of a mask to deep cleanse and tighten your enlarged pores while gently exfoliating your skin and promoting a smooth and velvety surface.

What Do You Need?

• ½ cup peeled and mashed or blended papaya
• 1 whipped egg white
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt

How Does It Work?

The dead skin cells that form the outermost surface of our skin are called keratinocytes and are composed of a tough, fibrous protein called keratin. These are formed at the base of the epidermis and gradually move up through the skin until they reach the outer surface and "die". Papaya contains a proteolytic enzyme called papain that helps break down the tough fibrous protein on the surface of the skin and exfoliates the skin, promoting a new, fresh and smooth surface while clearing the pollution, dirt, sebum, and grime that can clog the pores and cause breakouts. It is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A that help fight against the damaging free radicals and the formation of fine lines. Papaya contains anti-inflammatory properties and it also helps lighten skin tones and pigmentation. Egg white acts as a natural and mild astringent which means that it removes excess sebum from the outermost surface of the skin and deep cleanses and tightens the pores. While this mask may trigger a mild reaction on sensitive skins due to the active ingredients, adding a little bit of yogurt to the mixture will help cool and soothe the skin. Leave the mixture on perfectly cleansed and toned skin for 10-15 minutes, giving the enzymes enough time to exfoliate your skin. A mild tingling sensation is perfectly normal and tolerable but it should be removed if burning occurs or persists. Rinse off with lukewarm water first, then follow it up with cool water to soothe your skin. Gently pat dry.

5. Repair Damaged Skin

Reverse the signs of damage on your skin with this simple and effective face mask.

What Do You Need?

• 1 tablespoon of chamomile tea infused in hot water for 20 minutes
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

How Does It Work?

As we go about our daily lives, there are several things that are damaging our skin way before the signs slowly start to show up in the mirror. Constant and prolonged sun exposure, as well as harsh weather elements and environmental pollution, are some of the main factors that can dehydrate and dry out our skin. Chamomile has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to calm and hydrate the skin as well as reverse signs of damage. It is a gentle ingredient that will soften the skin and help soothe inflammation. The natural polyphenols and phytochemicals in chamomile tea promote the healing process of scars and minimize breakouts as well as help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lemons provide the skin with a dose of the main free radical fighting antioxidant vitamin C, which helps even out the skin tone and has a brightening effect. It has antiseptic properties that help exfoliate dead skin cells and remove flakes while acting as a mild astringent as it helps close the pores and tighten the skin. Let the chamomile-infused water sit and cool before adding it to the mixture of honey and lemon. Blend well before applying on perfectly cleansed skin and allow it to act for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and proceed with your regular skincare routine.

Final Thoughts

Treating yourself at your local spa every once in a while is amazing, but it is absolutely unnecessary to book yourself in for a facial every time you feel like pampering yourself. The secret to great skin is as close as your kitchen and nothing beats pampering yourself with these five face masks for glowing skin from the comfort of your own home.