For some people the winter season means skin problems. The cold, dry weather and harsh winds can leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Switching your skin care regimen around to more moisturizing products is the first step. Add in one of these easy hydrating DIY face mask and your skin will thank you!
Yogurt & Honey:
Do you want an easy face mask that requires no measuring and you can whip up in just a minute? Yogurt and honey are a match made in heaven when it comes to healthy skin. Yogurt is a great way to gently exfoliate and a natural way to replenish collagen in the skin due to it’s lactic acid levels. Honey on the other hand is super moisturizing, softens the skin and is antimicrobial.To make this mask simply combine two spoonfuls of plain yogurt (preferably organic) and 1 spoonful of raw honey. If your skin is feeling puffy use cold yogurt. You can let this mask sit for ten-twenty minutes before rinsing.
Banana & Cream:
Banana is the main ingredient in this recipe and especially ideal for dry, blemished skin. Banana is a great moisturizer and is packed with vitamins like vitamin C. Due to the high levels of wonderful vitamins in this fruit, it is great for clearing up acne or small blemishes from scratched skin. Heavy cream can be found at your grocery store and is great for skin, face and body. It also is a gentle exfoliator and moisturizer. To make this mask you’ll want to mash up half of a ripe banana until it’s lump free. You’ll then add in just enough heavy cream (about a tablespoon) to smooth out the mix. If you find it difficult to mash the banana you can use a blender. Apply a thin layer of this mask and allow to sit for fifteen minutes before rinsing.
Avocado & Oatmeal:
Avocado makes a luxurious face mask and is wonderful for softening the skin. Avocado also helps remove dead skin cells (thanks to it’s richness in vitamin A) as well as stimulate growth of new skin cells. It also has anti-wrinkle properties. Oatmeal is chock-full of amino acids and is hypoallergenic. Interestingly enough, oatmeal doesn’t moisturize but is a humectant. So though it doesn’t add moisture, it helps your skin retain moisture, making it perfect in face masks when coupled with other highly moisturizing ingredients.
For this recipe you’ll first mash up one over ripe avocado until smooth. Add in a small handful (about ¼ of a cup) of oats and a tablespoon or so of honey. The honey merely helps mind everything and also adds in moisture. Apply as a thick paste and let sit for about twenty minutes before rinsing. If you need a little exfoliation you can scrub your face a bit with the oats before rinsing it off.
*Image courtesy Flickr creative commons.