Cleansing facial masks work by stripping away dirt, oil and bacteria. There are cleansing facial mask recipes available for those with dry skin, oily skin or normal skin—the common factor is the use of fruit acids to remove debris from the face and restore a clean, glowing complexion. Homemade facial masks for cleansing allow you to avoid chemical-laden over-the-counter solutions or expensive spa treatments. Home remedies are not a substitute for professional care—if you're concerned about the condition of your skin, speak to your doctor or dermatologist.
Normal Skin
Step 1
Mix two tablespoons of yogurt with one teaspoon of honey. Yogurt is a moisturizer that contains protein. The lactic acid in yogurt temporarily firms skin, according to "Natural Beauty at Home." The lactic acid also peels away dead skin cells, cleansing your face of impurities. Honey is a moisturizer with natural antibacterial properties, as shown a study published in the June 1999 issue of the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.
Step 2
Mix the yogurt and honey with one egg white and one half of a peeled, pitted avocado. Egg whites temporarily firm skin by drying into a light film. When the film is rinsed away, it takes dry skin cells and bacteria with it. Avocados provide moisture. The acids in avocados also strip excess moisture and the green color is purported to combat areas of uneven skin tone, as noted in "Naturally Skinsational."
Step 3
Blend the ingredients together until they are a uniform light green color. The mask should have a consistency of thick paste.
Step 4
Apply the mask to your face. Allow it to sit for no longer than 30 minutes.
Step 5
Rinse your face using cool water. If your face feels too moist, use a gentle cleanser to remove stubborn residue from the facial mask.
Dry Skin
Step 1
Peel one avocado. Remove the pit. Cut the avocado in half. Avocado has moisturizing properties and the acids cleanse your face. Mash the avocado together with a banana. Bananas contain proteins and vitamins and are similarly moisturizing, as noted in "Beauty by Nature."
Step 2
Blend the mashed fruits with honey and a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil may be omitted if you have dry skin of a mild nature—it provides deep moisture for extra dry skin, according to "Natural Beauty Recipes at Home." Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar—the acidic nature of the vinegar cleanses your skin, according to "Beauty by Nature."
Step 3
Apply the mixture to your face, spreading it evenly. Layer the mask thicker in areas that are the driest.
Step 4
Allow the mask to sit on your face for up to 30 minutes. If the mask becomes dry or flaky to the touch, re-moisturize by spritzing a thin mist of warm water across your face.
Step 5
Rinse the mixture from your face using cool water. If your face feels too oily, blot with a clean cotton cloth.
Oily Skin
Step 1
Remove the stems from four strawberries. Mash one papaya. According to the book "Naturally Skinsational," strawberries contain salicylic acid, a main component of many over-the-counter acne-treatments. The acids in papaya remove excess oils from the face, according to "Natural Beauty Recipes at Home."
Step 2
Separate one egg white from the yolk. Egg white contains enzymes called lysozymes that break down bacteria. The proteins in egg whites also cleanse and condition the face without leaving behind an oily residue, according to "Beauty by Nature."
Step 3
Mix the strawberries and papaya with the egg white. For extremely oily skin, add a few drops of lemon juice. Blend the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is an even red-orange color.
Step 4
Apply the mixture to your face. Avoid getting it in your eyes—if the mixture does come into contact with your eyes, rinse them with cool running water.
Step 5
Allow the facial mask to dry on your face for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the mixture using cool water. If any residue remains, scrub gently with a clean cloth. Avoid using a cleanser after the facial mask, which can be overly drying.
Things You'll Need
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Eggs
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Strawberries
- Papaya
- Blender
- Cotton washcloth
- Running water
- Measuring utensils
References
- Pubmed: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine: Antibacterial activity of honey against strains of Staphylococcus aureus from infected wounds
- "Naturally Skinsational: Rejuvenating Skin Care Recipes"; Sue Dolan; 2009
- “Natural Beauty at Home”; Janice Cox; 2002
- "Natural Beauty Recipe Book"; Gill Farrer-Halls; 2006
- "Beauty by Nature"; Brigitte Mars; 2006
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