Add extra moisture to aging, damaged or dry skin by making moisturizing face masks at home. Face masks are concoctions that sit on the face for a period of time, providing a level of conditioning not afforded by daily moisturizers, as noted in "Milady's Standard Cosmetology." Popular at day spas and resorts, moisturizing face masks can be made at home for a fraction of the cost using ingredients found in your refrigerator or local grocery store.
Step 1
Warm 1 tbsp. of honey until it is runny to create the base of your moisturizing mask. Not only is honey an effective moisturizer, as noted in "The Natural Beauty Recipe Book," it also has antibacterial properties according to a 1999 study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.
Step 2
Blend the warm honey with 1/2 cup of the fruit of your choice. Avocado is noted for its moisturizing properties in "Natural Beauty at Home," although bananas work equally as well according to "The Natural Beauty Recipe Book." Blend the fruit and honey thoroughly.
Step 3
Add a tsp. or less of an optional additive to give your facial mask more moisturizing power. Additives for moisturizing face masks include aloe vera, which is soothing and moisturizing, according to "Milady's Standard Cosmetology." "Naturally Skinsational" notes that powdered milk can add moisture as well as tone the skin because of the lactic acid contained in the milk. Vitamin E gel helps repair damaged or sunburned skin as noted in "The Natural Beauty Recipe Book."
Step 4
Introduce six drops or less of your chosen essential oils and blend the mixture again until the whole concoction resembles a thin paste. Essential oils provide fragrance to the mask, creating an enjoyable and soothing experience for some. Some essential oils also have purported healing properties--chamomile and marigold oils are noted in "The Herbal Companion" as soothing, anti-inflammatory oils. Not every claim of the healing properties in essential oils is backed by scientific research, so choose carefully.
Step 5
Spread the mixture on your face and allow it to sit for between 10 and 20 minutes. Rinse the facial mask from your face and store any additional facial mask mixture in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips and Warnings
- Do-it-yourself face masks are not a substitute for professional dermatological care. Speak to your doctor or dermatologist if you're experiencing problems with dry skin to discuss the treatment options available to you.
Things You'll Need
- Pot
- Spoon
- Bowl
- Honey
- Avocado or banana
- Aloe vera gel
- Powdered milk
- Vitamin E gel
- Essential oils
- Blender
- Measuring utensils
- Re-sealable container
References
- "Milady's Standard Cosmetology"; Arlene Alpert ; 2007
- "Natural Beauty Recipe Book"; Gil Farrer-Halls; 2006
- "Naturally Skinsational"; Sue Dolan; 2009
- "The Herbal Companion"; Marcus Webb; 1997
- "Natural Beauty at Home"; Janice Cox; 2002
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