Photo Credit to S. Diddy on Flickr
Natural facial masks are easy to make from readily-available ingredients and can be great for toning dry or blemished skin.
Oats and Honey Mask
- 1/2 Cup oatmeal – cooked
- 1/4 Cup honey (raw works great)
As soon as the oatmeal is cooked, mix in the honey and mash slightly to create a thick paste. When the oatmeal has cooled enough to apply to the skin, use it right away by applying in a thick layer to the face. Let dry about 20 minutes before gently rinsing it off.
The oats will provide a mild exfoliation to the skin and help improve skin tone and texture. Honey is a humectant that will moisturize the sensitive skin of the face giving a healthy nourished glow.
If essential oils are desired, consider a drop or two the following, optional selections:
Lavender has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. Geranium has skin enhancing properties, and chamomile is sometimes used to revitalize old, tired skin.
Coffee and Cream Anti-Blemish Mask
- 1/2 Cup very strong brewed coffee
- 1 Cup powdered milk
- 1/4 Cup honey
Mix everything thoroughly and apply to the skin for 15 minutes – make sure the coffee has cooled enough so you don’t burn the skin.
Coffee, like green tea, is a similar pH to the skin and has been shown to help firm the skin when applied topically. It is also thought to even out skin blemishes and discoloration as milk has historically been attributed to do also.
Essential oils which compliment the desired effects of this mask include: tea tree oil, known for it’s anti-acne benefits; frankincense, a rich balancing oil that actually acts as an emollient; rosemary with healing, skin rejuvenating effects.
