While the push for all-natural, plant-based, organic eating has been around for quite a while now, the all-natural skin care trend is just starting to heat up.
A lot of natural and organic skincare lines can be expensive, but lucky for you face masks are one of the easiest DIY skincare products. Most are made with a couple of ingredients that you find in your kitchen. Below are three simple face masks to try when your skin needs some moisture, brightening, or a healing boost when you have a breakout.
cinnamon and honey mask
Both cinnamon and honey serve as natural antibacterials and anti-inflammatories, making this a great mask for acne treatment. The most effective treatment will result when you use raw honey, as oppose to commercial, processed honey. It’ll be a little more expensive, but the results will be worth it.
You need:
- 2 tbs raw honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Melt the raw honey if it’s in a solid state. Add in the cinnamon and stir until well-combined. Spread on your face avoiding the eyes. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water. This can also be used as a spot treatment for small problem areas.
turmeric and coconut oil mask
With this harsh winter weather, I’ve started using coconut oil as a moisturizer before bed each night. I used to fear that it would make my occasional pimples worse, but it actually reduces the size of them, thanks to its antibacterial properties. Turmeric is also a natural anti-inflammatory and it helps reduce red spots, dark circles, and will make your skin look brighter!
You need:
- 2 tbs melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
Add the turmeric to the coconut oil and stir well. Spread on your face avoiding the eyes. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water.
Coffee and Chocolate Mask
This was my favorite of all the masks because of the amazing smell. It basically smelled like espresso brownies on my face. Not a bad thing.
Coffee and cocoa powder both contain antioxidants to nourish, while at the same time the caffeine brightens tired and dull skin. The coffee grinds are also a great exfoliant. If you have dry skin, use a full-fat dairy product as the base, such as cream. Counteract oily skin by adding a squeeze of lemon to the mixture.
You need:
- 3 tbs yogurt or cream
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp coffee grinds (fresh or used, I used grinds from my morning cup)
- Lemon if using
Mix all the ingredients together. Spread on your face avoiding the eyes. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water.