You hear over and over again that good skincare is the key to controlling breakouts. If you don’t, here’s a tip: it is. Whether you’ve got a problem with oily skin, dryness or blemishes, it is possible to keep it under control with a skincare regimen that caters to your particular needs. The catch? You’re bombarded daily with a new miracle product that claims to work without knowing if it does. It’s easy to throw your hard-earned cash out the window trying one thing or another. So here’s a second tip: try a homemade mask first. Not only do you know the ingredients you’re using and can rest assured your carbon footprint is staying light, you can also discover the powers of nature — on the cheap. Check out some common skin concerns below and then head to your grocer to try a fix with these homemade skin mask recipes. Oh, and check with your dermatologist first if you have ultra sensitive skin.
Uneven Skin Tone
Sun worshipers will definitely want this mask in their arsenal. If you’ve spent even a couple of summers on the beach, you’re at serious risk for sun spots, hyperpigmentation or otherwise uneven skin tone. You only need two ingredients: a ripe papaya and honey. Blend together two tablespoons of honey and half a cup of papaya. (Feel free to mix the rest with ice cream and eat it — delicious!) As for the mask, spread the honey mixture on your face, leave it there for 15 minutes and then rinse off. Follow up with moisturizer. Use once per week.
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Blemishes (Acne)
If you’ve got acne or redness caused by blemishes, you should give a Green Tea Mask a shot. Green tea has so many benefits, removing redness and closing up pores are just a couple. You could also see puffiness reduced and, over time, reap anti-aging rewards. What you’ll need is at least two green tea bags, a tablespoon of sugar and a half tablespoon of lemon juice. Steep the bags in water for an hour. Make sure the tea is cool, remove the bags and add in sugar and lemon. Massage on your face and leave on for 15 minutes with cool water to close pores.
Oil Overload
The title says it all. You know if your face as a whole, or in part, displays signs of too much oil. A wet appearance, large pores and makeup that runs are all signs. Using a mask with oatmeal can help. Not only does it absorb oil, it works as an exfoliator, too. To combat its drying out qualities, a hit of honey is needed. You basically just need to create a paste that will stay on your face. So amounts are flexible. Start small, add in honey gradually until it resembles that homemade stuff from kindergarten. Put it on your face and let it dry. Rinse off with a warm, wet towel.
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Dull Texture
Dull texture comes from a lack of moisture and/or a buildup of dry skin cells clinging to the surface of your face. You might not even know your texture is dull. But if you find yourself always looking for the perfect foundation to brighten your complexion or piling on the illuminator, chances are you’re suffering from dullness. Thankfully, it’s fixable without makeup. A simple banana mask will do the trick. Bananas have this amazing dual benefit that moisturizes and exfoliates at the same time. Your complexion is bright and supple as a result. Just mash up a banana and put it on your face for 10 or 15 minutes. Feel free to add in a tablespoon of honey for extra moisture, or a shot of orange juice for added antioxidants.
No Major Skin Issues
We couldn’t leave out girls whose skin health doesn’t leave them laying awake at night. You know who you are. Blemishes are rare, skin looks good, birds are perpetually singing in the sky. Here’s a mask that leaves normal skin glowing and fresh. Blend or mash a half-cup of strawberries with one-quarter-cup cornstarch. Avoid your eye area since the berry juice can sting. The starch and berries exfoliate while natural fruit acids help prevent that occasional blemish you find yourself with.
