Homemade Facial Moisturizing Masks

Our skin goes through a lot.  What better way to make your own facial masks to restore your skin from chilly, drying winds.  Say goodbye to dull and chapped and hello to a healthy glow!

In the dry winter months, it’s tough to keep your skin looking as soft, smooth and “pink” as it did in the summer months.  These suggestions and homemade recipes are sure to improve the appearance of your skin and keep your complexion well nourished in order to promote that youthful radiance and smooth texture.  But just like every new skin treatment, don’t expect immediate drastic results.  It takes several times and regular use in order to see maximum benefits and lasting results.

FACIAL TREATMENTS:

When it comes to restoration, rejuvenation and moisture, there are two key ingredients that come front and center in my mind – avocado and papaya.  The avocado is a hydration miracle and great for sensitive skin.  The papaya is a super fruit wonder (aka miracle worker) that works like a natural exfoliant.  It is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-carotene and Vitamin C for firmer, more elastic and younger-looking skin.  Most of the facial treatments below contain these ingredients.

Her are some tips and directions for applying these homemade facial masks:

  • Use fresh (not canned) and ripe fruits.
  • Start with clean skin.
  • For best results, steam your face and neck or use a hot (as hot as you can stand it) washcloth over your face to open up pores.
  • When applying any treatment, use your fingertips to gently massage in a circular motion, avoiding eyes and lips.  Apply evenly
  • After the mask is on, try to relax and avoid conversation.  Listen to music, close your eyes, lie down, read, put cold cucumber slices over your eyelids – anything to get you to relax your facial muscles.  Just don’t fall asleep.
  • When rinsing, use warm water and a washcloth followed by a cool water splash to close up your pores.  For an extra moisturizing punch, rinse the mask with milk before using warm water.
  • Pat dry.

Simply Avocado: All you need for this simple mask is one ripe avocado, mashed into a paste.  Leave on for 15 minutes.

Avocado Mash Up: Thoroughly mix 1 ripe avocado, 1 beaten egg white, 2 T olive oil and 1 T apple cider vinegar.  Leave on for 15 minutes.

Moisture to the Rescue: Mix together 1 ripe avocado, 1 T plain yogurt, 3 T olive oil and 1 T honey.  Leave on for 20 minutes.

Scrub Me Clean: Mix together ½ of a pureed papaya, ½ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup oatmeal.  Use as a scrub.

Even Stevens: Blend together 1 papaya, 3 T plain yogurt, 1 egg white, 2 T honey and 1 T lemon juice. Leave on for 15 minutes.

Tropical Paradise: Puree ½ of a small papaya, 1 c of pineapple and 1 T honey.  Leave on for 20 minutes.

Good Enough to Eat: Blend ½ of a ripe banana, ½ cup of plain yogurt and 1 T honey.  Leave on for 15 minutes.

Easy Breezy: Mix together ½ of a pureed cucumber and 1 T plain yogurt.  Leave on for 20 minutes.

FOR YOUR BODY:

If you’re suffering from all-over dry, itchy skin, help is on the way.  Besides my personal miracle worker, Organic Shea Butter, here are a few things you can do to restore your skin’s condition.

  • Coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil can be used as a replacement for your daily moisturizer.  You can apply your oil of choice either before or after showering.  However, if you are going to apply after your shower, please allow sufficient time for the oil to absorb into your skin prior to putting on clothing.
  • Warm up honey and apply to rough, dry spots for 15 minutes.  It’s a natural antioxidant with hydrating and antiseptic properties – a triple plus in my book!
  • For two of the most frugal approach to treating dry or rough skin patches, all you need is salt or baking soda and some water.
  1.  Apply salt to wet skin during a bath or shower as a scrub to remove layers of dead skin cells and reveal glowing skin.
  2. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply as a scrub for 1 minute then rinse and moisturize.  (Baking soda is just one of those cheap household items that can be used for so many things from cleaning to cooking to laundry and skincare. Gotta love it!
  • For all over dry, itchy skin relief, puree 1 c oatmeal, ½ c baking soda, 1 T pure vanilla extract and 1 cup warm water.  Add this concoction to your running bath water.
  • Slough off dead skin and reveal younger, vibrant looking skin underneath by brushing your body.  Yes, I said brushing. It’s best to get a natural bristle body brush and brush semi-vigorously on dry skin for 2 or so minutes before your shower.  (This is great for legs and arms.)  It also stimulates circulation to those areas you brush and helps prevent in-grown hairs.  You might be able to notice quite a difference in appearance in just a week.
  • Dress for the weather, using gloves to protect your hands.
  • Although it may feel nice on the cold winter mornings, don’t take scalding hot showers.  Hot water strips the oils right out of your skin.
  • Moisturize often, especially your hands and feet. Consider wearing gloves while you sleep after applying a thick lotion.
  • Wear gloves while washing dishes and cleaning. The harsh chemicals and detergents rob your skin of moisture and leave them chapped.

Follow these simple tips and remedies and you’ll be on your way to healthier and softer skin in no time!

 

As always, consult your physician before trying any of these or other natural remedies, and always watch for allergic reactions. This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.