As we move into the colder months, you’ll probably begin to notice that your skin isn’t doing all that great. Dryness, irritation, and overexposure to the elements are all struggles that many of us will face as the temperature continues to drop. Your first instinct might be to browse a well-known skincare line and pick out a few masks to help nourish your skin, but that can get a bit pricey over time. A simple and more affordable alternative is to DIY a few of your own hydrating facial mask with ingredients that you can find in your kitchen!
Below are a few easy and cost-efficient recipes that will have your skin glowing even in the coldest of months!
1. To Soften Dry, Flaky Skin
One of the biggest issues you’ll probably face during the winter (but also during other times of the year) is dry, flaky skin. Staying hydrated and maintaining that glow can be tricky, which is why a hydrating mask is a great addition to your skincare routine.
If you don’t quite know where to start, then keep it simple with ingredients that are known to lock in moisture and smooth skin. Here is a simple and natural mask that you can make right at home:
- 1/2 Avocado
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- A handful of oats
Honey is a natural humectant which helps to retain moisture throughout the day and keep your skin glowing. Avocado is rich in healthy fat, which will help smooth any rough patches, and oats are a gentle way to exfoliate and remove any flaky skin. This is definitely needed during colder months!
2. To Calm Your Irritated Skin
Irritated skin can be incredibly annoying and even painful at times. If you find yourself struggling with redness, itchiness, or general tightness due to dry weather, then below is a facial mask recipe that could work well for you:
- 1 tablespoon oatmeal
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 1/2 teaspoon water
Much like with the first mask, honey is used to retain moisture, but it also works to soothe skin. It has even been shown to help reduce dark spots and has antibacterial properties that can help with acne. Oatmeal is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, often used to soothe anyone suffering with chicken pox. The two ingredients together (mixed with some water for extra hydration) work as a dream team to calm your skin and keep it softer for longer.
3. To Help Fight Your Acne
There’s no denying that acne is incredibly frustrating and can make skincare a nightmare. If you’re trying to treat it at home with a DIY facial mask, then it’s important to consider using ingredients that will target that issue specifically. Here is a simple homemade recipe to start with:
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- a drop of tea tree oil
Tea tree is known to have natural antibacterial properties which is a great way to fight acne but can be irritating on the skin when not diluted. Aloe vera, on the other hand, is great for naturally calming skin (often used to treat sunburns) and adding back some lost moisture. Pairing these powerhouse ingredients is an easy way to help your acne-prone skin without burning a hole in your wallet.
4. To Lock in That Moisture
If you find that you suffer with dry skin much more than other people do, then this might be the best DIY facial mask for you. Locking in moisture for long periods of time can be difficult, which is why understanding how certain ingredients work together can make the process much easier. If you’re struggling to stay soft and supple, then consider applying:
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 teaspoon plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon of honey
It goes without saying that all three of these ingredients are great for moisturizing the skin. Avocado and yogurt with their healthy fat and honey with its humectant properties will help to have your skin feeling softer and more nourished in no time!
5. To Even Out Your Skin Tone
Another incredibly common and frustrating struggle that many of us deal with is dull, uneven skin tone. If this is something that you want to combat, then here is a recipe to try out:
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 wedge of lemon
The nourishing and healthy skincare properties of honey cannot go overstated, which is why this ingredient is a staple in so many homemade facial masks. However, pairing it with cinnamon (a known anti-inflammatory) and lemon (a natural exfoliant and oxidizing agent) is a simple, yet effective way to get that glowing, even skin we all strive for.
Struggling with dry, irritated, uneven skin is frustrating—there’s no doubt about that. But with the right ingredients, you can create products that can help you and don’t require too much of an investment. Staying in tonight? Try out one of these natural, homemade facial mask recipes and enjoy the benefits of simple skincare!