Homemade Facial Mask – 4 Simple Recipes
The same fresh, natural ingredients you use in your recipes can do wonders for your skin. Whole fruits and vegetables—especially those with anti-aging vitamin C—can fight free radicals, prevent wrinkles, and give you firmer, younger-looking skin.
So go ahead, eat your fruits and veggies! But apply them to your skin too. Ediible face masks are fun, simple, and easier on your wallet than expensive anti-aging treatments.
Pomegranate Mask
Pomegranates seeds might be hard to crack into, but they’re well worth the effort.
These tart crunchy seeds are loaded with anti-aging compounds, like antioxidants and vitamin C, and are a popular addition to yogurt or oatmeal.
But, they’re also beneficial when it comes to your beauty regimen.
This Pomegranate Exfoliating Scrub at-home recipe helps remove dead skin cells for smooth, soft skin.
How to make it: In a food processor, combine 2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds and 1 cup uncooked oatmeal. Transfer to bowl; stir in 2 tablespoons honey (an antiseptic) and 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Apply to face for a few minutes, then rinse. For rough patches (like elbows), add ¾ cup turbinado sugar.
Strawberry
Vitamin C is a natural anti-aging compound and strawberries are full of it!
Eating them helps, but you can double the effect by trying this strawberry mask, to help fight free radicals, which can damage skin cells and break down collagen.
How to make it: In a food processor or blender, combine 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries (or a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—they’re all antioxidant stars). Stir together blended berries, 1 cup vanilla or plain yogurt, and 11/2 tablespoons honey (a great moisturizer) in an 8-ounce glass. Enjoy smoothie, setting aside enough to coat your face. Apply once or twice a week.
Brown sugar
Sweeten your anti-aging regimen with this. The natural grains in brown sugar help exfoliate skin to remove dead skin cells for a healthier glow.
Use this treatment twice a week.
How to make it: (Created by The Body Deli) Pulse 1/2 cup dark brown sugar in a coffee grinder to make it finer and a bit less abrasive (no need to grind if you’re using it for your body). Add 3 tablespoons olive oil for extra moisture and, if you want, a pinch of nutmeg for fragrance; stir until it forms a paste. Wet your face, apply scrub in a circular motion for 1 to 2 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
Avocado
Drop the tortilla chips and swap your guacamole in lieu of this moisturizing face mask recipe.
Avocadoes are a great source for heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin B and potassium that can also help moisturize the skin and act as an exfoliating mask for dry skin.
How to make it: Mix together one avocado, one egg white, two tablespoons of oatmeal, and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply liberally to face, leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Do this twice a week and you’ll have softer, supple skin.
