By Ms. Pooja Nagdev
Cosmetologist, Aromatherapist and Founder of INATUR
Generations have known and cherished the role natural and pure ingredients play in beautification, health and replenishment of our skin. These benefits are further sharpened when these natural ingredients are used in a freshly made mask.
A face mask is effective in detoxifying skin, removing dead cells, blackheads & blemishes etc and give skin a clean, tight and healthy feel. Since a face mask stays on face for a longer period the nutrition from natural ingredients like plants, fruits or essential oils are delivered to epidermis and improve our skin. I suggest using such mask twice a month.
I am enlisting some recipes that will help you make fresh, natural and effective face masks at home with commonly available ingredients and best for women under 40.
Oats Face Mask
Base Ingredients :
- Oatmeal:3 tablespoon
- Kaolin:1 tablespoon
- Milk:2 tablespoon
- Almond Oil:2 drops
- Aloe Vera Gel:¼ table spoon
- Chamomile Powder:¼ tablespoon
- Rose Water:¼ table spoon
- Chironji Powder:¼ tablespoon
- Water 1/4th Cup
How to make it :
Mix all the base and active ingredients and beat to produce a smooth paste.
Application of Mask:
Take the paste and apply it on the face evenly and in a uniform layer. Let it stay on face for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse or wipe it with a soft moist towel. In no time you shall see your skin free from dirt, grime, blackheads etc. The skin will feel stimulated & conditioned.
Know the Ingredients:
Oatmeal has a calming and cleansing effect on the skin. The other ingredients along with Oatmeal stimulate & rejuvenate the skin and bring back vital moisture and oils to the skin.
Avocado Mask
Ingredients:
- Half an avocado
- One tablespoon of yogurt
- One teaspoon of honey
Benefits: Besides being intensively hydrating, this mask also provides light exfoliation. Avocado is known to be rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants. Avocado is very hydrating. Yogurt, has alpha hydroxy acid and lactic acid which act as a chemical exfoliant. The honey adds an extra boost of hydration and also locks moisturisation.
Honey Mask
Ingredients:
- Two tablespoons of honey
- The juice from one lemon slice
- One teaspoon of cinnamon
Benefits: This mask is ideal to bring relief from inflammation and reduce dark spots. Honey is known to be antioxidant, hydrating, anti-inflammatory. A word of caution though, cinnamon can cause irritation to some people and might cause allergies. Lemon juice may also cause similar issues and may also make skin more sensitive to sun.
Sugar and Coconut Oil Mask
Ingredients:
- Two tablespoons of brown sugar
- Two tablespoons of coconut oil
Benefits: Brown Sugar is a natural exfoliant besides being a rich source of glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid). This pack helps in exfoliation and delivers smooth, bright skin. Coconut oil boosts hydration so your skin won’t dry out after all the exfoliation.
Egg Whites and Orange Juice Mask
Ingredients:
- One egg white
- One tablespoon of orange juice
Benefits: This mask is ideal for acne prone skin. Egg Whites have “astringent and exfoliating properties, and are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to bring instant and visible benefits to the skin. As with Vitamin C, the orange juice needs to be used cautiously.
Banana Mask
Ingredients:
- One banana
- One tablespoon of honey
- The juice from one slice of lemon
Benefits: This mask is the ideal solution to brighten dark spots and lighten blemishes.
Strawberries Mask
Ingredients:
- Three strawberries
- One tablespoon of honey
Benefits: This mask exfoliates the dead skin cells and helps reduce acne breakouts. “Strawberries contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids [like salicylic acid] to help exfoliate and brighten the skin.They also contain vitamin C, ellagic acid, and other antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit the skin.”
These are the mask I have personally tried and can vouch that they will make a difference to your skin.
