Nourishing
Homemade
Face Mask Recipes

It’s said that beauty starts from the inside; our skin is a direct reflection of this, mirroring what is going on inside of the body. By eating healthy whole foods and properly hydrating yourself, your skin will certainly thank you. But also what you put on the skin is a superb way to support the body’s largest organ.

Some of your favourite ingredients from the fridge and pantry can be used to make scrumptious face masks that can rejuvenate you from the outside in. Budget-friendly, customizable and delicious, here are some nourishing face mask recipes you can make in the comfort of your home.

Quick Dermatological TLC Tips

• Honour your skin by opting for organic and fresh ingredients wherever possible
• Customize to your heart’s content! By making your own masks you know exactly what is inside them and can modify them to best suit your unique complexion
• Use the mask on the day you make it to ensure tip-top quality
• If in doubt try a patch test first, especially if you suspect an allergy or you have sensitive skin
• Avoid applying some ingredients ─ like lemon and essential oils ─ directly onto the face without mixing/diluting them first
• Don’t overdo it on the masks. One or two masks per week is the maximum for keeping your skin refreshed without altering its ecosystem of natural oils too much
• Turn your face mask session into a self-care ritual, concocting your own recipe and treating yourself to a little loving moment (maybe with candles, soft music… or Netflix and chilling)

9 Nourishing Face Mask Recipes

The One for Soothing the Skin

Full of vitamins and essential fats, both almond oil and avocado oil are perfect for gently and deeply moisturizing the skin, while the honey is a profound healing agent for treating acne and other chronic skin conditions. The lavender oil improves circulation and soothes inflammation and irritation.

What You Need

¼ ripe avocado

1 teaspoon almond oil

1 teaspoon honey

1 to 2 drops of lavender oil

What You Do 

Mix all ingredients together, apply to the face, and leave for up to 20 minutes. Rinse well.

The One for Hyperpigmentation

A potent mixture for bringing out the brightness in the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation and sunspots. Honey here helps to gently exfoliate, while turmeric contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that revive the skin and the lemon helps to brighten. With this one it can be good to try a spot test first, as the ingredients are all quite powerful.

What You Need

1 teaspoon turmeric (powder or freshly juiced)

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey

Enough water to make it into a paste

What You Do

Mix the first three ingredients, and then slowly add drops of water until a paste-like consistency forms. Use an applicator stick or your fingers while wearing a glove to apply the paste to spots of hyperpigmentation (and avoid staining your fingers). Let it sit for 3-5 minutes and then rinse off.  

The One for Hydration and Nourishment

This may sound like a delicious list of breakfast ingredients, but it’s also the perfect mixture for deeply nourishing your face. The soothing and moisturizing honey, profoundly hydrating avocado, and brilliant healing oats will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and super happy.

What You Need

¼ ripe avocado

1 tablespoon ground oats

1 tablespoon honey

What You Do

Mash the avo and then add the oat and honey, mixing and mashing until everything is well blended. Apply liberally all over your face and leave for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

The One for Evening out Skin Tone and Texture

The lactic acid and probiotics in the yoghurt cleanse and tighten the skin, while the antibacterial and moisture-sealing properties of the honey help to heal and plump up the skin cells.

What You Need

1 tablespoon of plain yoghurt

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons rose water

Fresh rose petals (optional)

What You Do

Crush the rose petals and add the rest of the ingredients, mixing well. Spread over face and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, before washing off with lukewarm water and patting dry.

The One to Get that Glow

Papayas contain exfoliating enzymes to help remove dead skin, while aloe vera is famously soothing and bursting with vitamins that the skin absolutely adores. Then the cacao powder takes it to another level, brightening and supporting your skin’s circulation, for a radiant final result.

What You Need

¼ papaya

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

1 tablespoon cacao powder

What You Do

Whip everything in a bowl until smooth, and then apply liberally to your face. Let sit for about 10 minutes and then wash off with cool water.

The One for Pore Purification 

The bentonite clay is great for removing impurities from the skin and absorbing toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals. The lactic acid in the yoghurt exfoliates, moisturizes and tightens the skin, while the activated charcoal is incredibly porous and absorbent, binding to toxins, dirt and oil and removing them from the pores. Finally the rose water soothes and replenishes the skin.

What You Need

2 tablespoons plain yogurt

2 capsules of activated charcoal

1/4 teaspoon bentonite clay

Rose water

What You Do
Combine and smooth onto the face. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse off and pat dry.

The One for Blackheads 

Cooling and refreshing, this one helps to decongest blocked pores that lead to excessive sebum on the skin. The watery cucumber also contains vitamin C for brightening, while the oleic acid in the avocado helps regulate oil production.

What You Need

½ an avocado

¼ blended cucumber

What You Do

Combine and smooth onto the face. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse off and pat dry.

The One for Exfoliation

The particles of sugar contain glycolic acid to help remove dead skin cells, while the coconut oil adds hydration and protection so the scrub isn’t too harsh.

What You Need

2 tablespoons of coconut oil

2 tablespoons of brown sugar

What You Do 

Slightly melt the oil and stir in the brown sugar, and then apply to face in gentle, circular motions. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse off with slightly warm water.

The One For Oily Skin 

The clay and the matcha powder do a great job of absorbing excess oil, while the honey helps calm and soothe the skin. The lactic acid in the milk helps to tighten and firm, while moisturizing.

What You Need

1 tablespoon bentonite clay

1 teaspoon matcha powder

1 teaspoon honey

1 tablespoon full-fat milk

What You Do

Combine all the ingredients and apply evenly to the face. Let it absorb for 15 minutes and then rinse off with cool water.