As you know I am not a big fan of home remedies because some of the most commonly used ingredients can cause irritation, pH changes in the skin or even hyperpigmentation. (Check out our blog article ‘The Dangers of DIY Beauty’ for the lowdown.) However, there are some household ingredients that do work and are safe to use at the recommended dosage. Let’s have a look at what they are and how we can make simple DIY face masks using them…
* REMEMEBER to only prepare enough for a SINGLE use so as to avoid the problems associated with storing and preserving your remedies. (And don’t forget to use it immediately!)
The ingredients below can be mixed with the following base products to give a proper mask-like consistency: Yogurts, honey or even oat flakes (the latter would be my preferred base).
Combination or Oily Skin
Strawberries (crushed): Rich in tannins and acids, they have astringent properties. They also contain sugars and peptides which are great at hydrating.
Quinoa (lightly boiled): Rich in Selenium, Vitamin B6 and Zinc, quinoa is the number one remedy for combination skin prone to acne.
Revitalising
Pineapple (crushed): Very soothing and softening due to its high alpha-hydroxy acid, amino acid and sugar content. It also contains minerals that stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibres in the skin.
Saffron: The carotenoids responsible for Saffron’s vibrant colour are also rich in Crocin and Crocetin, antioxidants known to help stressed out skin.
Antioxidant
Apricot (crushed): If you have dried apricots at home, leave them to soak over night before including them in a mask. Apricots are rich in phenolic compounds and Vitamin C which make for some remarkable antioxidant skin boosting effects. This fruit is also known to reduce the loss of trans epidermal moisture due to its high carbohydrate content, making it one of the best simple DIY face masks for home use.
Sage: The Ursolic acid that Sage contains is highly beneficial and restorative for the skin.
Moisturising
Broccoli (liquefied): The fatty acids broccoli contains form a thin protective film on the skin, sealing in moisture and elasticity.
Beetroot (liquefied): There are numerous studies that attest to its moisturising effect on the top layers of the skin (stratum corneum).
Sensitive Skin
Cabbage (liquefied): Its leaves are incredibly soothing; in fact, it was commonly used in anti-inflammatory poultices many years ago.
Celery (smoothie): Contains Luteolin, a powerful antioxidant known for its calming effect on skin.
Leave a reply