If you love a good bit of me-time but are chronically unprepared like I am, this is the post for you! I love a good face mask – however, since developing allergies, I have found out that several of the big cosmetic and skin care brands use ingredients that are widely recognised by scientists and dermatologists to be sensitising.
You can imagine that I’m now pretty cautious about what I put on my skin. When I think about it, I’m shocked how careless I was before and I know I’m not alone. Our skin is the body’s biggest organ but we regularly slather on products filled with ingredients we can neither pronounce nor recognise. Scary.
There’s a skincare philosophy that goes ‘Don’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t put in your mouth’. Well, the following foods are not only some of my favourite cooking ingredients. They all also make awesome one-ingredient face masks that will leave your skin feeling great! You can also combine these ingredients with each other or a little oil (avocado, almond or olive oil are all really nourishing) to make your own bespoke mask. Play around and share in the comments!
Oats
Oats are skin-soothing and hypoallergenic so should suit even sensitive skin. They always help calm my red skin down and can gently exfoliate, leaving it feeling smooth and hydrated. Crush a couple of teaspoons in a bowl with some water to make a paste and apply to dry skin for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with a flannel and warm water.
Avocado
Eating avocado is great for skin, providing our bodies with healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals. But its creamy flesh also make a moisturising and protective face mask. And you only need 1/2 a small avocado, so you can eat the other half! Mash the flesh in a bowl, then apply to clean, dry skin for 15 minutes before washing off gently.
Banana
Ah, another of my favourite foods – and yep, you’ll only need half for one face mask so you get a snack too! Mashed banana makes a nourishing and softening mask and is also cheap as chips (well, ‘nanas). Apply for 15 minutes or more before rinsing off.
Honey
Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties which are great for soothing inflammation. It has a good consistency for a face mask and stays on well, although it’s a bit messy to put on! Apply for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off carefully.
So. They’re my top DIY face masks – what combinations do you like to use? Do you know any other hero ingredients? Share in the comments below!
