With so much time on my hands, I decided to do some home cooking and make some nourishing face masks created from simple ingredients found in my cupboard. I've created four masks but there are lots of other ingredients you can experiment with including chamomile tea, turmeric powder, baking soda, banana and olive oil to name a few.
Before you apply your masks, please ensure your face is properly cleansed.
Nourishing: Avocado, Honey & Yoghurt
Perfect for Dry, Mature, Dull Skin
Ingredients
1/4 - Avocado, 1 Tbsp - Natural Yoghurt, 2 Tsp - Organic Manuka Honey
Method
Take the ripe avocado and mash in a bowl until it's an even consistency, then mix with the yoghurt and honey.
Apply to a cleansed face, Leave for 15 - 20 minute before washing off.
Anti-Inflammatory: Oats & Honey
Perfect for Acne-prone, Eczema-prone, Sensitive Skin
Ingredients
2 Tbsp - Oats, 2 Tsp - Organic Manuka Honey
Method
Take the oats and in a pestle and mortar ground down the oats until its fine. Add the honey and 1-2 tablespoons of water and mix until you get a smooth texture. Apply to a cleansed face, Leave for 15 - 20 minute before washing off.
Acne Fighting: Aloe Vera & Tea Tree Oil
Perfect for Acne Prone Skin
Ingredients
1 Tbsp - Aloe Vera, 1 Drop - Tea Tree Oil
Method
Take the Aloe vera gel and apply one drop of organic Tea Tree oil and apply to a dry washed face. Do not be tempted to apply more than one or two drops of tea tree as essential oils can irritate the skin and disrupt the PH balance. With essential oils, always do a patch test beforehand to make sure you are not allergic. Leave for 5-10 minutes before washing off.
Brightening: Lemon, Honey & Yoghurt
Perfect for Dull, Pigmentation skin in need of exfoliation
Ingredients
1 Tsp - Lemon Juice, 2 Tsp - Organic Manuka Honey, 1 Tbsp of Natural Yoghurt
Method
Take the yoghurt, lemon juice and honey and mix together in a bowl. Apply to a cleansed face, Leave for 5 - 10 minute before washing off. Always patch test before. Lemon can cause discolouration on darker skin tones so never apply directly to skin.
The Ingredients
Avocados
Full of fatty acids and free radical fighting antioxidants including vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin,folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The essential fatty acids help reduce inflammation and accelerate wound healing whilst also promoting collagen synthesis. Skin types such as acne, mature and eczema and psoriasis can benefit from this fruit.
Natural Manuka Honey
Honey is anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial and can help with a host of skin issues. Full of vitamins and minerals including B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and certain amino acids. The minerals found in honey include calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc, making it a brilliant anti-ageing ingredient. Honey is also effective for acne, pigmentation and sensitive skin types due to its anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties. Be warned, often shop bought honey can be made from other sources such as refined sugar. Make sure you buy organic honey, or a Manuka which will ensure you get the most benefits from your mask.
Yoghurt
The main nutrient is lactic acid an Alpha Hydroxy acid, which is a natural exfoliant, dissolving dead skin cells, leaving your skin with a natural glow perfect for even those with sensitive skin types. Naturally hydrating, it is a great moisturizer helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Other nutrients include calcium, B2, B5, B12 and zinc helping the skin with cell renewal, hydration and free radical damage. It is anti-ageing, fights pigmentation and acne whilst also being perfect for the more sensitive skin types. Look for a live yoghurt which will have added probiotic goodness, ideal for rebalancing your skin's microbiome and strengthening your skins natural barrier function.
Oats
Again packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties it calms the skin (ideal for acne prone skin) whilst also having exfoliating properties removing dead skin cells. It is also soothing and can help with conditions such as eczema and other skin sensitivities.
Aloe Vera
As used by many burnt holidaymakers, this soothing healing plant is fantastic at healing scorched skin. It relieves inflammation so is fantastic for acne prone or inflamed skin whilst also adding hydration, helping to lock moisture into the epidermis. It naturally contains Salicylic Acid, a Beta Hydroxy Acid, which is a natural exfoliator ideal for oily acne skin types. Aloe also helps prevent tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the production of melanin pigment, which causes UV induced hyperpigmentation. Packed full of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E it is also fabulous for anti-ageing and fighting free radical damage.
Tea Tree Oil
Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, this essential oil is a powerhouse and one of the more commonly known oils. As well as being very effective against acne, tea tree oil is commonly used to great effect against other chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Its anti-inflammatory abilities help to soothe any redness and itching while its outstanding antimicrobial effects can help fight infection. Never apply directly to the skin either dilute with water, aloe vera or a carrier oil to avoid skin sensitivity.
Lemon
Containing vitamin C a powerful antioxidant, and a lightening and brightening agent for your skin routine. Naturally exfoliating, but also free radical fighting, it will help to fight signs of ageing and boost collagen production. If you have sensitive skin, patch test beforehand.