I'm currently in the homemade skincare phase. This includes making body scrubs, homemade lip scrubs, and homemade face masks. I'm not the only one thinking that, based on the countless recipes for the best home face masks floating around the internet.
“If you make the right choices, it will be a luxurious, sensuous and pleasurable experience in every way.” Varni PalaciosEsthetician, Founder studio varni In Los Angeles. However, she warns that you should always consult a dermatologist first. If you have specific skin concerns, she says you should stick to “products that are professionally formulated and clinically tested for effectiveness.”
Dr. Marisa Gershick, a board-certified dermatologist at FAAD, agreed, explaining, “It's unclear how effective masks are, and potential side effects such as inflammation, scarring, and discoloration are always a concern.” doing.
To avoid potential side effects, Palacios recommends patch testing homemade masks, storing them refrigerated to avoid spoilage, and washing them twice before application. She also advises keeping recipes simple and choosing only fresh, clean, organic, whole ingredients that are less likely to irritate the skin.
With that in mind, Palacios and Dr. Garshick offered up some great homemade face mask recipes for every skin concern, from hyperpigmentation to oiliness.
Best homemade face mask for acne
Active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol soothe breakouts. However, if you don't have these on hand, Palacios says you can make a gentle homemade face mask using products found in your kitchen or medicine cabinet. Simply mix three crushed, uncoated aspirin tablets with one tablespoon of Manuka honey and one to two tablespoons of whole milk or full-fat yogurt. “Crush the tablets into a fine powder and mix with the other ingredients until smooth enough to apply,” she advises.
“Salicylic acid in aspirin helps unclog pores and calm inflammation,” she says. “The lactic acid in yogurt hydrates, heals, and gently exfoliates dead skin cells. Manuka honey has moisturizing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that fight off acne-causing bacteria.”
Best homemade face masks for hyperpigmentation
If you suffer from sunburn or acne scars, you know that hyperpigmentation can be difficult to treat. Instead of letting time heal your blemishes, exfoliate and nourish your skin with a mixture like Dr. Garshick's pumpkin, yogurt, and honey mask. “Mix together one tablespoon of pumpkin puree, one teaspoon of Greek yogurt, and half a teaspoon of honey,” explains Dr. Girshick. “To use, wash your face, apply the mask, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then wash it off. Then use your regular moisturizer.”
“Pumpkin has great benefits for your skin, as it's rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which has skin-brightening properties,” she shares. “The combination of pumpkin and yogurt with lactic acid gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin glowing. Honey is a humectant that draws in water, so the skin doesn't feel dry.”
Homemade face mask perfect for dry skin
Dry, flaky skin can worsen acne and redness and make it nearly impossible to apply makeup. When extreme dryness strikes, Palacios recommends this nourishing mask. This requires half an avocado, 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey, 2 tablespoons of whole milk or full-fat yogurt, and a handful of gluten-free organic oats. “Avocados are rich in healthy fats and natural oils that nourish and hydrate your skin,” she explains. “Manuka honey has moisturizing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The lactic acid in the yogurt helps moisturize, heal, and exfoliate dead skin cells, and its creamy texture locks in moisture.” When combined with it, it has a great healing effect on dry and irritated skin, acne, eczema and psoriasis. Mix until smooth and thick creamy. Allow to cool before applying.
Best exfoliating homemade face mask
Exfoliate at least once a week, and no more than 2-3 times a week. However, be aware that many exfoliants can damage your skin (I'm looking at you, microbeads from past skin care). That's why it's best to choose a gentle exfoliating solution like this one from Dr. Garshick.
“For an easy homemade face mask with baking soda, mix 1 teaspoon with 1 tablespoon of water to make a paste, apply it to your skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water,” she says. “Baking soda acts as a physical exfoliant and helps remove dead skin cells that have built up.”
Homemade face mask perfect for dry skin
I don't have particularly dry skin, but that doesn't mean I don't suffer from it from time to time. When my skin gets parched over the winter or after spending time in the dry heat, I reach for this avocado and honey (or olive oil) mask from Dr. Garshick.
To make it, she says, “Mash a quarter of a whole avocado with one teaspoon each of honey and olive oil. Apply evenly all over your face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.” She continues, “This mask is great for those with dry skin, as it has a softening, soothing and hydrating effect. Honey is known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help to soothe the skin.” Rich in water, avocados are also high in fatty acids, which not only increase skin hydration, but also support the skin's barrier and help lock in moisture.”
Homemade face mask perfect for combating oiliness
Although my combination skin is not as prone to acne as it used to be, I still get acne flare-ups when I'm stressed or my period is approaching. In those situations, I reach for a mask that's specially formulated to calm breakouts and prevent new ones from appearing. Dr. Garshick says this recipe is perfect for doing just that. “Those with oily, breakout-prone skin might want to opt for a DIY mask that contains activated charcoal, aloe vera gel, and tea tree oil,” she explains. “It's best to mix these ingredients, apply the mixture to your face, leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse with water. The activated charcoal helps absorb excess oil and remove debris that may be clogging your pores. In contrast, the tea tree oil helps reduce breakout-causing bacteria, and the aloe vera reduces inflammation and soothes the skin.”
Best homemade face mask for redness
Some people are more prone to skin redness than others, but everyone has experienced a bout of inflammation at least once. “Everything in this mask is cooling, which is the most important factor for redness, which is another word for inflammation,” Palacios says of this luxurious solution. First, you will need half a cup of chopped cucumber, 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 3 tablespoons of freshly brewed chamomile tea.
“Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and is great for wound healing. Cucumber is extremely moisturizing (literally packed with water), and chamomile has soothing, healing, and soothing properties. Mix all the ingredients until combined and let cool before applying,” she says. For an additional soothing effect, we recommend freezing this mixture in ice cubes and using it as facial icing in the morning, at night, or after a workout.
Homemade face mask perfect for skin whitening
Palacios says all you need for this mask is one tablespoon of manuka honey, half a lemon and a pinch of turmeric. She recommends it to those who suffer from a dull or irritated complexion. “Turmeric's abundant antioxidant curcumin neutralizes free radicals and reduces scarring,” she shares. “Manuka Honey Hydrate reduces inflammation and heals the skin. Lemon prevents bacteria, reduces inflammation, brightens and brightens dull skin. Therefore, this mask helps to reduce inflammation, scars and dull skin. It is incredibly effective in addressing complexion.”
Meet Our Experts
Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a leading board-certified dermatologist serving patients throughout Manhattan, New York at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery and Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Garshick offers a variety of cosmetic and medical procedures and services, including treatments for acne, eczema, hyperhidrosis, moles, psoriasis, rosacea, signs of aging, skin cancer, skin tags, vitiligo, wrinkles, and more. I am.
Dr. Garshick's graduate training in dermatology began with an internship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She completed her dermatology residency at Cornell University NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she served as chief resident in dermatology.
Varni Palacios is a licensed esthetician and founder of Studio Varni, a Los Angeles facial studio that treats issues such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin.