Back to Basics: My go to DIY Face Masks

In a previous post, "My Skincare Regimen," I mentioned that I use different DIY face masks depending on the ingredients I have at home, so today I've decided to share my favorite 'go to' masks. We are living in an age where no product is considered to be really 100% safe and everything is considered to have traces of toxins leading to the 'C Word'.

Rather than being constantly worked up about the ingredients in my products such as parabens, I believe that if something is good enough to go into my stomach, then it is certainly good enough for my face. Even Queen Cleopatra used natural ingredients for her skincare and was considered among one of the most beautiful women of her time and is still talked about today.

Whats-more, I save money by using the normal ingredients in my kitchen, rather than spending money on so many products :) 

And so here are some of my fave Secret Beauty Weapons.

When I'm trying to fight acne

Apple Cider Vinegar & Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay heals & regenerates skin by drawing out toxins. ACV is clarifying and prevents breakouts. Never use metal to mix this.

Honey & Yoghurt

Honey is hydrating, full of antioxidants and is a natural healer. Yogurt is revitalizing and contains anti-microbial properties. 

Cucumber

Cucumber prevents water retention and relieves skin from irritation

For brightness and a glow

Tumeric & Milk

Tumeric has high antioxidants that slow down cell damage, it reduces inflammation, reduces pigmentation and evens out skin tone. Milk softens skin, kills germs and has lightening properties in addition to having anti-aging properties. Tumeric stains so please don't get any of it on your white towels, clothes or mix it in your special bowls! But don't worry it won't stain your face. ahahah

Lemon Juice & Honey

Lemon is a natural exfoliator removing dead skin which stimulates new cell growth and is loaded with Vitamin C. 

Strawberries

Apart from them tasting amazing, the skin benefits are they prevent collagen destruction hence anti aging. Strawberries contain ellagic acid which helps in fading acne scars and therefore lightens skin.

When my skin feels dry

Oatmeal & Honey/ Milk

Oats contain healthy lubricating fats and when combined with honey will leave your face moisturized. Try to grind the oats into smaller particles though.

Avocado 

They are rich in Omega- 3 fatty acids which are good for the skin and do not clog pores.

And of course the most important 'anti-aging'

Seaweed & Honey

Have you seen how good Japanese women generally look? One of their secrets is seaweed! Seaweed repairs dead skin and slows down the aging process.

Papaya

Papaya contains a papain enzyme which is responsible for breaking down inactive proteins, removes dead skin cells and prevents premature aging.

Rice Water

Rice is packed with Vitamin B components, promoting cell growth, stimulating blood flow and slowing down aging. Just take a few grains of rice soak them in water for about 15 minutes+  then apply the water to your face.

I hope you try some of these masks and I would also love to hear what DIY masks you use.

Thank you for reading.

Love Nyasha Nicole.