A Pinch Of Thoughts

5 DIY Face Mask Recipes That Will Make Your Skin Christmas Ready

At last, 2020 has almost come to an end. This year brought a lot of changes in our lives and it taught us to prioritize. Our new normal is so quite different from what it used to be. May it be our diet, our lifestyle, work, heck… even our beauty regime!

Our frequent trips to the store to grab our favourite skin routine products were cut down or were say, non-existent! Parlour visits had become more of a dream. Online deliveries were scarce. And that is exactly when a lot of us decided to raid the kitchen; not for food to eat but for food that would feed our skin; externally. Yes, you guys…it was DIY time!

DIY might sound a bit overwhelming for the lazy ones. It can be quite a bit of work. But, the best thing about the homemade masks is that we exactly know what we are putting on our skin. No hidden harsh chemicals. Also, organic skin care has been on the rise; especially this year!

Before penning down these recipes, an important note- before you start making these concoctions, keep in mind that certain ingredients like lemon and baking soda that are widely used in these homemade recipes, can tend to irritate the skin by altering the pH levels; especially the sensitive skin type. So, it is advised that you do a patch test and check for any burning or redness.

For any masks to be effective, it is important that we cleanse our face before slathering these mixtures on to our face. And if you are up to it, a mild exfoliation using oatmeal and curd/yogurt or just gram flour, will increase the effectiveness of these masks.

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01 – Papaya Greek Yogurt Mask

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp mashed Papaya
  • 1 Tbsp Yogurt (you can also use curd)

Mix the ingredients and apply it to a clean face. Leave the mask for about 5-10 mins. If you have a sensitive skin type, then keep it on for not more than 5 mins. Rinse with lukewarm water and seal it with a toner, followed by moisturizer.

Benefits:

Papaya is rich in vitamins A, B, and C which work wonders for the skin. The enzyme lycopene found in papaya is known to reduce visible signs of ageing, giving the skin a smooth and youthful look. The enzyme papin helps in mild exfoliation and acne control. In case you have a sensitive skin, then you might consider halving the amount of papaya and it will work simply fine.

02 – Banana Mint Mask

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana or maybe half depending on your need
  • 10-12 mint leaves
  • 1 tbsp of honey

Mix all the ingredients in a blender to acquire a paste like consistency. Apply it on to clean face and keep it on for 20-30 mins. Wash off with normal water and apply moisturiser.

Benefits:

This mask is excellent for acne prone skin. Mint is excellent for fighting acne and it also gives you a clear, glowing skin. On the other hand, banana and honey hydrate the skin and smoothens it. This mask works wonders for people with dry skin type.

03 – Kiwi Strawberry Face Mask

(Before you try this mask, please check if your skin can tolerate the kiwi fruit)

Ingredients

  • ½ Kiwi
  • 2 Strawberries
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Mash the fruits to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste on to the face and leave it for 10 mins. For better results, use a clingwrap. Cut holes around the eyes and nose areas and keep the wrap on for 5 mins for the first time. You can increase during later applications. Wash of with cold water and moisturise well.

If you are not comfortable with the clingwrap, then add 1 tsp of Sandalwood powder to the paste and then apply the mixture on to the face. This you can keep it on for 15-20 mins and wash off with normal water.

Benefits:

This mask (both the ways mentioned above) is excellent for brightening the skin and imparting a beautiful glow. It also fights acne which makes it highly beneficial for acne prone skin.

04 – Avocado Cinnamon Face Mask

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp of Avocado
  • ¼ tsp Cinnamon powder
  • 1 tbsp Yogurt
  • Honey or Rosewater as per required

Mix all the ingredients to obtain a smooth paste like consistency. Apply it on to a clean face and leave it on for 20 mins. Wash off with normal or cold water.

Benefits:

This is a great anti-aging recipe for the face. Avocado is rich in Omega 3 and fatty acids which help in restoring the lipid layer of the skin. Cinnamon, a warm spice, stimulates blood vessels and promotes the blood flow to the skin, thus improving the appearance of the skin. It is a powerful antioxidant which helps in dealing with fine lines, pigmentation, and a dull-looking skin. You might experience a bit of tingling sensation while using the mask, but it is completely normal. It means that the spice is doing its work.

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05 – Pineapple Coconut Almond Mask

Ingredients

  • 4-5 Pineapple slices
  • 2 tsp of ground Almond
  • 2 tbsp of Coconut milk

Mix all the ingredients in a blender to obtain a smoot paste. Apply on to the face and leave it for 15-20 mins and rinse with normal water

Benefits:

Pineapple is rich in Vit C and antioxidants which help in fighting acne, sun damage and improve an uneven skin tone. It also has anti-aging properties. Almond is rich in Vit E and it helps softens the skin. It brightens the skin tone and fights damage caused by the sun. Coconut milk is rich in Vit C and helps in improving the skin’s elasticity. And all these ingredients put together will leave you with a brighter, supple, and hydrated skin.; and a smile as well. This mask is great for a dull, dehydrated skin.

Not only are these masks cost-effective, but they also guarantee a beautiful, glowing, and happy skin. And while you are at it, pop in some of those nutritious ingredients; ensuring it works both ways!

Do gives these masks a try. Drop us a line if you liked them; or even if you didn’t. And if you have your favourite recipe, do share it with us. After all, we all would love to look our best as we bid goodbye to 2020!