By Hannah Powling
Following on from our article on all things pumpkin and why it’s such a hero product – there are beauty secrets all around us in our foods. Nature works in brilliant ways, so get some good use from the foods in your kitchen cupboards, and why not make your own DIY face masks for a natural, healthy and yummy treat for your skin?
These treatments are simple to make, and entirely edible too so you know they’re good for your skin. Hey, they’re perfect if you’re on a budget, as you probably have these ingredients sitting right in your kitchen now – so now there’s no need to compromise on your skincare.
Here’s how..
Pumpkin Face Mask
Lets start with pumpkins; ’tis the Halloween season after all. It turns out these October veggies are so great for your skin, so no forgetting about them once the 31st has passed by! They’re loaded with fruit enzymes, which act as an exfoliant; vitamins A, C, and E, all known to fight wrinkles; plus heaps of beta-carotene, zinc, potassium and antioxidants, which can help eliminate redness.
This face mask is simple to make and super refreshing as it tingles ever so slightly when you first apply it, and leaves your complexion fresh and glowing. It smells pretty damn good, too.
Method
2 tbsp organic canned pumpkin puree or 1 small pumpkin
1/2 tsp organic honey
1/2 tsp milk (you can substitute with soy or almond)
1. Combine pumpkin puree, honey, and milk in a small bowl and mix well. If using a fresh pumpkin (or leftovers from a carved jack-o-lantern), scrape the insides and remove the seeds. Beat the gooey insides to a creamy pulp and mix with honey and milk.
2. Start with clean skin. Apply the mask using your fingers or a medium-sized makeup brush; avoid getting the mixture too close to the eyes. You can also apply to the neck and decolletage, but you might need to double the ingredients.
3. Allow the mask to set for about 20 minutes and gently wash off the mask with a warm, damp washcloth and follow with a moisturizer.
Banana Mask
You can use a banana as an all-natural, homemade facial mask that moisturizes your skin and leaves it looking and feeling softer. Rich in powerful anti-oxidants, phytochemicals and moisture; banana will nourish and revitalize dry skin as well as smoothen rough and ageing skin. This is among the, lets say – easier masks to make. Literally no excuses, give it a go.
Method
A Banana is all you need!
1. Mash up a medium-sized ripe banana into a smooth paste, then gently apply it to your face and neck. Let it set for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.
2. You can always add a little plain yogurt with 2 tablespoons honey to the concoction for an add of antibacterial properties, which is great for more acne-prone skin.
Breakfast Face Mask
If you are looking for a quick pick-me-up, give yourself an breakfast facial. Soothe itchy, dry or irritated skin with plain oats. Oats can work wonders as a natural sunburn soother and a great gentle exfoliant. Their anti-inflammatory properties also make them a favorite among those with sensitive skin. The honey adds cleansing, antibacterial, and antioxidant benefits.
Method
1/2 cup hot (not boiling) water
75g plain oats
2 tbsp plain yoghurt
2 tbsp honey
1 small egg white
1. Combine the hot water and oatmeal and leave to settle for 2 or 3 mins.
2. Mix in the yoghurt, honey and egg white.
3. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
Avocado
Avocado is an excellent choice for making homemade face masks for dry skin, as it contains plenty of oils. Avocado facial masks are renowned for nourishing and revitalizing the skin. Since you only need half of an avocado, you can eat the other half and give your skin a boost from the inside as well.
Method
½ very ripe, soft avocado
2tbsp honey
1. Mash the avocado in a bowl, then stir in honey.
2. Apply to skin and leave for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse face with a cool washcloth.
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