How to Make Face Clearing Masks at Home

A face cleaning mask is an excellent way to rejuvenate your skin and promote the growth of new skin cells. A well-made mask revives the epidermis by removing dirt, oil and dead skin cells and by establishing a proper surface pH. If done correctly, a mask will leave your skin with a younger appearance and a healthy glow. Throngs of women regularly flock to the cosmetic counter and spend a small fortune on skin care products. The truth is, the perfect ingredients for this cosmetic wonder worker are hiding in your kitchen. To learn how to make cleaning masks at home with ingredients you probably already have on hand, read on.

Things You'll Need

• Egg white
• Grated apple
• Lemon juice
• Egg yolk
• Olive oil
• Banana
• Avocado
• Oatmeal
• Granulated sugar
• Table salt
• Honey

Instructions

1. Determine which type of skin you have. Look closely at your face in the mirror and be honest with yourself. Oily skin has an obvious shine and feels slick or sticky when you touch it. Dry skin tends to flake easily, particularly when the temperature or relative humidity drops. Normal skin feels smooth and soft and generally exhibits a rosy glow. Combination skin has oily patches across the forehead, nose and chin and dry areas around the eyes and possibly the cheeks.

2. Decide which type of facial mask you'd like to use. A general cleansing mask is a great choice if you have oily skin, while a cleaning mask that also moisturizes will provide better results if you have dry skin. Combination and normal skin derive the greatest benefits from a cleaning mask that also exfoliates or stimulates the skin.

3. Rummage through your cupboards and ransack your kitchen to see what you have on hand. Common facial mask ingredients include egg white, grated apple or lemon juice for oily skin; egg yolk, olive oil, banana or avocado for dry skin, and oatmeal or granulated sugar or table salt for exfoliating masks. For example, for a cleansing mask for oily skin, combine egg white with 1 tbsp. of honey and 1 tsp. of lemon juice.

4. Place your desired ingredients into a bowl and mix with enough honey to form a thick paste.

5. Mix your mask with a fork until all ingredients are well blended.

6. Spread mask gently over your skin, avoiding the area immediately surrounding the eyes. Leave the mask on for approximately 15 minutes.

7. Rinse away with warm water and softly pat with a clean cotton towel to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have sensitive skin, try a cleaning facial mask made of instant oatmeal and honey, or honey all on its own. Warm a small amount in the microwave and lightly coat your skin. Allow the mask to dry for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

• Try your homemade mask mixture on the skin of your inner wrist prior to putting it on your face. If any swelling or itching occurs, you probably need to rework your formula prior to using it as a mask.

Resources

• Natural Beauty Treatments