Facial Fads: 4 DIY Face Masks Already In Your Kitchen

The facial fad is upon us. It seems social media is buzzing on sheet masks, "life-changing" clay masks, those charcoal ones that look entirely painful yet satisfying to peel off (you know the ones) and so on. Maybe they work, maybe they don't but at the end of the day it seems we all want one thing: clear, glowing, youthful skin.
 
The list of potential ingredients of these masks is endless depending on the intended purpose and your skin.  However, instead of using obscure ingredients and expensive trendy clays, I opted to create masks that were likely already in your kitchen and easy on the wallet!
 
Here's 4 easy masks that you can whip up!  Gently rub the mixture onto your face in circular motion, leave on for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat dry! Use these 1-2 times a week for beamingly happy skin :)

1. FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN

3 tbsp oats [I tend to blend it into a flour for easy mixing]: fights inflammation, soothing angry skin, red skin.
1 tsp baking soda: exfoliates and helps to lift dirt out of pores.
1 tsp matcha powder OR make concentrated green tea: reduces sebum production and fights androgens topically that can contribute to acne.
1-2 drops tea tree oil: topical antimicrobial that specifically targets the bacteria p. acnes. Studies show tea tree is 5.5x more effective than water in reducing acne severity.

2. FOR DULL SKIN

1 tsp turmeric: anti-inflammatory, enhances elasticity and reduces sunspots caused by UVB rays.
2 tbsp rice/coconut flour: gentle exfoliant and helps stimulate blood flow.
a pinch of nutmeg: reduces redness and stimulates blood flow.
2 tbsp yogurt: yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to break down old skin cells (like a mini face-lift!).

3. FOR OILY SKIN

Juice from 1/2 lemon: acts as an astringent to close pores and regulates sebum production.
1 tsp baking soda: gentle exfoliant
1 tsp apple cider vinegar or witch hazel: astringent (tightens pores) and antimicrobial.
1 tbsp honey: anti-microbial and provides some moisture in the mask; even with oily skin, we don't want to strip all of the natural moisture from the skin as this can cause a rebound over-production of oil.

4. FOR DRY SKIN

1 tbsp honey: hydrating, antimicrobial and if you get raw honey, slight exfoliating action.
2 tbsp (melted) coconut oil: deeply hydrating
OPT: 1 cap or 1/4 tsp vitamin e oil for scar removal effects
OPT: A few slices of cucumber pulp for added moisture and to reduce redness.
While these rad masks are helpful in adding a boost to your skin, skin health really starts from the inside.  This is why it is crucial to stay well hydrated, incorporate veggies into most meals, cut out the processed stuff, and have a sleep routine of 7-8 hours.
 
Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, nutrition and botanical medicine are modalities naturopaths are trained in that can teach you how to boost our skin's health so that you can feel comfort in the beauty that is you!
 
Contact an ND today to find out more!
 
References
http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/slideshows/13-turmeric-face-mask-recipes-clear-glowy-skin-160718/page1
 
Raman, A., U. Weir, and S. F. Bloomfield. "Antimicrobial effects of tea‐tree oil and its major components on Staphylococcus aureus, Staph. epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes." Letters in Applied Microbiology 21.4 (1995): 242-245.
 
Mahmood, Tariq, et al. "Outcomes of 3% green tea emulsion on skin sebum production in male volunteers." Bosn J Basic Med Sci 10.3 (2010): 260-264.
 
Disclaimer: The authors of the blogs at Whole and Holistic are still awaiting results from licensing exams and are not licensed, practicing NDs.