5 DIY Face Masks

Beauty/Skincare, Featured Article, Healthy Living
on March 16, 2012
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Indulging in a facial every month is a decadent way to keep your complexion healthy and beautiful. Thankfully, whipping up an effective mask at home is super-simple. All you need is a blender, a few fresh ingredients and these recipes from skincare expert Marina Valmy, director of Christine Valmy Skincare.

Nourishing Mask for Dry Skin
Replenish the moisture that’s missing from your dry, flaky skin with this restorative concoction. “The lactic acid from sour cream increases the mask’s penetration for maximum results, while oatmeal soothes and calms skin,” according to Valmy.

  • 2 artichokes (jarred in olive oil)
  • 1 tbsp oatmeal flour
  • 1 tsp sour cream

Sprinkle oatmeal into a mixer, then add the artichoke. Blend until combined. Add sour cream then stir. Transfer the mixture to a bowl then apply over the entire face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 20 minutes before removing with cotton pads and warm water.

De-Puffing Mask for Tired Eyes
To minimize dark circles and decrease puffiness in the eye area, try this treatment. It contains coffee to increase blood circulation, potatoes (which boast enzymes that help remove toxins) and vitamin K-rich broccoli.

  • 1 1/2 tbsp grated raw potatoes
  • 1 1/2 tsp instant caffeinated coffee
  • 1 tbsp grated raw broccoli

Put potatoes and coffee into a mixer and blend. Add broccoli and blend until combined. Transfer mixture into a bowl then apply under the eye area. Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes before removing with cotton pads and cool water.

Moisturizing Mask for Sensitive Skin
This blend of honey, oatmeal and banana offers anti-inflammatory benefits to easily irritated, dehydrated skin. A dose of lactose from the cream and fruit enzymes also helps gently clear away dead, dulling skin cells.

  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 quarter of a banana
  • 2 tsp papaya pieces
  • 1 tsp heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp oatmeal

Cut the banana into pieces and, using a fork, blend with the papaya and sour cream. Add the honey and stir. Apply mixture to the entire face, avoiding the eye area, and leave on for 20 minutes. Remove with cotton pads and cool water.

RELATED: Which Facial Treatment is Best For Your Skin?

Soothing Mask for Oily Skin
“This anti-inflammatory mask is rich in soothing and calming ingredients that minimize skin redness,” says Valmy. The basil and mint also work together to fight bacteria and clear away blemishes without over-drying skin.

  • 1 1/2 tbsp yogurt
  • 1 tbsp oatmeal
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/3 of a kiwi
  • 2-3 fresh basil leaves
  • 5-6 fresh mint leaves

Put the yogurt and kiwi into a blender and mix. Sprinkle in the oats and cinnamon and follow with the basil and mint. Blend until combined. Apply over the face (except near the eyes); leave on for 20 minutes, then remove with cotton pads and water.

Antioxidant Mask for Aging Skin
Boost your skin’s power to fend off free radical damage. This mask is made with antioxidant-rich pomegranate and orange as well as heavy cream and oatmeal to calm irritation and olive oil to soothe and soften.

  • 1 1/2 tbsp mashed pomegranate
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp orange juice
  • 1/2 tbsp oatmeal
  • 1/2 tsp olive oil

Combine pomegranate with the heavy cream, oatmeal and olive oil. Mix until blended, then stir in the orange juice. Apply over face and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes before removing with cotton pads and warm water.