two women with white face masks on with cucumbers
Shutterstock/Alena Ozerova

1: Clarifying honey mask with lemon, yogurt, and turmeric 

Acne is caused by a strain of bacteria, P. acnes, that lives in everybody’s skin and feeds on the sebum that we naturally produce. When we produce too much sebum, the bacteria feast on the excess and multiply, producing irritating secretions and causing inflammation. But have no fear: honey is a natural antibacterial! By applying it to your face, you can help to keep those pesky P. acnes bacteria in check. For this clarifying mask, you’ll use half a tablespoon of honey.

Lemon contains citric acid, a natural exfoliant which helps to get rid of the dead skin cells that accumulate on the outermost layer of your skin. These dead skin cells can block your pores and cause sebum build-ups, and can also give your skin a dull, lackluster look. The half a tablespoon of lemon juice in this mask will help to brighten your skin and prevent future breakouts.

Yogurt contains lactic acid, another natural exfoliant which will help to clear away dead skin cells. It also contains beneficial bacteria, which can help fight away those P. acnes bacteria and maintain the balance of bacteria in your skin. In this mask, you’ll use one tablespoon of yogurt. 

Finally, turmeric contains a phytonutrient called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also rich in antioxidants! The half a teaspoon of ground turmeric in this mask will help to calm down inflammation, soothe redness, and improve your skin tone.

To use this mask, combine the ingredients above in a small bowl and whisk with a fork until they are evenly mixed. Cleanse your skin and apply a warm washcloth for 15-30 seconds to open your pores. Then, using a clean brush or fingers, apply the mask to your skin. Wait for 10-20 minutes, then rinse–and be dazzled!

2: Ultra-hydrating honey mask with oatmeal, avocado, and coconut oil

Another of honey’s many, amazing benefits: It’s a natural humectant with soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties, which is great news for anyone with dry skin. Not only does honey restore moisture to dry and damaged skin–it actually helps your skin to retain that moisture over time. For this mask, you’ll use one-half tablespoon of honey.

Oatmeal is another natural humectant, so it’ll help your skin to lock in moisture and stay hydrated and dewy for days. Its gentleness also makes it a great DIY ingredient for people with sensitive skin. The one-half tablespoon of ground/powdered oatmeal in this mask soothe and hydrate your skin, reducing redness.

Everyone has heard that avocados are a superfood packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants. These properties also make avocado terrific for nurturing your skin! The one tablespoon of mashed/pureed avocado in this mask will bring a healthy glow to your skin.

Coconut oil is basically sorcery. Not only is it a great moisturizer–it’s a natural antibacterial and antifungal, which means it’ll help to prevent harmful fungi and bacteria from accumulating in your skin. It also penetrates your skin better than other oils, so it’s extra-effective at delivering those moisturizing and restorative qualities. For this mask, you’ll use one tablespoon of coconut oil.

To use this mask, combine the ingredients above in a small bowl and whisk with a fork until they are evenly mixed. (Make sure the avocado is mashed or blended to a nice, even consistency–if it’s chunky, it’ll fall off of your face!) Cleanse your skin and apply a warm washcloth for 15-30 seconds to open your pores. Then, using a clean brush or fingers, apply the mask to your skin. Wait for 10-20 minutes, then rinse.

3: Exfoliating honey mask with yogurt and brown sugar

Honey’s natural antibacterial and humectant properties make it the perfect addition to an exfoliating mask. As you exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin cells and clearing your pores, the honey will help to eliminate acne-causing and inflammation-causing bacteria in your skin. It’ll also deliver hydration to your newly-exfoliated skin! For this mask, you’ll use one-half tablespoon of honey. 

As discussed above, yogurt is a natural exfoliant that clears away dead skin cells, brightening the appearance of your skin. It also contains beneficial bacteria that can help to prevent harmful bacteria from taking over your skin. For this mask, you’ll use one tablespoon of yogurt.

Fine-grained brown sugar works perfectly as a gentle face scrub! For this mask, you’ll use one-half tablespoon of brown sugar. 

To use this mask, combine the ingredients above in a small bowl and whisk with a fork until they are evenly mixed. Make sure to break up any clumps that may have formed in the brown sugar! Cleanse your skin and apply a warm washcloth for 15-30 seconds to open your pores. Then, using a clean brush or fingers, apply the mask to your skin. Wait for 10-20 minutes, then rub the mixture over your face in gentle, small, circular motions. Rinse, and you’re done!

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