Depending on your skin type, a botanical mask can be designed to be either a hydrating, emollient, deep-moisturizing treatment or an astringent, skin-tightening treatment.
You’ll find most of the ingredients you’ll need in your refrigerator or kitchen pantry. Many fruits and milk products are rich in skin-softening alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which make them an excellent addition to facial masks. Other good ingredients for facial masks are aloe vera gel, eggs, pumpkin pulp, and unsweetened cocoa powder.
If your skin is dry, choose ingredients with moisturizing benefits, such as avocado, coconut oil, cream, egg yolks, honey, oats, olive oil, powdered milk, or plain yogurt. If your skin is oily, choose ingredients with astringent or toning effects, such as apple cider vinegar, banana, citrus or cranberry juice, egg whites, green clay (also called bentonite, available in natural food stores), strawberries, or witch hazel. Once mixed, the mask ingredients won’t keep well, so discard any leftovers.
Simple Mask for Dry Skin
2 tablespoons plain thick yogurt
1 egg yolk or 1 tablespoon liquid honey
Few drops coconut or olive oil
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, egg yolk or honey, and oil. Use a cotton ball to apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes. Cleanse thoroughly with warm water, then splash your face with cool water.
Simple Mask for Oily Skin
1 ripe banana
1 egg white
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or citrus juice
In a blender, combine the banana, egg white, and vinegar or juice. Blend to form a smooth paste. Use a cotton ball to apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes. Cleanse thoroughly with warm water, then splash your face with cool water.
