If you’re dealing with rough and dry or oily and acne prone skin, whether it be because of winters’ harsh elements or too much summer fun, a DIY (do-it-yourself) face mask or body scrub may be just what the beauty doctor ordered. The great thing about DIY masks and scrubs is you know EXACTLY what is going in them and you can do them whenever YOU want. If you’re a mom who is constantly on the go; no problem! Throw a simple rejuvenating mask on for 15 minutes to provide some evenness and brightness to combat the stress of your work day. Are you looking to treat yo’ self and really want to soak in all of the relaxation of the day? BOOM! Whip up a pore minimizing mask and let it sit while you soak in your tub or dare I say, take a nap! With honest and whole ingredients, DIY masks and scrubs are great for any length of time so use them when it’s convenient for you and really enjoy all of the benefits they have to offer.
Face Masks
While few things are as good for your complexion—and emotional wellbeing—as a relaxing visit to the Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology spa, you can use these simple DIY homemade masks to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin between professional facials.
Banana Honey Acne Fighting Mask– Mash 1 medium ripe banana into ¼-cup plain yogurt, then stir in 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply to face and relax for 15 minutes before rinsing the mask off with cold water. Bananas are naturally hydrating, while the antibacterial properties in honey fight blemishes.
Exfoliating and Hydrating Lemon Mayonnaise Mask– Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into ¼-cup of whole-egg mayonnaise. Stir to combine, then apply to your face. Relax for 15 minutes before rinsing the mask off with cold water. Lemon naturally exfoliates dead cells, while the rich mayonnaise hydrates and plumps skin.
Turmeric Honey Tone and Texture Mask– Combine 1 tablespoon plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon ground turmeric. Apply to face and relax for 15 minutes before rinsing the mask off with cold water. The lactic acid in the yogurt helps remove dead cells, while honey softens and moisturizes. Turmeric gently lightens pigmentation, fading freckles and other dark marks.
Egg White Honey Pore Minimizing Mask– Combine 1 egg white with 1 tablespoon honey and a squeeze of lemon juice. Apply to your t-zone or anywhere you have enlarged pores. Relax for 15 minutes before rinsing the mask off with cold water. The egg white and lemon juice are naturally astringent and will tighten pores, while honey will keep your face from feeling dry or tight.
Body Scrubs
If you’ve never tried Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology spa’s aromatherapy body scrub or relaxation massage with ultra-scrubber, you’re definitely missing out on a luxurious (but affordable!) experience. Until you have time to book one of those treatments, you can use one of these simple homemade body scrubs for a little polishing and pampering.
Super Moisturizing Body Scrub– Combine ½-cup coconut oil, ½-cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons ground oatmeal. Apply the mixture to damp skin and scrub gently for several minutes. Rinse the scrub off with cold water, pat dry, and top off with your favorite body lotion. The coconut oil is rich in antioxidants while brown sugar is packed with glycolic acid.
Oil Fighting Body Scrub– Combine ½-cup olive oil and ½ of an avocado in a food processor or blender. Add 1/3-cup ground almonds. Apply the mixture to damp skin and scrub gently for several minutes, paying particular attention to oil-prone areas like your back and shoulders. Rinse the scrub off with cold water, pat dry, and top off with your favorite body lotion. The olive oil and avocado help prevent dryness, while the ground almonds gently exfoliate.
Whether you’re looking to just unwind and relax or you’re looking to combat skin discoloration, wrinkles, or puffiness, DIY face masks and body scrubs can be your solution. For more inspiration and skin care ideas, check out this article by Yellow Pages and start pampering!
By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology