Facial masks have many benefits for your skin—hydration, detox, increased circulation, replenished nutrients—but they’re often an overlooked part of a healthy skin care regime. Even if you cleanse, tone and moisturize daily, you could be missing out on the deeper nourishment facial masks provide.
So why do people skip this important step? A common misconception is that facial masks take too much time and are too expensive.
Well what if we told you you can make your own facial mask using common ingredients found on your grocery list that are easy and quick to use?
Our own Kara Ballard, a licensed medical aesthetician (LMA), has come up with four simple facial masks made from common ingredients found at any grocery story. It’s time to make facial masks a part of your skin-care routine and start showing off your cleaner, healthier skin!
1. Avocados contain the good kind of fat, as well as more than 25 vital nutrients, including Vitamin A which cleanses the skin of dead skin cells and protects against harmful environmental factors and antioxidants that reduce toxins and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
For softer, younger-looking, more hydrated skin, make a mask by mashing up avocado with honey and lemon.
2. Bananas contain Vitamins A, B, C and E, and also have minerals like potassium, zinc, iron and manganese, making them a natural moisturizer for your skin. The Vitamin C in bananas also contributes to a healthy and youthful glow of the skin.
Mix mashed-up bananas with honey and/or yogurt to make a mask that softens skin and gives you a natural glow.
3. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as in zinc, which helps to exfoliate and soften your skin.
The enzymes in the pulp can be used as a light peel.
4. Papaya’s enzymes act as an exfoliant, by removing dead skin cells and breaking down inactive proteins. Papaya can also help even out skin discoloration.
Use a mashed papaya as a mild peel. Hint: For an even more effective exfoliant, activate the enzymes with steam.
Kara is a graduate of the Euro Institute of Skin Care, and she has an emphasis on holistic skin therapy. She is beloved by all our patients!