Homemade Face Mask Recipes for Clear and Glowing Skin

Anyone who’s ever dealt with acne knows that achieving clear skin is no easy feat. Between working to find the right skincare routine and trying out every new face mask on the market, it can feel like you’ve tried everything.

If you’re still struggling to achieve the clear skin of your dreams, you may want to try making your own face masks at home. DIY face masks can be just as effective as store-bought ones, and they’re often more gentle on sensitive skin. Plus, they’re a lot cheaper! If you’re not sure where to start, here are five easy recipes for homemade face masks that will help to clear and brighten your skin.

Recipe #1: Refreshing and Hydrating Mask

For a refreshing and hydrating mask, mix one-part aloe vera gel with one part water. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Aloe vera is well known for its hydrating properties, making it a great ingredient for dry or sensitive skin. It can also help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. However, apply a small amount to a small area of your skin first to make sure you’re not allergic.

Recipe #2: Brightening Mask

To brighten dull skin, mix together one-quarter cup of mashed papaya, one tablespoon honey, and one teaspoon lemon juice. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. This mask is perfect for those with dull or uneven skin tone.

Papaya contains enzymes that help to brighten and exfoliate the skin, while honey is a natural antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation. Lemon juice will also help to brighten your skin.

Since lemon juice can be drying, it’s important to follow up with a moisturizer, and don’t forget to apply sunblock if you’ll be spending time outdoors later on.

Recipe #3: Exfoliating Mask

For an exfoliating mask, mix together one-quarter cup of oatmeal, one tablespoon honey, and one teaspoon lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Oatmeal is a great natural exfoliator that can help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Honey is a natural antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation, while lemon juice will also help to brighten your skin.

You can eventually replace oatmeal with ground coffee beans for a more intense exfoliation — just make sure that the coffee beans are finely ground so that they don’t scratch your skin.

Recipe #4: The Ultimate Detoxifying Mask

If you’re looking for a face mask that will really help to clear your skin, this one is for you. Mix together one tablespoon each of bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, and water. Apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

This mask is perfect for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Bentonite clay helps to absorb excess oil and draw out impurities, while apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to keep your skin clear.

Remember to use a light hand when applying this mask — the clay can be drying if you use too much.

Recipe #5: Acne-Fighting Mask

For those who are struggling with acne, this mask can help to clear up your skin. Mix together one tablespoon each of honey, turmeric, and plain yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Honey is a natural antibacterial that can help to fight acne-causing bacteria, while turmeric can help to reduce inflammation. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid that can help to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.

This mask may make your skin a bit more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to apply sunscreen if you’ll be spending time outdoors.

How to Preserve Your Homemade Face Mask

If you’re planning on making a large batch of face masks to last you for a while, there are a few things you can do to preserve them.

• First, make sure that your ingredients are fresh — expired or rancid ingredients won’t do your skin any favors.
• Second, store your face mask in an airtight container in the fridge.
• And finally, make sure to use your face mask within a week or two for best results.

The Bottom Lines

There are plenty of ways to make a homemade face mask, depending on your skin type and what you’re trying to achieve.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, try a hydrating or soothing mask. For dull or uneven skin, try a brightening mask. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, try an exfoliating or detoxifying mask. And if you’re just looking for a general face mask to help improve your skin, try a simple mixture of honey, turmeric, and yogurt.

Experiment until you find a mask (or combination of masks) that works for you! And don’t forget to moisturize after applying any face mask, since they can often be drying.