The Beauty Edit: Homemade Face masks

Summer months are not kind to our skin and we must do all we can to protect it. So, if you want to give your skin some TLC but don’t want to spend too much at the local spa, try these homemade mask recipes (tried and editor-tested), from the comfort of your own kitchen



Youthful Glow Yoghurt Mask

Yoghurt is a great natural ingredient that can be used for all skin types. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals that aids in nourishing and revitalising dehydrated skin, and also contains anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Nourish and exfoliate your skin by adding honey and oats to your yoghurt mask. Oatmeal is an absorbent that absorbs oil that clogs our pores while honey hydrates and moisturises the skin.

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon yoghurt

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon oats

Directions:

1. Blend oats to ensure they are finely ground.

2. Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl and mix well.

3. Apply a thick layer of the mixture to your face with clean finger tips, avoiding the eye area.

4. Let mask settle for 15-20 minutes.

5. Gently rinse your face with lukewarm water.

6. Splash with cold water to close pores and pat dry with a clean towel.



Acne Scars Mask

This homemade mask can do wonders for your skin and those acne scars that refuse to go away. Turmeric, the much-loved spice we add to our food, has properties that can make your skin look healthy again. Added to gram flour, this mask is effective in treating acne and removing scars. Its anti-bacterial properties help kill bacteria as well as reduced inflammation and pain. Not only is this mask great for your face, but it can also be applied all over the body to remove dark spots caused by the sun.

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons gram flour

• 2 tablespoons of milk

• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a bowl.

2. Mix together until you have a fine paste.

3. Apply to face and neck and leave for 20-30 minutes.

4. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat dry with clean towel.



Skin Tightening Mask

As we grow older, the texture and elasticity of our skin deteriorates and paves way for fine lines and wrinkles. Other than ageing, factors such as lifestyle, genes and diet contribute to how long our skin retains the collagen needed for tight skin. There are ways however, in which you can improve the elasticity of your skin and keep it looking younger for longer, such as this homemade egg mask. This easy-to-make mask will give you a natural facelift in the comfort of your own home.

You will need:

• One egg

• Cotton wool

• Tissue

Directions:

1. Break egg into a plastic bowl or container.

2. Separate the egg white from the yolk.

3. Using cotton wool, apply a layer of egg white on your face.

4. Once dry, place a tissue on your face, making holes for your eyes and nose. Apply a second layer of egg white over the tissue.

5. Sit back for 20 minutes until mask is thoroughly dry.

6. Peel tissue off and wash face with cold water.



Brightening Lemon Mask

The use of lemons in beauty treatments have been known for a long time. Its juice is popular for acne treatments, blemishes and oily skin. You can mix fresh lemon juice with water to create a toner that will tighten pores and reduce the amount of sebum produced by your skin. The regular use of lemons results in beautiful glowing skin.

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon honey

• A few drops of almond oil

• Cotton wool

Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

2. With a piece of cotton wool, apply the mixture to your face, carefully avoiding the eye area.

3. Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes, and then rinse with cold water.