A number of years ago I upgraded my diet.
I stopped eating highly processed food filled will questionable chemicals.
Then I threw my toxic “beauty” products in the trash.
Guess what happened next?
My blotchy skin began to clear up. Unbeknownst to me, I’d been using chemicals to fight a problem that was likely caused by chemicals.
Getting rid of the chemicals seemed to help my skin. To the point I no longer felt the need to wear foundation.
Since that time I haven’t used anything on my skin that I can’t pronounce.
Everything that goes on my skin is non toxic. So it could also go in my mouth. (I think we forget that anything that goes in our skin also winds up in our bodies. One doctor told me that 60 percent of what you put on your skin reaches your bloodstream.)
Using plant based products on your face has a number of advantages, besides the obvious one of not exposing yourself to toxins.
Our skin is a living organ. Harsh chemicals can hurt it. One of the unwanted side effects may be blotchy skin, as I’ve learned.
Natural plant based beauty products are now widely available. But they’re expensive. So another alternative is to make your own.
Below I’ll tell you how to make five different types of homemade face masks, using only natural products. (Some of the ingredients you probably already have in the house.)
5 Easy Homemade Face Masks
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My number one favorite DIY face mask is one with volcanic clay. I use a clay face mask once a week for general toning and exfoliation.
Clay appears to be good for your skin, as long as you don’t leave it on too long. Everyone is different. So if it starts to get itchy or really uncomfortable time to wash it off.
Every time I use clay my face feels so smooth. My skin looks younger. This last for a couple of days.
I don’t want to use clay masks too often. Because I’ve noticed that everything seems to work best when rotated. I don’t know why this happens. But once a week seems to be the perfect time interval for a clay mask.
However, you can use other types of facial masks on the days in between. For whatever reason, this approach seems to work the best for me. We’re all different. But rotating beauty products (and natural remedies) yields the best results.
How To Make A Bentonite Clay Mask
First of all, you will need natural Bentonite clay. This is something I believe everyone should have in the house anyway.
You can find it at your local health food store or you can order it online.
Clay contains minerals. So it’s believed to be good for your skin. Whether or not skin absorbs these minerals I can’t say, as I have no way to measure it.
But I can say with full confidence that using a clay mask makes my skin feel softer.
How To Make A Clay Mask
Making a basic clay mask is easy. You need just a half teaspoon of natural volcanic clay. Plus a little bit of water to make a paste. (Clay is a great investment. A jar will last a long time. My face feels like I just had an expensive facial when I’m done.)
1/2 teaspoon of natural volcanic clay (You can find it here)
Enough distilled or bottled spring water to make a spreadable paste.
1 drop of lavender essential oil (You can find it here) This ingredient is optional. But lavender oil is considered good for your skin. It’s also very soothing.
2 drops of olive oil (This is optional. But not a bad idea if you have dry skin.)
Mix these ingredients together and spread on your face. Rinse off when the clay is dry (probably about 10 minutes.) Rinse sooner if your skin becomes itchy or it feels irritated.
Clay is a powerful exfoliating agent. Which is why I like it. But it’s also very strong.
It’s a good idea to do a 24 hour test patch on the inside of your arm. Put the clay there for 10 minutes. Rinse off. If no irritation after a day it’s probably not likely to irritate the skin on your face.
Camu Camu Clay Mask for Your Face
Pure camu camu power is a great addition to a clay face mask. That’s because this Amazonian berry powder is loaded with antioxidants. Camu camu has now found its way into a number of high-end beauty creams.
So here’s how to make a clay mask with natural camu camu berry powder.
1/4 teaspoon of natural volcanic clay (You can get it here)
1/4 teaspoon of camu camu berry powder (You can get it here)
Distilled water or natural spring water. Enough to make a paste.
I left this mask on my face for about 10 minutes. That’s about the time it took it to thoroughly dry. However, people with sensitive skin might need less time. Expect some pulling and tightness. But remove immediately if it begins to sting.
Don’t shy away from doing a 24 hour test patch, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Honey Face Mask With Camu Camu Powder
Honey is another popular DIY face mask ingredient. This bee product is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. It’s also very sticky, so it’s good for exfoliating,
As a middle-aged woman, I’m a big fan of gently exfoliating my face.
So here’s how to make a raw honey face mask, with camu camu powder.
2 teaspoons of raw organic honey (You can get it here)
3/4 teaspoon of organic camu camu powder (You can get it here)
Mix these together and apply to your face. Leave on for about 10 or 15 minutes before rinsing off, If the mixture irritates your face rinse it sooner.
Banana Face Mask With Frankincense Essential Oil
Did you know bananas are good for your skin? Especially if you use a ripe banana to make a DIY face mask.
This is also a good way to use up ripe bananas about to go bad, that you probably aren’t going to eat.
You can also add a little frankincense essential oil to the mix. Frankincense is a Biblical resin that’s becoming very popular now.
Fortunately, it’s available as an essential oil. So everyone can now own this precious resin once thought fit for a King.
Banana face mask recipe below
I ripe banana mashed
One teaspoon of avocado oil (You can get it here)
2 drops of frankincense essential oil (You can get it here)
Mix the above ingredients together and leave on your face for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off. But rinse off earlier if your skin feels itchy or irritated.
Avocado Face Mask Recipe
What to do with avocados past their prime. You know, the ones with brown streaks that you meant to eat a couple of days ago.
Don’t throw them away. Put them on your face instead. (You can also use ripe avocados that haven’t gone bad for this purpose as well.)
Here’s what to do.
1 ripe soft avocado
1 teaspoon of raw organic honey (You can get it here)
1/2 teaspoon of olive oil
1 drop of lavender essential oil (You can get it here)
Mix together and apply to your face. Mix well, so no avocado chunks remain. Let it sit on your face for 15 minutes. Rinse off.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils.