Founder of Inatur, Pooja Nagdev shares DIY Homemade Face Masks

DIY face masks

Masks are used to cleanse the skin, absorb excess oil, remove dead skin cells, soften blackheads, heal damaged or blemished skin, simulate circulation in the skin and improve skin color and tone. The results depend on the ingredients we choose. We can make face masks at home using ingredients available in your house using essential oils.

Freshly cooked mask- For blemish control dry skin

Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and pumpkins mashed and mixed into a smooth paste. Add some drops of patchouli, sandalwood earthly balancing oils along with sweet almond oil and coconut oil.

Rose Aloe Mask

For those who long for baby soft skin, the rose aloe mask is going to do wonders for your skin. This mask is really easy to make; probably the easiest mask of our DIY list. The results of this mask are going to leave you with baby soft skin. Take a table spoon of aloevera gel. To this add a table spoon of rose water and tablespoon of calamine powder to form a paste. Apply a thick layer on face and leave it to dry for 15-20 minutes.

 Strawberry, tomato, cucumber and water melon mask superb mask filled with enzymes, vitamins, minerals and natural sugar, excellent to hydrate skin. Mash one strawberry, half medium sized tomato, slice of cucumber and watermelon and form a paste add 10 drops of evening primrose oil and oat flour as binder. Apply a thick layer on face including eyes. Leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse. Excellent for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Radiant Honey egg white and Lemon Facial Mask

Mix one tablespoon of raw honey or Manuka honey with 2-3 drops of Lemon essential oil (alternatively can use lemon juice also) and one egg white. Apply to face and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Avoid sun exposure immediately after removing the mask as lemon oil is photosensitive

Hydrating Honey and Yogurt Facial Mask

Mix one tablespoon of raw honey or Manuka honey, 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Apply to face and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Use a warm washcloth to wipe off. Clarifying Honey and Patchouli Facial Mask Mix one tablespoon of raw honey or Manuka honey with 2-3 drops of Patchouli essential oil. Add Rhousoul clay 1 tea spoon. Apply to face and let sit for 15-20 minutes.

Choosing the Correct Essential Oil

  • Rosehip seed oil (incredibly regenerating, this oil is known for it’s firming and anti-aging abilities – it’s good for dry, ageing, and normal skin)
  • Carrot seed oil (you only need a small amount of this oil, but it’s superb for any skin type – is there anything it won’t heal?)
  • Borage oil (crazy high in oleic acids, this oil is great for most skin types, but especially oily and acne prone skin)
  • Evening primrose oil (acne, ageing, normal skin, you name it – and evening primrose oil can even be taken internally to help with acne)
  • Emu oil (emollient like you wouldn’t believe, emu oil is protective and nourishing for dry or ageing skin)

Choose an Essential Oil for Skin Concerns

  • Lavender (acne, oily, or even dry skin – lavender is healing, but a little, tiny bit goes a long way) Peppermint (like lavender, peppermint is great for oily and acneic skin, and like lavender don’t use much! It’s very astringent, but it might also tingle your skin right off its bones)
  • Chamomile (my favourite chamomile is Roman – and roman chamomile is wonderfully healing and soothing, so it’s great for ALL skin types, very great, but also very expensive).