As we sail into summer snacking on lemon-lime snow cones and hanging out at the pool with stacks of magazines, it’s time to trade our sneakers for sandals and switch up our skin care routine. I’ve always struggled with hormonal acne, but with the sticky humidity and scorching heat rays, my skin becomes extra oily and inflamed.
I indulge in luxury facial masks quite a bit (my favorites here and here), but I swear if I see one more extravagant purchase on my debit card when I’m trying to save my money, my skin is seriously going to freak out. #stress
Let’s get started! Below, you’ll find three different at-home facial masks for absorbing excess oil, brightening dull skin, and soothing irritated skin.
GOOD FOR: Oily, acne-prone skin
METHOD:Mix 3 Tbsp. fine-ground oatmeal, 2 Tbsp. plain yogurt, and ½ tsp. honey to form a paste. Apply evenly on face, avoiding the eyes. Leave mask on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
BENEFITS: Oatmeal, yogurt, and honey? You probably already have all these items in your cupboard and refrigerator already. Oatmeal is delicious covered in berries and almond slivers, but it’s also great for your skin; oatmeal can relieve dryness, absorb oil, and fights inflammation. Yogurt contains calcium and lactic acid, which means it acts as an exfoliator and a moisturizer. Finally, honey is anti-bacterial and full of antioxidants, so it can help treat and prevent acne. Zits be gone!
GOOD FOR: Making dull skin shine bright
METHOD: Gather 3 Tbsp. aloe vera, 1 tsp. turmeric powder, and 1 tsp. lemon juice and mix it into a thick paste. Apply evenly on face, avoiding the eyes. Leave mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Finish with a mist of this hydrating rosewater facial spray.
BENEFITS: Aloe vera soothes skin and absorbs oil, while turmeric powder and lemon juice reduce pigmentation, slows cell damage, and brightens skin tone. Have leftover turmeric powder? Make a yellow curry for dinner, girl.
GOOD FOR: Soothing + calming irritated skin
METHOD: This facial mask is designed to help you chill out. Draw a bath, light a candle, and make two cups of chamomile tea. Let one cup cool completely – you’ll use the full cup for the facial mask – and enjoy the other cup as you begin to relax. Mix one cup of chamomile tea and ½ Tbsp. white willow bark extract, then apply evenly to face. Be sure to avoid the eyes. Wear the mask for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Think white willow bark extract sounds expensive? This little bottle is just under $7.
BENEFITS: While these items may not be everyday staples in your pantry, they’re affordable and beneficial to have around. Chamomile tea is a natural anti-inflammatory and has anti-microbial properties, which means it will tighten pores and soothe and heal skin. White willow bark extract contains salicin, an anti-inflammatory, which will help smooth fine lines and clear bacteria on the face.
So, if you’re saving your paychecks for a vacation to Turks and Caicos – or socking it away for your 401(k) (get it, girl) – you’ll love these cheap and easy at-home spa treatments for your face. Try ‘em out and let us know what you think!
The facial mask formulas above are not scientific by any means. Please note personal allergens and consult your dermatologist before trying any new skin care routine at home.
