DIY face masks: the ultimate guide to homemade protection

If you are tired of splurging on expensive skincare products that do not always deliver the results you want, it is probably time to give DIY skincare a shot.  DIYs allow you to take control of your beauty routine and create natural, effective products using ingredients you already have in your kitchen such as honey, coconut oil, coffee powder, sugar, and aloe vera to name a few.

Moreover, making your own products can be a relaxing and therapeutic activity and cost-effective.

Understand your skin type and concern

“Although there are countless alternatives, assessing your skin type and concern is important  to start with a DIY face mask,” says Dr Shoba Sudeep,  consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist from Bengaluru.  DIY face masks can be tailored to different skin types, including sensitive, normal, oily, dry, acne-prone, and atopic or rosacea-prone skin, she adds.

“DIY is made of natural ingredients but that does not mean it is always safe, the right ingredients and the right proportion is the key,” says Dr Sudeep. Although treading with caution is advised when it comes to certain ingredients.

“Ingredients like lemon or turmeric in any high constitution can react, so use it fresh and do not reuse the product,” says Dr Manjot Marwah, dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon, consultant & director at Dr Manjot’s Clinic, Jalandar.

Dr Sudeep and Dr Marwah list some easy DIY face masks that are safe and beneficial for this skin.  

Sugar scrub mask

Benefits: Helps in exfoliation and makes the skin texture smooth.

Method: Two teaspoons of crystals sugar, add one vitamin E capsule, and apply all over the face. Leave for 10 minutes and remove by gently scrubbing it.

Caution: People with sensitive skin and acne prone skin should avoid this mask.

Milk mask for acne and blemishes

Benefits: Helps remove dirt by cleansing the clogged pores and removes acne causing bacteria.

Method: Two teaspoons of raw honey, a pinch of nutmeg powder, two teaspoons of milk, and one teaspoon of chickpea flour (besan). Mix it well to form a thin paste and apply it on the face. Leave it for 15 minutes and gently remove it. Moisturise the face well after this.

Caution: Those with sensitive skin and atopic skin should avoid this mask.

Chocolate mask

Benefits: Makes the skin fresh and glow.

Method: Three teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa, one teaspoon of raw milk, and one teaspoon of raw honey. Make a good paste apply and leave for 15 to 20 minutes.

Caution: This mask is safe for all age groups.

Soothing aloe mask

Benefits: Helps reduce irritation and improves collagen production.

Method: Take one teaspoon of pure aloe vera gel and add one teaspoon of raw honey. Mix to make a fine paste and apply it over the face. Leave it for almost 30 minutes, then rinse off and follow up with a moisturiser.

Caution: This is mainly for sensitive skin and atopic skin types.

Nutritious face mask

Benefits: This mask will make the skin smooth and reduces blemishes.

Method: Take the pulp of any non-citrus fruits like banana/papaya/tomato/mango and add one teaspoon of raw milk and besan to make a good paste. Apply all over the face including the décolletage area and wash after 15 to 20 minutes.

Caution: People with sensitive skin should avoid this mask.

Oatmeal mask

Benefits: Helps calm and soothe inflammatory reactions.

Method: Grind two tablespoons of oats and mix curd to it. Apply this mask and leave it for 10 minutes and rinse it off. Follow up with sunscreen.

Caution: This mask is safe for those with dry skin.

Fuller’s earth mask

Benefits: It helps absorb excess oil and cleans dirt and impurities from the skin.

Method: Mix one tablespoon of fuller’s earth (multani mitti) with 3-4 tablespoons of milk or rose water. Apply and leave it for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Caution: It is a good option for people with oily skin.

Some caution advised by Dr Sudeep and Dr Marwah while using DIY masks are:

• Always do a patch test before using any new DIY mask
• Use a facemask which has ingredients suitable for the skin type
• Do not store DIY products as there are no stabilising agents added
• Ingredients like lime juice and apple cider vinegar which are acidic in nature should be avoided
• Deep colouring agents like turmeric and cinnamon should be avoided as they might cause severe irritation
• Do not leave the DIY products on for long on the skin
• Use moisturiser and sunscreen after every DIY
• Do not use DIY masks frequently. A gap of at least 7-10 days should be given