Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season?  Why not take a little time for some self-care? Here’s 5 easy DIY face masks you can do at home to pamper yourself a bit.

How many of you schedule regular self-care into your busy lives? I have found that taking the time to give myself a little love goes a long way in maintaining a healthy body and mind.  Spending regular time on my yoga mat, eating well, and getting enough sleep are the top 3 things that I focus on in my daily life.  I also like to take time out of my busy schedule to pamper myself once in a while.

It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money to do a little self-care.  I have definitely spent some money on expensive facials and massages in my day.  But lately I have been creating my own spa treatments at home, for almost no money at all.

DIY face masks are easy to do.  You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already. And what’s best about them is that they are 100% natural and non-toxic.  Many of the thousands and thousand of beauty products on the market today are laden with harmful chemicals, hormone disruptors, and carcinogens that absorb right through your skin into your bloodstream.

How to supercharge your face masks

If you have been reading my blog, you already know that I am a big fan of essential oils.  Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to to tone, smooth, and protect the skin.  And they are 100% natural and non-toxic.

And you can easily supercharge any of the masks below by choosing an essential oil for your particular skin type.  These essential oils are easily absorbed right into your skin and are extremely nourishing and balancing for the skin.

A word about quality: Please note that I am only talking about 100% pure, therapeutic grade essential oils.  Only about 2% of essential oils sold are considered therapeutic grade.  There is no standard for EOs and so many of the oils you find may be adulterated and can actually contain harmful ingredients.

My essential oil of choice is Young Living Essential Oils. They own their farms and they run a very tight supply chain.  I trust their essential oils above all others because they are pure and unadulterated and are manufactured for therapeutic use not just for smell.

Essential Oils for Your Skin Type

DRY SKIN:

myrrh, sandalwood, cedarwood, palmarosa, roman chamomile, and frankincense

OILY SKIN:

geranium, cypress, orange, neroli, ylang ylang, and lemon

ACNE PRONE SKIN:

melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), geranium, lavender, lemon, and patchouli

AGING SKIN:

frankincense, myrrh, carrot seed, lavender, patchouli, palmarosa, rose, sandalwood, neroli, and cypress

COMBINATION SKIN:

patchouli, lavender, rose, and bergamot

NOTE:  Bergamot, Orange, and Lemon essential oil are photosensitive and should NOT be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light within 24 hours. These oils make your skin much more sensitive to the sun.

(where to get good quality essential oils)

Happy holidays and I hope that you find some time to take care of yourself!

Easy DIY Face Masks

1. Easy Soothing Mask

• 2 tsp of  raw honey
• 1 tsp aloe vera gel (like this)
• 1-2 drops of essential oil for your skin type

Mix and apply. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Gently wash off with warm water. Very soothing and calming for sensitive or irritated skin.  Good for all skin types.

2. Clarifying Clay Mask

• 1 tbsp bentonite clay (like this)
• 1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar (like this)
• 2-3 drops of essential oil for your skin type
• enough water to make a paste

Combine ingredients and apply to face.  Let it dry for 10-20 minutes (the more sensitive your skin- the less time is recommended).  Remove with warm water. Bentonite clay dries and tightens on the skin, drawing out impurities and cleansing the pores.

3. Yogurt Mask for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2-3 drops of essential oil for your skin type

Apply to face and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes.  Wash off with warm water.  Milk soothes and nourishes the skin and the natural ingredients from the yogurt help hydrate, alleviate redness, and prevents irritated skin.

4.  Hydrating Avocado and Honey Mask:

• 1/2 avocado , mashed
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
• 2-3 drops of essential oil for your skin type

Combine all ingredients and apply to face.  Allow to sit for 15 minute.  Remove with warm water.  Honey is cleansing and healing to the skin.  Avocado is loaded with vitamins and minerals that will deeply nourish your skin.

5. Rose Face Mask:

• 1 tbsp rose water (like this)
• 1 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tbsp plain yogurt
• 2-3 drops of essential oil for your skin type

Combine ingredients and apply to face.  Allow to sit for 15v minutes.  Remove with warm water.  Rose acts as an anti-inflammatory, soothing irritated skin and also is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissue.  Wonderful for combination skin.

NOTE:  Even if you do not have these essential oils, the mask just by themselves will be amazingly nourishing and healing for your skin. 

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