I’m not one to purchase expensive beauty products, when I have so many kitchen ingredients that can also apply as amazing and revitalizing beauty treatments. Twice a week, I pamper myself with a facial to help rejuvenate my skin and keep it acne-free and smooth. I really appreciate this routine because not only does it keep my skin healthy and vibrant, the whole process creates some very relaxing me-time which I don’t get often! Below are instructions for best face masks for all skin types, so you too can make your own vegan facial.
Wash your face with your daily cleanser to remove any dirt from your face. Make sure the soap is gentle and mild if you have sensitive skin like me.
After you’ve cleansed your face, you’ll need to exfoliate it. This is a very simple recipe to make: just combine an oil with a granular product. I mix together brown sugar and coconut oil, but you can also try cornmeal or ground oatmeal with olive oil. Once you’ve mixed the ingredients together, use your fingers to rub the mixture in circular motions over your face. Rinse.
Now it’s time for a teapot steam. Boil water in a kettle and pour the hot water into a bowl with a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Pull a towel over your head and lean your face close to the bowl, creating a “tent” with the towel. Be careful not to burn your face from the steam! Steam your face for about 10 minutes to help open up your pores.
After your steam you are ready for the mask. Here is a list of a easy-to-make, best face masks you could try:
Best Face Masks
Oatmeal and soy yogurt
Combine oatmeal and yogurt for a super hydrating mask. Oatmeal is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, as well as deeply hydrating. Yogurt is well-known for its moisturizing powers. Soy yogurt, like dairy yogurt, contains lactic acid (from non-dairy sources, of course), which is a mild exfoliant for glowing skin.
Avocado, lemon juice and olive oil
Mix half an avocado with olive oil and a little bit of lemon juice. The avocado and olive oil moisturize your skin while the lemon juice (a natural astringent) brightens and reduces acne. The Omega-3 fatty acid in avocado is also wonderful for repairing skin damage, such as dark spots and acne scars.
Strawberry, banana and lemon juice
Blend together a few strawberries and a ripe banana. Squeeze in a little lemon juice. The salicylic acid in strawberries helps with acne, while Vitamin C (in both strawberries and lemon) brighten dark spots. The banana is extremely hydrating, as well.
Spread your chosen facial mask mixture over your face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
After the mask, apply a toner. I use distilled water with a little bit of apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar minimizes blemishes and brightens skin. After you’ve applied a toner, finish off the facial with your favorite moisturizing lotion or facial oil (such as coconut or olive oil).
Which one of these best face masks will you try?
Also in DIY beauty: 3 Conditioning Vegan Hair Masks
DIY Lymphatic Massage for Youthful Skin
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Photo by Singapore Classified via Flickr; Samantha Levin via Flickr; Liz West via Wikipedia; Digital Wallpaper via Flickr
