SKINCARE: The Best Ingredients For Making Your Own 'At Home' Face Masks

I love to do face masks so much. I'm always so impressed the difference they can make even just after 10-15 minutes of using them.

When it comes to doing face masks at home, I really enjoy making them up from scratch. It's probably something to do with the fact that I bespoke everything all day long in the clinic, I like to continue it with my own treatments at home too.

I think it's great if you can make your own mask at home depending on what your skin needs on the day. So, I've compiled a list of ingredients that may (or may not) be hanging around in your pantry/fridge at home to use in your own face mask. Here is a list of them and what they can be used for...

OATMEAL

Great to help soothe and calm irritated skin.

YOGHURT

Great base for masks. I recommend low fat for oily/acne prone skin and full fat for dry skin

HONEY

Can help heal and repair the skin. Can be anti-bacterial and also anti-inflammatory

AVOCADO

To be used only on dry skin as it has a high fat content. An overripe avocado can be simply mashed up and applied to the face

PINEAPPLE

Great to exfoliate tired and dull looking skin. Can help to brighten the complexion

PAPAYA

Same as pineapple

EGG

Egg white can be used on oily skin and a whole egg can be used on normal skin. Beat the egg first to loosen and then allow to dry on the face. It can help absorb excess oil and also firm the skin

COCOA POWDER

Great antioxidant. May be used if you have been in a smoky/dusty environment. Mix with another ingredient such as yoghurt so it's not too drying on the skin

MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER

Similarly to cocoa, green tea is also an antioxidant. Good to help with breakouts and dull, lifeless skin

GROUND COFFEE

Can help to de-puff and reduce swelling on the face. Some people also use it as a cellulite treatment

STRAWBERRY

Good for oily skin types and more acne prone, blemished skin. Contains salicylic acid to help clear blocked pores.

HOW TO USE

• If you've never made a homemade face mask before, I would always recommend testing it on your skin first to avoid any allergic reaction.

• Always use common sense, if you're allergic to oats for example, there's a good chance you'll be allergic to them on your skin too.

• Do not mix too many ingredients together, I would use no more than 3

• Leave on for no more than 10-15 minutes and remove straight away if you feel like any product is stinging, itching or irritating

• Remove face mask with a warm flannel and water. Apply a face cream/oil after use

I hope you have some fun having a play with your own face masks at home. It's a great way to build a weekly treatment into your skincare routine

Thanks so much for reading,

Emmaline