Beauty on a Budget: 5 Common Ingredients that Make Great Homemade Facemasks

Beauty on a Budget: 5 Common Ingredients that Make Great Homemade Facemasks

As a college student, I am always looking for creative ways to treat myself without going broke.  I love to have “spa days,” in which I give myself a facial, paint my nails, or treat my hair (or all of the above). However, I recently had to find ways to allow myself these over-indulgent luxuries without breaking the bank. Therefore, I decided to find ways to make my “spa days” by only using what was in my kitchen. This article focuses just on facemasks, but there will be more homemade, spa-like treatments to come.

(If you are allergic to any of the ingredients below, please refrain from putting them on your face.)

5 Common Ingredients that Make Great Homemade Facemasks

1.  Lemons

Lemons, according to Livestrong.com, contain high levels of vitamin C.  The antioxidant properties of vitamin help promote “cell turnover and can improve your skin’s ability to slough off dead skin cells [ew] and heal.”  Lemons, as we all know, are also extremely acidic. The acidity makes lemons “effective antiseptics [prevent the growth of bacteria] and skin toners” which help rid the skin’s surface of bacteria. However, Livestrong.com also provides a warning that using lemons on sensitive skin or overuse of lemons can cause redness and inflammation.  So please use caution.

Directions on how to apply lemons to skin.

2. Honey

 Skinacea.com says that honey, being a natural antiseptic, has been used to treat minor cuts or burns. However, honey is also an excellent moisturizer. Because Honey has these traits, “it is thought to treat acne well.” Therefore, honey can be used not only as an all over facemask but also as a spot treatment for bacterial acne.  Honey can be a bit messy though, especially when too much is applied, so use sparingly.

Directions on how to apply honey to skin.

3. Egg Whites

Livestrong.com also has a great article about the benefits of using egg whites on skin.  “Eggs whites are very high in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as selenium and the B complex vitamins.” Putting egg whites on your face makes your skin smooth and silky, and is also very refreshing! (Fun fact: if you separate and egg to get the egg whites for a facial, you can use the egg yolk to nourish your hair!)

Directions on how to apply egg whites to skin.

4.  Plain Greek Yogurt 

Greek yogurt is another ingredient that can make a great facemask.  Crunchybetty.com says that yogurt is good for the skin because it’s full of protein, enzymes and vitamins. Therefore, yogurt “does a great job at cleaning up and softening your skin. It lightens dark spots and blemishes and helps protect your face with its antioxidant properties.” So if you find yourself with a surplus of plain yogurt –go nuts, make a facemask.

Directions on how to apply plain Greek yogurt to skin.

5. Avocado

Lately, avocado has been a superstar in the food world. Known as a “super food”, avocados have properties that lead to amazing health benefits. Avocados are also great for your skin. According to Naturalnews.com avocados have been used in facial products for years. “Avocado oil is similar to our skin’s oil” which allows avocado to provide ample moisture to dry skin.  Now you can make guac and moisturize at the same time.

Directions on how to apply avocado to skin.