There’s an old joke that when your life feels out of control, going home and applying an elaborate skin care routine is the solution to your anxiety. And there’s a reason many people find self-care in applying masks, serums, scrubs, and moisturisers. Taking the time to feel better in your own skin is a simple way to not only find an element of stability, but to wind down and let go of a stressful day. Going for a spa treatment can be an expensive occasion and you may want to relax in your own physical and mental space. When planning a DIY spa evening, give yourself time to savour the experience. Prepare the mask and then relax in the shower or bath, dress in clean comfortable clothing that makes you feel happy, put on music that calms your mind, prepare a plate of healthy but tasty nibbles, and light scented tea candles to warm your home with soft, flickering light. If you’re unsure about how to set yourself up for relaxation, think about how you want to treat your five senses. Fortunately you can often find all the ingredients you need to make facial masks of diverse purpose in your own kitchen. Most DIY masks don’t require more than approximately a tablespoon of three ingredients, and depending on what you want for your skin, you can combine ingredients in any number of ways. For example, if you want to make a simple but effective hydrating mask, combine half an avocado, a tablespoon of honey, and a handful of oats. Leave masks on for about 10 minutes before washing away.
Be certain to use the mask on the day you make it, as some ingredients can degrade quickly, and check your ingredients are fresh and not past their use-by dates. And always do a patch test on an area of your skin that’s out of sight like the side of your neck, before applying a new mask to your face.
MAKE-YOUR-OWN-MASK WITH CUPBOARD ESSENTIALS:
With the following ingredients, you can make a mask for any purpose.
Honey: a humectant that helps skin retain moisture without feeling oily
Oats: anti-inflammatory and soothing, oats help retain moisture
Avocado: regulates oil production and reduces inflammation
Yoghurt: the lactic acid within lifts dry surface cells
Turmeric powder: useful for combating pigmentation
Brown sugar: exfoliating qualities, due to its texture and levels of glycolic acid
Lemon juice: astringent properties that tighten the skin, but use somewhat sparingly and never without being diluted in a mask
Coconut oil: with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties, it helps with boosting hydration
Cucumber: high water levels for hydration, plus vitamin C which treats breakouts
Face mask ready? Now it’s time to turn your own into a personal oasis.
