We asked Melanie Coerver, Skincare Coach, to give us the down and dirty on easy DIY face masks. These treats are the simplest of pleasures you never knew you needed. Go ahead, give yourself the gift of some easy self-care. 

 

 

Aaahhh...Who doesn’t love a good face mask? A pampering face treatment can be such a nice way to indulge in self-care. And the great news is, most of us already have fabulous face mask options in our kitchen.

 Here are my favorite DIY face masks (that don’t require a chemistry degree to get right):

 

Plain Greek Yogurt

One of my personal go-tos. Probiotics are (finally!) starting to pop up in a lot of skincare products because, well, they’re just so helpful. Studies have shown that probiotics can fend-off breakouts by supporting a healthy bacteria balance. Also, they encourage our skin to produce its own ceramides, which are the fats our skin needs to be bouncy and moisturized. And yogurt, specifically, has brightening powers that can make a dull skin shine. You can use any plain yogurt, but the Greek variety tends to stay in place best. A great option if your skin needs a reset.

Directions: Apply to clean skin right out the fridge. Leave on for 5-10 minutes. Wash off with water and follow with moisturizer. 

 

 Honey

 

Raw, unfiltered, or Manuka honey is such an amazing skin treat. Honey has been used for thousands of years in all sorts of medicinal and cosmetic applications.

Now, I’m not sure the ancient Egyptians knew exactly why honey was so great at wound healing or poured into a bath. But we know it’s because honey contains hydrogen peroxide, a super effective antibacterial solution. Honey also acts as a humectant on the skin which means it functions as a conduit for water into the skin, resulting in better moisture levels and quicker cell repair.

Finally, honey contains special acids, called polyhydroxy acids, that gently exfoliate to give the skin a little glow-y oomph. It may seem like honey won’t remove easily, but trust your favorite Skincare Coach on this one, it will splash right off. A wonderful option if your face is needing a little healing and radiance.

Directions: Apply to clean skin and leave on for as long as possible. Rinse off with water, and while skin is still damp, follow with moisturizer.

 

 Avocado

 

This option is all about moisture. Avocado oil nourishes the skin in so many different ways. It contains a multitude of fatty acids that leave the skin feeling soft, comforted, and honored. Antioxidants like Vitamins A, C, D and E will help support skin resilience by deflecting free radicals looking to pick-pocket skin cells for extra electrons.

And Vitamin A in particular (also known as retinol), is the crown jewel of pro-aging skincare because it’s the ultimate multi-tasker: It exfoliates, protects, and over time, reorganizes our skin cells into healthier formations. I will say this is probably not the mask for you if you are dealing with an active breakout because the oils can trap unhelpful bacteria against the skin. But for everyone else, go for it.

Directions: Mash and apply to clean skin. Leave for 10 minutes and wipe away with a wet cloth.

 

 

One final note about face masks: They are wonderful as an occasional treat or as a little something extra before a big event (whenever those happen again!). But if you need to supplement your skincare routine with a mask more than once a week, it may be time to reconsider your routine. Your daily skincare routine should be able to meet most of your skin needs without regular face masks. If it doesn’t, then it’s probably time for a re-jig.

 

Skincare Coach Melanie Coerver is available to help with all things skincare. Book here to spend some time with her and follow her on IG for tips & tricks @skincare_coach_melanie.