If you search “DIY Face masks” on Pinterest you will find countless pictures of face masks that include edible, natural ingredients. Making face masks at home is trending, and I can see why! They are effortless and a trip to the store is most likely unnecessary.

All of the following face masks can be made with things found in your kitchen. You may read some of the combinations and think, why would I ever put that on my face?! And I will tell you why.

All Skin Types: Honey, Oatmeal & Greek Yogurt Face Mask

Ingredients: 

1. Honey (A few drops): Honey is amazing. It contains antibacterial properties that heal acne and antioxidants which will protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. The stickiness of honey also aids in pulling dust, dead skin and microbes from the pores while hydrating your skin for a soft, glowing face. Honey alone can be used. All you need to do is spread a thin layer over your face. 

2. Oatmeal (1 tbsp.): Oatmeal also has many benefits for skin. Oatmeal's lubricating fats will moisturize your skin and saponins (the natural cleaners in oatmeal) remove dirt and oil from pores. As the oatmeal is exposed to water, the polysaccharides in the oats become gelatinous and leave a film on your skin to prevent dryness. Another fun fact about oatmeal is the proteins in oatmeal strengthen the skin's epidermal layer against outside bacteria. 

3. Plain Greek Yogurt (1 tbsp.): The protein in Greek yogurt has the ability to repair skin cells, nourish and cleanse for beautiful skin.

Steps: 

1. Mix all ingredients together in bowl.

2. Apply to skin and cover face completely.

3. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.

4. Wash face. 

Oily/Acne Prone Skin: Banana, Honey & Lemon/Orange Face Mask

Ingredients:

1. Banana (one): Bananas contain Vitamins A, B and E so they work as anti-aging agents and are great for making your skin glow.

2. Honey (2 tbsp.): Read above.

3. Juice of a Lemon or Orange: Citrus is able to cleanse, lighten skin tone, improve skin texture and clear blemishes.

Oily/Acne Prone Skin: Strawberries & Greek Yogurt Face Mask

Ingredients:

1. Strawberries (1/4 c.) These are berry good for removing acne because they contain antioxidants, exfoliants, salicylic acid and vitamin C. These properties will aid you in tightening your pores, maintaining your skin’s youth, and softening your skin while removing impurities!

2. Greek Plain Yogurt (1/4 c.): Read above.

Steps:

1. Mash strawberries and yogurt until the combination is a smooth consistency.

2. Apply to skin and cover face completely.

3. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.

4. Wash face.

For Dry Skin: Carrots & Avocado Face Mask

Ingredients: 

1. Carrot (1 peeled, de-stemmed OR 4 baby carrots): Carrots remove harmful toxins which in turn defend your skin from outside damage. 

2. Avocado (1/2 very ripe): Thank Mother Earth for avocados! Here's why: 

• The monounsaturated fats in avocados will moisturize and improve your skin tone
• Their omega-9 fats can help reduce skin redness and irritation.
• And this is the final line
• The antioxidant cartenoids protect your skin from wrinkles
• Contains vitamin E which guards against aging from sun exposure and vitamin C which creates elastin and collagen for maintaining your skin’s elasticity and firmness.

3. Egg Yolk (1): Eggs tighten pores and smooth the skin.

4. Honey (1 tbsp.): Read above.

5. Coconut Oil (1/2 tbsp.): There are hundreds of uses for coconut oil on your hair, skin and in food! Not only does coconut oil work wonders in moisturizing, it can even slacken the affects of aging.

6. Lemon Juice (1 tsp.): Read above.

Steps:

1. Boil carrots until they are very tender:

(I decided to try this more complicated face mask, provided by Julyne Derrick. If you want simple mask containing avocado, mix and mash half of a very ripe avocado with a 1/4 cup of honey and apply!

For best results in all of these face masks, blend ingredients until there's an apparent smooth consistency. If the ingredients are not blending just add hot water and try blending again. Have fun!