Many of us think about going green when it comes to our homes, our cars, and other areas of our lives, but when it comes to our beauty routine, all of that goes out the window. On the top of our minds is how we can look our very best, but when it comes to beauty, it comes from the inside out, so applying chemical-filled products that can leach into our bloodstream and negatively affect our health is rather counterproductive.

Even if you’re thinking, “Well, I only use a few beauty products each day,” the problem is, what we put on our skin tends to build up in the body over time. Unlike food, things like cosmetics are not filtered through our digestive system which means there’s no way for potential toxins to be eliminated.

Many face masks and other beauty products contain parabens, a group of compounds that serve as preservatives. Those have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. That means your traditional face masks and other products may contain ingredients that have been linked to breast cancer – who would knowingly want to up their risk? Experts have also found over a dozen chemicals in cosmetics that have been connected to potential health problems such as hormone disruption in teen girls and even cancer, according to the environmental working group.

Fortunately, there are ways to make your own face masks at home, with a variety of options for just about all skin types.

Acne-Battling Mask For Oily Skin

If you suffer from acne and/or frequent breakouts, you can make this very effective mask that can be used once or twice a week to eliminate acne as well as help diminish any acne scars. This is a simple DIY recipe that uses raw honey and apple cider vinegar, which offers numerous benefits to the skin.

Honey is practically famous for its ability to get rid of acne and soothe the skin, serving as a natural antibiotic to fight off bacteria that causes acne. It also provides an osmotic effect, which means it absorbs water in the wound and releases hydrogen peroxide. The acidity of the honey also works to prevent the growth of bacteria and offers powerful anti-inflammatory compounds which decrease redness that’s often associated with acne. With its natural sticky texture, it helps to pull out things like grime and dirt that are known to clog pores.

Apple cider vinegar provides antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral provides that helps keep bacteria at bay, and prevents zits from forming, keeping that acne under control, while the lactic and malic acids in ACV work to exfoliate, lessen red spots and balance the pH of the skin. 

This easy recipe calls for both honey and apple cider vinegar, along with sugar that acts as an exfoliant, breaking up scar tissue and unclogging pores. The green tea ingredient is well-known to fight acne by inhibiting the production of sebum by 50%, according to scientific studies. Research showed that it was even more effective than benzoyl peroxide!

Here’s what you need to make it:

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp green tea, cooled
• 5 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp raw, organic honey

Blend all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. For a thicker consistency, add a bit more sugar. Spread the mask across your face using a cotton pad, or your fingers. Gently massage it in for a few minutes which helps to boost circulation and remove dead skin cells. Allow it to remain for about 10 minutes before rinsing well with cool water.

Mask For Hydrated, Glowing Skin

For the ultimate mask that will help hydrate and promote elasticity, resulting in a “glowing” complexion, use this homemade option. It’s suitable for all skin types, with the honey helping to tighten your pores and hydrate your skin. It actually locks in moisture, while battling against microbes that can cause skin problems, in addition to providing some protection from sun damage, which will help prevent signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. The extra-virgin olive oil can penetrate deep into the skin, providing rich moisture while also promoting elasticity and helping to eliminate blemishes for softer, smoother skin. Baking soda serves as a natural exfoliant. It helps to remove excess dirt, oil and dead cells from your pores in addition to boosting blood circulation to make your skin glow naturally.

To make it, you’ll need:

• 1/2 tsp raw, organic honey
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well to create a fine paste. Wash your face thoroughly and then gently pat it dry, leaving it just a little damp. Gently apply the paste to your face and neck using a circular motion. Allow the mask to set for about 15 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry and repeat once each week.

Super Moisturizing Mask

Avocados contain healthy fats that are ideal for moisturizing the skin, as the oils are very similar to the natural oils in your own skin. Incredibly nourishing, these oils also help to protect the skin from daily stress and environmental factors. They can deeply penetrate into the skin, softening and hydrating flaky, dry patches too.

This DIY face mask is incredibly simple. All you have to do is mash the flesh of a fully ripe avocado and use the mashed avocado as the mask, gently spreading it across your skin, making sure to get to the extra dry areas. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then rinse with cool or lukewarm water before gently patting dry. If your skin is very dry, you can also add a tablespoon of honey to the avocado for extra soft, smooth skin.

Mask for Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

Some women suffer from hyperpigmentation, a common but harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. The darkening occurs when there is an excess of melanin, which is the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forming deposits in the skin.

It’s easy to make your own mask for this too. Simply squeeze a few drops of lemon juice or a dab of apple cider vinegar onto the affected areas of your skin. Leave it on your skin for about 15 minutes before rinsing. Both lemon juice and ACV works wonders for reducing these dark spots and also clears up patchy skin as they serve as a natural astringent which exfoliates the skin and removes dead cells from the surface, for clearer, spot-free skin. Just be careful to use it in small amounts as too much could dry or damage your skin.

-Susan Patterson