The drying months of winter with indoor heating can leave skin feeling dry, red, and irritated.  There are moisturizing and soothing at home facials you can put together using ingredients from your kitchen. These masks are made with all natural ingredients so they are free of harsh chemicals and preservatives sometimes found in store bought facial masks.  If you are worried about a reaction, make sure you test a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to observe any potential reaction before applying a full facial mask.

Some tips for using masks.  First, make sure you wash your hands with soap to remove any dirt and bacteria that you don’t want transferred to your face.  Masks work best when applied to clean skin.  Never leave on the mask for more than the recommended time.  Lastly, masks should not be applied more than once or twice a week.

Olive Oil and Oatmeal Mask

This hydrating mask is created by combining 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 1/3 cup of oatmeal.  Mix together well and spread on your face using clean fingertips.  Leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.  Use a wash cloth and gently remove the mask without harsh rubbing.  Use this mask up to twice a week.

Some tips before applying a mask.  Always clean your face first to remove dirt and makeup; the mask will work better on clean skin.  Always apply masks evenly.  Never leave on masks for longer than the recommended amount.  Masks should be used no more than once or twice a week.

Moisturizing and Tightening Masks

Combine any of these combinations: avocado, honey and brown sugar or banana, oatmeal and honey or oatmeal, olive oil, strawberries and honey. Mash these ingredients together and apply them generously to your face. Allow the mask to stay on your face for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse well with lots of warm water.

Aloe Vera and Almond Face Mask

This mask exfoliates while moisturizing the skin.  Mix one tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel with 1/2 tablespoon of almond oil and 1/2 tablespoon of almond powder, stir until the three ingredients form a smooth paste.  Apply to skin with a circular motion to exfoliate the skin.  Leave on for 15-20 minutes before gently rinsing off the mask with warm water.

Skin Smoothing Mask

This mask combines ingredients that will smooth and soothe your face.  You will need 1/2 a banana, 1/2 of a ripe avocado, 1 tablespoon each of cucumber, plain yogurt, and olive oil.  Combine all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth and creamy.  Apply the mask generously to your face and leave on for thirty minutes.  Rinse well with warm water and follow up with a splash of cold water to tighten pores.

Strawberry Yogurt Face Mask

This clarifying mask uses the strawberries and yogurt to leave you with a fresh and moisturized face.  For this mask you will need: 4-5 small strawberries, 2 tablespoon of natural yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal.  Mash up the strawberries in a bowl and then add the 2 tablespoons of the yoghurt and blend the ingredients together. Next add in the 2 teaspoons of honey to the bowl and mix.  Then add in the one teaspoon of olive oil and mix again.  Finally, add the oatmeal, and mix well, making sure it gets absorbed into the mixture. Apply the mask generously to the face and wait 15-20 minutes until dry.  Rinse well with warm water.

Oatmeal, honey, and yogurt are all great ingredients for all natural facial masks.