Brightly colored leaves, a refreshing bite to the air after months of oppressive humidity… yes, fall is nearly here, which has us all kinds of excited for the gorgeous days that lie ahead. What’s not so gorgeous? The effects of summer left behind on our skin. Yes, those sun-drenched summer days sure are stunning, but the cumulative effects of sunscreen, increased UVA and UVB exposure, seasonal indulgence, and major temperature fluctuations (thanks to all that air conditioning paired with intense, occasionally humid summer heat) can leave the complexion looking and feeling less than ideal.
Think dry skin, oily breakouts, clogged pores, and general congestion. Sound familiar? The good news is, you’re not alone. And the best news is, supporting your skin’s summer recovery may be as close as your fridge or local market. Yes, we’re talking DIY face masks. The three masks below address some of summer’s most pressing skin concerns — dryness, congestion, and sun damage — and star one common, do-it-all star ingredient: raw honey.
Why honey?
What makes honey so sweet for skin? Think of it as your complexion’s superhero, saving it from nearly any concern that may crop up. Blemishes? Dryness? Too much oil? Honey really does do it all, thanks to antibacterial, antimicrobial, moisturizing, healing and gently exfoliating properties. Yes, honey does all that. There’s a reason so many beauty products contain the sweet stuff — from lip treatments to lotion.
Honey has been used in beauty treatments for thousands of years and it could be (bee?) the natural answer to your summer skin woes. Ready to put your freshest face forward as you step into autumn? Mark a day on your calendar for some self care and choose the recipe that best matches what your skin most needs:
#1 — DIY Dry Skin Face Mask
Has too much summer sun and air conditioning left your face feeling parched? Combat thirsty skin with the mask below, which contains plain yogurt to slough away dead, dry skin cells with lactic acid; moisture-rich avocado; and soothing, skin-clearing honey.
Ingredients:
¼ ripe avocado
½ tbsp plain yogurt
1 Tbsp raw honey
How to:
Combine all ingredients in a small, handheld blender and blend until smooth, or mash ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.
Use a brush or clean fingertips to spread mask onto face, and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow up with your favorite serum and moisturizer.
#2 — DIY Face Mask for Congested Skin
If your complexion is feeling less than fresh, with clogged pores and congestion, give it a breath of fresh air with enzyme-rich papaya; naturally exfoliating yogurt or milk, and moisturizing honey. Those with sensitive skin take note: Be sure to do a patch test beforehand to ensure the papaya and yogurt isn’t too strong for your skin.
Ingredients:
¼ cup mashed ripe papaya
2 Tbsp yogurt or milk
1 tsp raw honey
How to:
Combine all ingredients in a small, handheld blender and blend until smooth, or mash ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.
Use a brush or clean fingertips to spread mask onto face, and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Follow up with your favorite serum and moisturizer.
Note: The mask may feel slightly tinglly thanks to the papaya, however if the sensation becomes uncomfortable, remove immediately with lukewarm water.
#3 — DIY Face Mask for Sun-Damaged Skin
Even the most devoted SPF wearer is bound to have a slip-up every now and then. Whether you forgot your sunblock all summer or just for a day, support your skin’s recovery with soothing fresh aloe (slice a piece off your plant at home or find it in the produce section of your local market), cooling cucumber, and versatile, healing honey.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp fresh aloe, peeled & rinsed
1 tsp raw honey
1-inch chunk cucumber
How to:
Combine all ingredients in a small, handheld blender and blend until smooth. This is a mask that requires a blender thanks to the cucumber. If you don’t have one, combine the aloe and honey and stick the cucumber slices on your eyes!
Use a brush or clean fingertips to spread mask onto face, and let sit for 10-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Follow up with your favorite serum and moisturizer.
Do you have a go-to DIY mask? Share your favorites with our community by tagging us with @AvocadoMattress or #AvocadoGreenMagazine
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