DIY Natural Face Masks

When it comes to maintaining the health of your skin without the use of harsh chemicals, natural remedies are the ideal solution. Delicate facial skin in particular needs a special touch, and benefits greatly from the use of all-natural products such as Bentonite clay, tea tree oil, and dried herbs, spices, and flowering plants. Sensitive or dry skin, along with unsightly blemishes, can be treated effectively (and affordably!) at home, using just a few simple ingredients that come from nature instead of a laboratory.

Our mask recipes start with a foundation of Bentonite clay, French green clay, and Moroccan red clay . These clays have a wide range of applications, from food additives to beauty aids, and are known for their skin-soothing, cleansing, and absorptive properties. These four outstanding masks—designed to treat blemishes, sooth irritated skin, and leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed—are friendly to your skin and wallet. Best of all, you can make and use them in your own home.

Mastering Mask Basics

Before you apply any of these natural face masks, remember to wash your face thoroughly, and lightly pat it dry. This will ensure the mask has direct access to your skin, and can work its magic most effectively.

Basic Mask Recipe

The most basic natural face mask is made with nothing more than clay and liquid (makes enough for a single facial mask).

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. Bentonite, French green clay or Moroccan red clay
• 2 tsp. liquid (e.g., water, herbal tea, milk, apple cider vinegar, etc.)

NOTE: If you're using water, be sure to use distilled or boiled and cooled water for best results.

Directions:

• Combine the liquid with the dry clay powder until the desired consistency is achieved
• Pull hair back and apply a thick layer of mask mixture evenly to the face
• Let it dry for five minutes (sensitive skin) to 30 minutes (oily skin)
  • IMPORTANT: Never let a mask dry completely, as it can begin absorbing your skin's natural moisture as well as excess oils
• Rinse off with warm water and a washcloth
• Gently pat skin dry
• Apply an all-natural moisturizer

When drying your face after removing the mask, remember to pat your skin dry, rather than rubbing or wiping, to avoid irritating your skin.

Natural Face Masks for Naturally Better Skin

Blemish Blaster

This mask combines the oil-drinking magic of Bentonite Clay with the astringent, bracing power of apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil to help clear up blemishes fast.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. Bentonite clay
• 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 5 drops tea tree oil

Directions:

• Mix equal parts Bentonite clay with vinegar and tea tree oil
• Apply mixture to skin in a thick, even layer
• Allow to dry 20 to 30 minutes
• Rinse face with warm water
• Gently pat skin dry
• Using a cotton swab, finish by applying a touch of Tea Tree Oil directly to any blemishes

Green Goddess Mask

Prone to oily skin and blackheads? Try this soothing green mask to help encourage healthier, clearer skin. The rich, absorbent green clay soaks up excess oil, the milk or yogurt powder helps soothe skin, and the peppermint and green tea leave your skin feeling refreshed.

Ingredients:

• 4 Tb. French green clay
• 2 Tb. yogurt or milk powder
• 1 Tb. green tea powder
• 1 tsp. peppermint (dried)
• 1 tsp. nettles (dried)

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients and store in a tightly-sealed jar or other airtight container
• Following the Basic Mask recipe, combine two teaspoons of mixture with an equal amount of liquid
• Spread mixture in a thick, even layer onto face
• Let dry for 10 to 15 minutes
• Remove mask with warm water and a washcloth
• Gently pat skin dry
• Finish with an all-natural moisturizer

Maximum Moisturizer Mask

Is your skin thirsty? Dry, chapped, or irritated skin can benefit greatly from this moisturizing mask that combines olive oil and sea salt with Bentonite clay to soften and nourish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Bentonite clay
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• 2 Tb. olive oil
• warm water (distilled or boiled and cooled)

Directions:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the Bentonite clay, olive oil, and salt
• Slowly stir in warm water until the paste reaches medium consistency
• Apply mixture to face using a flat brush
• If desired, wrap skin in a cotton towel
• Let mask dry for 30 minutes
• Remove wrap and rinse off mask with warm water
• Gently pat skin dry

You don't have to spend a fortune or puzzle out the effects of complex chemical cocktails to get a quality home facial. Taking advantage of the cleansing, environmentally friendly, and versatile abilities of natural clays, herbs, and oils is the smart and healthy way to take care of your skin at home. If you want to learn how to add your favorite herbs to your facial masks, visit our How to Make Simple Herbal Skin Creams page.