DIY Skincare Treatments

The global pandemic brought with it a new kind of staple into our lives – face masks (the medical, virus preventing kind), which in turn has caused its fair share of breathing difficulties and skin issues.

While it’s essential to keep our masks on when we’re out, taking care of the skin underneath is equally as important. So, if you’re looking to spend a relaxing weekend at home with family, or stuck home due to a lockdown, these easy fruit and veggie masks are a great way to treat your skin or engage in an easy DIY project with your friends or family. As a plus, you can buy our DIY face mask kit here to help you get started!

1. Avocado for dry skin:

This mask is rich in omega fatty acids (thanks to the avocado), and lactic acid from the yogurt which will leave your skin feeling soft and plump.

All you need for this recipe is:

· a half ripe avocado

· 1 tablespoon of plain yoghurt

· 1 tablespoon of raw honey

Mix the ingredients in your bowl, apply to your face using the mask brush and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, especially around the hairline to prevent feeling sticky.

2. Papaya and honey for exfoliation

Papaya is rich in an enzyme known as papain, which can be found in many exfoliating products. This will help remove dead skin and leave your face feeling soft and soothed after a long day of sweating in the Dubai heat. This simple mask needs only 2 key ingredients:

· 2 – 3 slices of papaya

· 1 tablespoon of raw honey

Blend the papaya into a smooth paste, mix in the honey and leave on your skin for 10 minutes. You can dip cotton pads into the mixture and apply the cotton pads to your face if the mixture is too runny.

3. Turmeric for glowing skin

Turmeric is basically a miracle powder that cures multiple ailments and skin issues. It contains powerful antioxidants that can help with skin inflammation, acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It helps to even out your skin tone eventually resulting in bright and glowing skin! Here’s what you’ll need:

· 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

· 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

· 1.5 tablespoons of organic honey (Manuka Honey is best for this recipe)

· 1 teaspoon of milk or yogurt

Mix the ingredients until you get a paste like consistency and leave on your face for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Since turmeric has a strong yellow stain, expect this mask to get messy! Protect your surfaces and wear an old t-shirt before applying the mask. The mask may also temporarily stain your skin however this will fade in a few hours. Using a gentle cleanser can help lighten the stain quickly.

4. Aloe Vera for acne and inflammation

Similar to Turmeric, Aloe Vera is another miracle treatment for many types of skin, hair, and body ailments. It has anti-microbial properties that help treat acne and inflammation, as well as a great antioxidant that can help with pigmentation and scarring. We strongly believe that everyone should have an Aloe Vera plant growing at home, they are the easiest to maintain and even thrive in the Dubai summers!

Aloe Vera gel can be easily extracted from the leaf. Cut the leaf in half lengthwise and scoop out all the translucent gel into your bowl. It’s important to note that the leaves can have spikes and should be handled with care around children. Give it a good mix with your spatula (or stick it in a blender if you’re impatient) and you have gel! This can be used for various specific skin and hair treatments, but this mask is specifically for skin brightening and reducing inflammation.

· A pinch of turmeric

· 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera gel

· 1 teaspoon organic honey

· A couple of drops of rose water

Apply the paste evenly on your face and neck, and leave for up to 20 minutes before you wash it off with warm water. Rose water is a great astringent that can help with toning, while the aloe vera and turmeric plays a big role in brightening your skin.

While all-natural masks are gentle on the skin, we recommend that you conduct a patch test to ensure you are not allergic to any ingredients. Applying a mask consistently, perhaps two to three times a week will show more permanent and long-term results.

Lastly, always remember to moisturize after a face mask of any kind, to lock in the effects of all these great treatments.