10 Top DIY Homemade Masks to Get Healthy and Glowing Skin

Gone are the days when we needed to worry about our skin only once we hit our 40s. The current levels of pollution, stressful and sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, and harmful exposure to UV rays can set our skin into premature aging.

While you can indulge in some spa therapy, you’ll need to break the bank eventually to continue those pricey spa treatments. Also, the brilliant dewy glow that they promise often comes from a blend of chemicals. However, this shouldn’t stop you in any way from getting the most desirable and flawless skin.

Even the most beautiful women around the world vouch for home-based masks to maintain soft and glowing skin. These masks can be easily made using common household ingredients and will give you a more lasting “all-natural” glow. These DIY masks will help exfoliate your skin, lighten and brighten your complexion, and also reduce fine lines, blackheads, and dark spots.

Face Mask Recipes for Glowing Skin

To get you started, we bring you the 10 best DIY homemade masks to get healthy and glowing skin.

Method 1: Turmeric Face Mask

The antioxidants present in turmeric have strong anti-aging benefits and also help lighten your skin. Curcumin is the primary antioxidant responsible for turmeric’s role in cell health with protection against oxidative stress, premature aging, and controlling the hormones that stimulate pigmentation. (1)

Combining it with honey and milk will make an incredibly simple yet effective face mask for glowing skin. Honey acts as a humectant to keep the skin hydrated, and its antibacterial properties prevent breakouts. The lactic acid in the milk will work as a natural cleanser.

Skin conditions like acne are also controlled by the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of turmeric and rid the skin of pimples preserving skin health. (2)

Things you’ll need:

• Turmeric powder (lightens skin) – 1 teaspoon
• Honey (hydrates skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Milk (acts as a cleanser) – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Combine turmeric, honey, and milk in a bowl

• Take 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Add to it 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Also, add 1 teaspoon of milk.
• Mix well to get a paste-like consistency.

Step 2. Apply the turmeric face pack twice weekly

• Clean your face with a mild cleanser or face wash and pat dry.
• Using a clean applicator brush, apply the prepared mask all over your face and neck.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. You can also use a homemade honey-based cleanser to wash off the yellow stains.

Apply this mask twice weekly to get healthy and glowing skin.

Method 2: Oatmeal - Cocoa Mask

Oatmeal and cocoa make for an excellent exfoliating mask. The yummy cocoa, apart from making decadent cupcakes, is loaded with antioxidants that help fight free radical damage and thus prevent premature aging. Cocoa has more phenolic antioxidants than most foods, and topical preparations can protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by UV radiation. (3)

Oatmeal, on the other hand, gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin. This combination is well suited for both dry and oily skin when combined with other nourishing ingredients.

# Dry Skin

Things you’ll need:

• Coconut oil (nourishes skin) – 1 and ½ tablespoon
• Cocoa powder (rich in antioxidants) – 1 tablespoon
• Honey (hydrates skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Ground oatmeal (exfoliates skin) – ½ tablespoon

Step 1. Combine all the ingredients

• Take 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder in a bowl.
• Add to it a ½ tablespoon of ground oatmeal.
• Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1½ tablespoon of coconut oil.

Step 2.  Mix well and apply the face pack

• Blend the ingredients thoroughly to form a consistent paste.
• Wash your face to remove any makeup and pat dry.
• Use a clean applicator brush and apply an even thin layer of the mask on your entire face.
• Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse your face with lukewarm water.

Repeat application twice weekly to get supple and glowing skin.

# Oily Skin

Things you’ll need:

• Cocoa powder (rich in antioxidants) – 1 tablespoon
• Honey (antibacterial, prevents acne breakouts) – 1 tablespoon
• Gram flour (exfoliates skin and absorbs excess oil) – ½ tablespoon
• Yogurt (cleanses skin and tightens pores) – 1½ tablespoon

Step 1. Put all the ingredients in a mixing bowl

• Pour 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder in a bowl.
• Add to it a ½ tablespoon of gram flour.
• Add to it 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Add 1½ tablespoon of yogurt.

Step 2. Mix well to form a paste and apply

• Mix all the ingredients well to form a paste.
• Apply an even layer of the mask on your entire face (leaving the eyes) and neck.
• Let it work its magic for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water. If needed, apply a light moisturizer.

Repeat application once or twice every week to maintain a blemish-free healthy skin.

Method 3: Olive Oil - Baking Soda Mask

Next in line is the olive oil mask. The healthy fatty acids and antioxidants present in the oil can penetrate deep into your skin and reverse damage at the cellular level, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving the complexion. Olive oil provides rejuvenating, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory actions in the skin and the reason it is one of the most popular natural and cosmetic remedies for a wide range of skin conditions. (5)

The baking soda in this mask acts as a gentle exfoliant for your skin. This mask recipe also uses honey to fight off acne-causing bacteria. Optionally, you can add an egg yolk to further boost collagen production and improve your skin’s elasticity.

Things you’ll need:

• Egg yolk (improves skin elasticity) – 1
• Honey (antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil (fights premature aging) – 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda (exfoliates skin) – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl

• Take 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl.
• Add to it 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
• Add 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Optionally, you can add 1 egg yolk as well. You can learn easy tricks to separate an egg yolk from the white here. 
  

Step 2. Whisk up the ingredients and apply

• Use a motorized blender to whisk up the viscous ingredients.
• Apply a thin layer of this DIY Homemade mask on your face.
• Leave it on for at least 15 minutes. You will feel the mask tightening up.
• Once done, clean your face with tepid water and apply toner or moisturizer.

Use this mask once weekly to maintain firm and even-toned skin.

Method 4: Clay Mask

Environmental pollution and excessive use of cosmetics can rip off the natural glow of your skin. To help your skin recoup, use this detoxifying clay mask. The clay helps draw out impurities from your skin. The other ingredients help rebalance the pH of your skin as well as keep it protected from breakouts.

Things you’ll need:

• Apple cider vinegar (maintains skin’s pH balance) – 2 tablespoons
• Lavender essential oil (soothes skin) – 2 drops
• Tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial) – 2 drops
• Earth clay (detoxifies skin) – 2 tablespoons
  

Step 1. Combine apple cider vinegar, clay, and essential oils

• Take 2 tablespoons of earth clay in a bowl. You can also use green clay.
• Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
• Add 2 drops each of tea tree and lavender essential oils.

Step 2. Blend well and apply on your face

• Use a wooden spoon to mix together all the ingredients.
• Using an applicator brush, apply an even layer of the clay mask on your entire face, except the eye region.
• Let the mask sit for 15 to 20 minutes or until it dries completely.
• Use a damp washcloth to wipe off the mask.
• Rinse your face with water and apply moisturizer.

Use this mask once weekly to detox your skin and maintain its natural glow.

Method 5: Egg Mask

Eggs are an excellent source of protein that helps improve the elasticity of your skin. Egg whites, in particular, help shrink pores and tighten skin and reduce the occurrence of blackheads/whiteheads. This egg face mask uses honey to keep your skin hydrated and lemon that works as a natural bleaching agent to improve skin tone.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant in lemons that treats photoaging and hyperpigmentation, when applied topically to the skin, unveiling a clear and even complexion. (4)

Things you’ll need:

• Honey (hydrates skin) – ½ tablespoon
• Lemon juice (improves skin tone) – ½ tablespoon
• Egg white of 1 egg (tightens pores)

Step 1. Mix honey and lemon juice in egg white

• Extract egg white of 1 egg in a bowl.
• Add a ½ tablespoon each of honey and fresh lemon juice to it.
• Use a hand blender to whisk up the ingredients into a frothy face mask.

Step 2. Apply the face mask once weekly for glowing skin

• Apply a thin layer of the mask on a clean and dry face.
• Allow the mask to dry completely.
• Rinse with water and apply a light moisturizer.

Use this mask once a week to improve your skin tone and get firm and radiant skin.

Method 6: Coconut - Coffee Scrub Mask

This amazing scrub mask will not only exfoliate your skin, but the fantastic smell of the mask will also lift your mood. The coconut oil in the mask works as a wondrous skin healer, protector, and hydrator. The antioxidants present in coffee help fight free radical damage, and the caffeine increases blood flow in the face to give your skin a glowing boost.

Vasoconstriction and the constriction of blood vessels reduce inflammation under the skin, and it is another property of caffeine that can treat dark circles and smooth fine lines. (6) The mask also has the goodness of honey that will keep the skin protected.

Things you’ll need:

• Extra-virgin coconut oil (heals and protects skin) – 2 tablespoons
• Honey (antibacterial and hydrates skin) – 1 teaspoon
• Coffee (exfoliate skin) – 3 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine coffee, honey, and coconut oil

• Take 3 tablespoons of coffee in a bowl.
• Add to it 1 teaspoon of honey.
• Also, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil.
• Mix everything well to make the scrub face mask.

Step 2. Apply the scrub face mask twice every week

• Start by applying a thin layer of the coffee mask all over your face.
• Using your fingers, scrub your face in circular motions for 1 or 2 minutes.
• Let the mask sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse with tepid water.

Use this mask to exfoliate your skin twice a week to get healthy and glowing skin. 

Method 7: Green Tea Mask

If you have oily skin, then this green tea mask can help you lose that unwanted gleam and maintain a healthy glow. Green tea contains catechins that work as powerful antioxidants to reverse damage and give you beautiful hair and skin. The same antioxidants also impart astringent properties to green tea that help shrink pores. This mask also uses rice flour that works as an exfoliant and skin-whitening agent. The lemon, on the other hand, helps reduce dark spots and acne scars (if any).

Things you’ll need:

• Brewed green tea (has astringent qualities) – 2 teaspoons
• Rice flour (whitens skin) – 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice (reduces dark spots) – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Combine green tea, rice flour, and lemon juice

• Take 2 tablespoons of rice flour in a container.
• Add to it 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. If you want to learn cool hacks to get maximum juice out of a lemon, click here.
• Add 2 teaspoons of brewed green tea as well.

 Step 2. Mix well and apply it to your face

• Blend the ingredients thoroughly to form a paste.
• Apply the face mask and let it sit for 20 minutes.
• Rinse with water and apply a light moisturizer.

Repeat 1 or 2 times every week to improve the texture of your skin and lighten your skin tone.

Method 8: Aloe Vera - Gram Flour Mask

Another effective mask for acne-prone skin is one that uses aloe vera and gram flour. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera help kill the invading bacteria and also bring down the inflammation in breakouts. Gram flour, on the other hand, absorbs excess sebum and also exfoliates the skin. The mask recipe also uses olive oil that helps nourish your skin without turning it excessively oily, and rose water that soothes the skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Rose water (soothes skin) – 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil (nourishes skin) – 1 teaspoon
• Aloe vera gel (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Gram flour (absorbs excess oil from skin) – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine the ingredients

• Take 2 tablespoons of gram flour in a container.
• Add to it 1 teaspoon each of olive oil and aloe vera gel. You can also learn to make your own aloe vera gel here.
• Add 2 tablespoons of rose water.

Step 2. Blend well and apply the face mask

• Use a motorized blender to form a lump-free paste.
• Apply a thin layer of the mask on your face. Alternatively, you can apply the paste just on the acne spots.
• Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Once dry, rewet the mask and massage your face to remove the mask, before rinsing it off with cold water.

Use this anti-acne mask to prevent acne flare-ups and maintain a healthy glow on your skin.

Method 9: Orange Peel Mask

Orange peel can also be incorporated in powdered form to lighten and brighten your skin. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that give a healthy boost to your skin while also preventing it from free radical damage. Combine it with gram flour to counter oily skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Water – 1 tablespoon
• Orange peel powder (rich in antioxidants and vitamin C) – 1 teaspoon
• Gram flour – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Mix together powdered orange peel, gram flour, and water

• Take 1 teaspoon of orange peel in a bowl.
• Add to it 1 tablespoon of gram flour.
• Add 1 tablespoon of water and mix well to form a paste.

Step 2. Apply the orange peel face mask twice weekly

• Apply a thick and even layer of the mask on your face.
• Let it sit for not more than 5 minutes, and then rinse with water.
• Pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply a light moisturizer.

Use this mask twice a week to get beautiful and glowing skin.

Method 10: Papaya Face Mask

Papaya masks are great for people with dry skin. The enzyme papain found in papaya helps exfoliate the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Though you can apply papaya pulp itself to improve skin texture, combining it with honey and milk can amp up its effectiveness significantly.

Things you’ll need:

• Honey (hydrates skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Milk (cleanses and lightens skin) – 2 tablespoons
• Papaya (cut into small pieces) – ½ cup

Step 1. Combine papaya, honey, and milk

• Take ½ cup of papaya chunks.
• Use a fork to mash them up.
• Add 2 tablespoons of milk to the papaya pulp.
• Add 1 tablespoon of honey as well.

Step 2. Blend well and apply on the face

• Mix all the ingredients well.
• Use a clean applicator brush to apply the face mask.
• Let the mask work its magic for 20 to 25 minutes.
• Rinse it off and apply a moisturizer.

Use this nourishing mask once or twice a week to keep your skin hydrated and add a healthy glow to your face.

Tips for making homemade masks for glowing skin

• If you have dry skin, always apply a moisturizer after using a face mask.
• Avoid using hot water to wash your face as it can turn your skin dull and dry.
• Exfoliate your face at least twice every week to remove the dead cells accumulated on your skin and ensure a healthy skin turnover.
• Always remove makeup and wash your face before hitting the bed. Your skin should be able to breathe to repair itself at night.
• Always wear sunscreen when stepping out in the sun to avoid UV damage.
• Reduce the intake of alcohol and eat more fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy body and glowing skin.

Resources:

1. Ak T, Gülçin I. Antioxidant and radical scavenging properties of curcumin. Chemico-Biological Interactions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18547552. Published July 10, 2008.
2. Vaughn AR, Branum A, Sivamani RK. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytotherapy Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27213821. Published August 2016.
3. Katz DL, Doughty K, Ali A. Cocoa and Chocolate in Human Health and Disease. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/. Published November 15, 2011.
4. Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology - PubMed Central (PMC). Indian Dermatology Online Journal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/. Published June 2013.
5. Lin T-K, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/. Published January 2018.
6. Topical caffeine For Skin Treatment. IAPAM. https://iapam.com/topical-caffeine-for-skin-treatment.html. Published June 14, 2017.