I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of DIY skincare. In the zeitgeist of Pinterest, DIY skincare recipes were a dime a dozen and often featured risky ingredients like undiluted lemon or lime juice. As a general rule, I wouldn’t recommend making DIY cleansers or DIY leave-on products such as serums or moisturizers—especially homemade SPF products. It’s virtually impossible to ensure the proper dispersion of SPF actives in a homemade base, which leads to uneven protection. For this and countless other reasons related to safety and efficacy, no one should attempt to make SPF at home. Full stop.
Masks, however, don’t carry the same doom-and-gloom consequences. They’re a great way to experiment with DIY skincare. Mixing your own mask feels fun and experimental, plus it allows you to customize the proportion of ingredients to suit your own needs. In the winter months, I like a mask that adds some much-needed moisture and gentle exfoliation. It helps alleviate winter dryness and lends a glow to tired, dull skin. For one of my favorite recipes, I mix the following ingredients in a small bowl:
- 2.5 Tbsp full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 Tbsp pumpkin puree
- Optional: add 5-6 drops of facial oil or Hydrate facial serum
The yogurt base features lactic acid for gentle exfoliation, plus the fat content helps protect the skin from moisture loss. Honey is a strong humectant for plump, hydrated skin and has fantastic anti-microbial properties. Finally, the enzymatic action from the pumpkin puree enhances the mask’s exfoliating effects and packs a powerful antioxidant punch. Pumpkin is a fantastic source of beta-carotene, along with skin-loving vitamins A, C, and E.
This simple, three-ingredient mask makes a wonderful weekly treatment on its own, but you can also enhance it with your preferred skincare products. I like adding 5-6 drops of facial oil for more emollient moisture when my skin is extra-dry. Alternatively, if I want something a bit lighter that leaves my skin bouncy and hydrated, I might swap that oil out for some Hydrate Facial Serum. These steps are completely optional and can be tailored to your preferences.
Once I’ve mixed the mask to my liking, I apply the concoction in a thin, even layer and wash it off after 15 minutes. Simple as that!
Happy Masking!
XO,
Jordan
