My Favorite Healthy Face Masks (They Work!)

Face masks are an American tradition, like baseball and Grandma's apple pie, but for your skin. The $1.9 billion-a-year question is how many trendy cosmetic industry products work.

Would you be surprised to learn that you can treat your face to premium moisturizing with simple ingredients from your kitchen? Beauty masks with natural ingredients can hydrate, heal and protect your skin for pennies. Check out these favorites.

1. Honey & Avocado: Hydration Heaven

It’s easy for the delicate skin of your face to dry out, especially in the sun or during winter. Treat your skin to abundant moisturizing with a creamy mixture of avocado and honey.

The natural oils in avocado can make skin feel softer and smoother. Honey doubles up on hydration and locks in moisture.

Instructions

Mash one-third of an avocado. Combine it with a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture to your face, close your eyes and relax. Wait 20 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.

2. Green Tea & Cucumber: Gentle Soothing

Natural ingredients are already gentle on your skin, but this recipe takes the soothing a step further. This mask is an excellent moisturizing option for people who have sensitive skin.

The cucumber is there to hydrate while the honey calms irritation. Green tea is the secret ingredient, with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect skin from damage.

Instructions

Make one cup of black tea, letting the tea bag steep for five minutes. Stir in one tablespoon of honey. You can add a few drops of a gentle essential oil if you want, such as lavender. For sunburned skin, you can add some aloe vera gel, too.

Meanwhile, chop half a cucumber into thin slices. Add them to the pot of green tea and let sit for 15 minutes. Then, remove the cucumber slices and place them on your face. Let the antioxidants work their magic for 15 minutes before risking.

3. Oatmeal and Yogurt: Refreshing Exfoliation

When you think of exfoliation, you probably envision harsh ingredients and scratchy sponges that leave your skin red. You don’t need to be rough on your face to eliminate dead skin cells, though.

This creamy mixture of yogurt and oatmeal does an amazing job, leaving your face feeling light, refreshed and soft. This is a great last-minute-date-night mask for lessening wrinkles, too.

Instructions

Mix one tablespoon of plain yogurt and one tablespoon of honey. Cook a small amount of instant oatmeal with a little water. Combine this paste with honey and yogurt.

To use this exfoliating mask, give your face a gentle massage using small circles. Afterward, let the mask sit for 10–15 minutes. Finally, wash your face with some warm water and pat dry.

The Complete Experience

A face mask with natural ingredients is incredibly relaxing. It’s heavenly to put your feet up for 20 minutes and let moisturizing nutrients do their thing.

Add a few aromatic oils or some candles, and the experience feels like bringing the spa home with you. Try a few of these amazing "recipes" and show off your gorgeous face.