Face mask recipes for glowing skin

Colloidal oatmeal mask for dry skin

Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal processed so its beneficial components can disperse in liquid. Its starches and beta glucans, natural complex sugars, help skin retain moisture. It also helps calm inflammation and support the skin barrier, the outer layer that protects your skin.1

You need half a cup of uncooked oats, one cup of water, a blender or food processor, and a small saucepan.

1. 1Blend the oats into a very fine powder.
2. 2Put the powder and water in the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. 3Boil for a few minutes to extract the beneficial starches.
4. 4Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
5. 5Apply a little of the cooled mixture as a paste to your skin.
6. 6Leave the paste on for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash it off and apply moisturizer.

A homemade oatmeal paste can be messy, so the sink gets a treatment too. A ready made colloidal oatmeal product is an easier alternative if cleanup is not part of your skincare ambitions.1

Avoid colloidal oatmeal if you have an oat allergy. For very sensitive skin or skin prone to allergies, test a little first and wait 24 to 48 hours for redness or itching before applying it more widely. If oatmeal does not help persistent irritation, ask a doctor or dermatologist about other options.1

A sheet mask with moisturizer or aloe vera

This option uses a purchased sheet mask with your own moisturizer or aloe vera.

1. 1Test the ingredients on a small area along your jaw or behind your ear before using them across your face.
2. 2Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and warm water to remove makeup, dirt and residue.
3. 3Put your moisturizer or aloe vera on the sheet mask and apply it.
4. 4Follow the sheet mask's directions for removal rather than inventing a longer treatment.

What about yogurt, papaya and coffee?

Milk and yogurt contain lactic acid, which exfoliates skin and can make it appear brighter. Papaya contains enzymes that can brighten skin. Coffee temporarily dries skin, which can make pores look less noticeable; that is a different goal from adding hydration. For dry skin, choose a moisturizing option instead.2

What should you leave out?

• Avoid lemon juice, lime juice and apple cider vinegar. Their low pH can irritate skin.
• Skip fragrance and essential oils, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
• Leave out rubbing alcohol, which dries skin.
• Avoid rough exfoliating particles such as walnut shells and apricot kernels, which can cause small tears in skin.
• Avoid strong exfoliating masks if your skin is sensitive.

How often should you use a face mask?

For a packaged mask, follow its label for frequency and contact time. Leaving a mask on longer or applying it too often can cause irritation. Avoid duplicating exfoliating ingredients already in your routine, particularly if you use retinol or acids. After washing off a mask, apply moisturizer and continue your usual cleansing and sun protection.3

When should you stop?

Wash a mask off immediately if you feel itching, burning or stinging. Irritating ingredients and excessive use can cause dryness, breakouts and damage to the skin barrier. If your skin feels worse after a mask, see a dermatologist. Masks do not replace treatment for acne or eczema.3

If you use prescription or other medicines that make your skin more sensitive, check with your dermatologist before adding a mask. Some medicines change skin thickness or sensitivity, affecting which mask ingredients your skin can tolerate.2