Decadent Cream and Banana Face Mask for Soft Skin

This banana face mask is a treat for your face. It does take a little work to make as you will need to puree your ingredients in the blender to get the creamy texture, but it is worth it. Combining cream, fresh banana, honey, and oats, this is a homemade facial to soften the skin and create a smoother complexion.

For people who have dry skin this is a wonderful preventative mask. Preventing what you ask — wrinkles! Wrinkles and fine lines are going to etch themselves into dry, parched skin much quicker than with supple skin and even oily skin.

Cream and bananas are the core of this face mask, two nourishing, softening ingredients. Cream (you can also use milk) contains lactic acid, one of the alpha hydroxy acids that is going to loosen dead skin cells and promote cell renewal. Bananas are one of those great anti-wrinkle ingredients. They not only contain antioxidants to help slow skin aging, but they also soften. Add honey to increase the skin's ability to hold in moisture and oats for the calming, emollient properties, and you have a rich, creamy medley of skin smoothing ingredients.

To make this cream and banana face mask you will need:

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons of cream or milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rolled oats

Puree all ingredients in the blender for about thirty seconds. For a more dynamic skin softening natural treatment use the inside of your banana peel to exfoliate and increase circulation. Massage it over clean skin for about one minute. Rinse with warm water, dry, and then smear the banana mask over skin. Relax for about twenty minutes. Once it has dried on your face, rinse off with a cloth. Pat dry and put on a face lotion. Your skin will feel like silk.

After Sun Facial with Carrot, Aloe, and Honey

Exposure to sunlight dries out your skin and increases free radical production, which means the 'w' word – wrinkles. While nothing beats preventive skin care (wearing sun block and protecting your skin from the sun as much as possible with hats, clothing, and even shady trees), you can't stay out of the sun all of the time and sun block can only do so much. In fact, there are not many people who do not love a sunny day at the beach, or even in the backyard. When you do indulge in those golden rays or find yourself without proper sun protection, try some nourishing, hydrating post-UV ray exposure care with an after sun facial. This face mask recipe combines the high vitamin A content of carrot juice with aloe vera and honey, two crucial ingredients for skin healing and moisturizing.

If you don't drink carrot juice for your skin regularly then you should give it a try. It is packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A as needed. It is also great for the liver, and a well-functioning liver means less toxins in the body and less toxins to show up in the skin. Add a bit of carrot juice to a homemade facial and you get vitamin A for your skin. This nutrient acts like an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals. It also helps with tissue repair; this is not a bad thing when dealing with sun damage. Add more beta-carotene rich foods to your diet and your skin care regimen to help protect your skin from the parchment paper effect of the sun.

Aloe vera, and I mean the pure potion straight from the plant or a 100% pure aloe product, such as Aubrey Organics Aloe Vera, contains compounds to speed skin healing and to moisturize those dried out skin cells. It also encourages the production of new collagen. Honey helps the skin retain moisture while also nourishing with vitamins and organic acids. The carrot, aloe, and honey combination is perfect for treating the skin after sun exposure, replenishing nutrients and water, softening, and battling the damaging effects of free radicals.

To make this after sun facial you will need:

• 2 tablespoons of raw honey
• 1 teaspoon of fresh carrot juice
• 1 teaspoon of pure aloe vera

Simply stir ingredients together until very well mixed. Apply to the entire face after washing with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Sit down, relax, and sip a cup of carrot juice. For a pure and powerful moisturizer to use after your after sun facial, use antioxidant rich grapeseed oil instead of a typical face cream.

Seaweed and Lemon Detoxifying Face Mask

This is not the face mask for the faint of heart, or for dry, sensitive skin types. It is for those who have oily skin and are likely to do battle with regular blemishes. This detoxifying face mask combines seaweed powder with lemon to draw out impurities and to tone the skin. Try using it once a week to reduce breakouts and to give your skin a softer, cleaner complexion, naturally.

Seaweed is an excellent tonic for the face. We are talking serious nutrients for the skin and a powerful natural detox. Seaweed will help to draw the bad stuff out — oil, bacteria, and dirt — while supplying the skin with a rich dose of nutrients. Vitamins and minerals from the sea include vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and zinc. Zinc in particular is great for reducing acne because of its anti-bacterial properties. Seaweed also stimulates circulation and helps to balance moisture levels. I like to use Starwest Botanicals Organic Kelp Powder -- 1 lb, which you can use for all your beauty care needs, but you can also throw a tablespoon into smoothies for a boost of minerals.

Combine the benefits of seaweed for the skin with the astringent action of fresh lemon juice and you have a dynamic detox facial for your skin, without having to pay for a high-end face mask. Lemon will help to tighten pores and draw the skin together, reducing overall sebum production. Lemon is also naturally anti-bacterial. Be sure to use fresh lemon juice. Squeeze out a small amount for your mask and then use the rest in a fresh strawberry, papaya, and kelp powder smoothie, which is a great antioxidant boost for your skin. If you have sensitive skin, lemon can be irritating. You may want to try a gentler face mask, such as a honey and yogurt facial.

To make this detoxifying face mask you will need:

• 3 teaspoons seaweed powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• purified water, enough to make a paste

First get your face ready to absorb the sea minerals and lemon. One way to do this is to run a clean wash cloth under hot water. Then rest it on the face for about thirty seconds, warming, opening, and stimulating. Next mix the seaweed powder with juice and water in a small bowl. With your fingers, spread the mask over your skin. Once you have a nice even coating of the seaweed and lemon face mask, then let it set for up to ten minutes. Use your same cloth that you used to open pores to wash off the mask. Dry and put on a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and supple, but not oily! Be sure to use a face lotion that contains sun protection if you are going outside. Lemon juice increases the skin's sensitivity to the sun.

Carrot Seed Oil and Cucumber Skin Rejuvenating Treatment

If your skin could use intense rejuvenation, then this is the ultimate skin-boosting face mask and under eye treatment. Tired, baggy eyes and dull, aging skin can always be improved by a skin rejuvenating treatment. While a day at the spa is a great way to treat your skin, it is not always an affordable option. Not to worry, homemade face masks with antioxidant-rich, anti-aging ingredients such as carrot seed oil, grapeseed oil, and refreshing, collagen-boosting cucumber have a lot to offer your complexion.

Carrot seed essential oil is the magic ingredient in this homemade face mask recipe for dry and mature skin. It supports skin healing, detoxifies, normalizes dry or oily skin, and helps with the formation of new, healthy skin cells. It is used in may skin care products to help fight wrinkles and keep the skin smooth. A source of vitamin A that the skin can absorb, it helps to revitalize after exposure to the sun.

Grapeseed oil is the base of this earthy skin rejuvenating treatment. It is packed with antioxidants, including procyanidolic oligomers, to help protect skin cells from damage and from environmental toxins. It is also one of the best natural solutions for dry skin. The fatty acids found in grapeseed oil, including linoleic acid and oleic acid, help to keep the skin soft and smooth. Regular use can help create a younger-looking complexion.

Fresh cucumber rounds out this skin treatment with vitamin C and silica to promote the formation of new collagen, the protein that is found in all connective tissue. Cooling cucumber is also great for reducing redness and inflammation.

To make this homemade anti-aging treatment for your skin you will need:

• 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil
• 1 inch of fresh cucumber (plus two thin, cold slices for the eyes)
• 3 drops of carrot seed essential oil

Combine the grapeseed oil and cucumber in the blender and whip together. Pour the mixture into a glass or ceramic bowl and add the carrot oil. To really open pores and maximize detoxification and the benefits of this natural skin rejuvenating treatment, start with a dry brush exfoliation. Using an exfoliating brush for your face, gently massage the skin in a circular motion.

Next cleanse with warm water, using the heat of the water to open pores. Pat dry and quickly apply the face mask. Lie down and place the cucumber slices over your eyes. Rest for twenty minutes.

I love to do a full-body rejuvenating treatment when I use this face mask by relaxing in an epsom salt bath while letting the ingredients do their work for my skin. You can even add five drops of the carrot seed oil to your bath for a full body detoxifying boost. Rinse your face (and body) when you are finished and breathe the deepest, most satisfying sigh of your life. Drink a big glass of water or a cup of mint tea and yes, truly, you are gorgeous!

Oatmeal and Milk Facial for Softer Skin

By all means start your day with a nutrient-rich bowl of oatmeal. Oats are high in B vitamins, which are important for skin health, as well as fiber — a high-fiber diet is a must for clear skin. When you make your bowl of morning cereal, set a little extra grain aside for an oat, honey, and milk facial. Have your breakfast and then put on this skin-softening face mask while you drink your morning cup of tea and read the paper with the sun streaming through (or rain pattering against) the kitchen window. This is the best way to start your day for body, mind, and skin.

Oats are not only nourishing, but they are also softening. They are rich in saponins, which have an emollient effect on the skin. Oats are beneficial for improving your complexion, but they are also great in the bath for softening the entire body. Add a little honey to this face mask recipe, which helps to keep the skin supple. Then add milk, a source of softening fatty acids for the skin, to make a sweet and creamy oatmeal and milk facial for your skin. To make this skin treatment you will need:

• 2 tablespoons of whole rolled oats or steel cut oats
• 1 tablespoon of raw honey
• 1 tablespoon of whole milk or cream

To get the best out of oats for your skin, pulverize them in the blender or coffee grinder for ten seconds. Broken down, it will be easier for the skin to absorb the nourishing properties. With a spoon, mix the oat 'dust,' honey, and milk. Whip together until you have a creamy texture. Smear over your skin and enjoy your english breakfast tea and morning sunshine. This face mask can be difficult to rinse off. Use a warm, wet wash cloth to gently remove the mask. Dry your face and then put on your normal daily moisturizer and enjoy the day with a soft, smooth complexion.

Honey and Yogurt at Home Facial for Dry Skin

This is a great natural treatment for dry skin. It is a deep nourishing and moisturizing experience that your skin will love, whether you have seasonal dry skin or you deal with this skin type on a regular basis. Use this honey and yogurt at home facial for dry skin twice a week until you transform a dull, dry complexion into that soft glow of perfect skin.

Honey, with its humectant properties, will help the skin retain moisture. This is one of the best ingredients to use in face mask treatments for dry skin, especially if you have any problems with acne. Honey also has anti-bacterial properties. Go for a high-quality raw honey for the highest content of organic acids, vitamins, and minerals for your skin.

Yogurt is rich in nutrients to help soften skin, including fatty acids and lactic acid. Lactic acid also helps to loosen dry skin cells so they can be washed away. Add a little sandalwood essential oil for its moisturizing properties and to encourage cell renewal and you have the ultimate at home facial for dry skin. To make this treatment you will need:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil

Stir all ingredients together. As essential oils degrade quickly, be sure to make this face mask right before use. Cleanse the face with warm water and dab the skin with a towel to dry. Put on the nourishing mask, gently rubbing the ingredients into your skin. Let it set for ten minutes before washing. Be sure to put on your face lotion when you are finished to help keep your skin moist. Drink lots of water, use this softening facial, and voila, go from dry and plain to smooth and radiant!

Floral Home Facial for Sensitive Skin

Having sensitive skin means that your complexion is as delicate as a flower, and as vulnerable. Dryness, toxins, dead skin cells, bacteria, everything seems to cause a red, inflamed mess. It is time to use the healing power of nature's finest creatures in a calming home facial for sensitive skin. Try a rose and lavender skin treatment that is made with soothing cucumber and nourishing honey to get rid of that red, blotchy complexion.

Rose water acts as an astringent, tightening tissue and reducing dry skin. Lavender is great for its anti-inflammatory properties. Both flowers protect the skin from bacteria. Cucumber will dose the skin with beneficial nutrients, including vitamin C to boost collagen production. It also helps by reducing redness and inflammation. Honey is a humectant. It helps to lock in moisture — lots of moisture is key when dealing with delicate skin problems.

To make this floral home facial for sensitive skin you will need:

• 1 tablespoon raw, organic honey
• 1 teaspoon of rose water
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 to 3 inches of a medium cucumber, skin on

Toss everything into the blender for thirty seconds. For best results, start by opening and cleansing your pores with lavender steam. This will help the skin absorb the properties of the natural facial. Boil two cups of water and pour into a glass bowl. Add 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Keep your face over the steam for three minutes. Apply the face mask. Sit back and let the honey, cucumber, rose, and lavender rest on your face for about fifteen minutes. Rinse with tepid water. Your face will feel incredibly quenched and nourished. Apply a gentle moisturizer to finish the treatment.

Traditional Egg White Face Mask to Tone Skin

What is the traditional way to fight wrinkles and keep the skin toned? Aside from drinking lots of water and staying out of the sun, it is an egg white face mask. Yep, plain old egg whites, whipped to a nice froth. The incredible, edible egg is packed with nutrients that are great for the skin, including proteins, enzymes, and B vitamins, but the main reason for choosing egg whites for your skin is the tightening effect. As the egg dries on your face it pulls the skin together. When you wash away this face mask you reveal a softer, smoother, more evenly toned you.

For a basic egg white face mask you will need one egg white.

Whip the egg with a wire whisk. Be patient, your foam will form! Prepare the face by rinsing with warm water and patting dry. With your fingers, coat your face with the egg mixture. Only a thin layer is necessary, you won't use the whole egg. Be careful to avoid the eye area. Lie down, relax, and listen to your favorite classical music CD or catch up on your reading, but this isn't the time to have a philosophical conversation, you won't be able to move your face freely. 

After the mask has fully dried and your skin feels tight, rinse off with warm water.  Finish with a super-hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin soft, smooth, and supple. This is a great anti-aging treatment to have in your back pocket. It is also quick and easy as far as facial masks go, although raw egg whites are not for everyone. If you like this traditional home facial, try using it once a week to maintain a smoother complexion. It improves your skin with consistent use and blows those expensive anti-aging creams out of the water.

Papaya Anti-Wrinkle Facial

Anti-wrinkle treatments do not have to be expensive and they don't always have to take a lot of work. Try this revitalizing food facial to dose your skin with fruit enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients. Rub the inside of fresh papaya skins on your face to promote skin renewal and a younger looking complexion. Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that helps to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells. It also contains antioxidants, which protect cells from free radical damage and help the skin retain its elasticity.

To use this anti-wrinkle food facial simply rub the inside of the papaya skins on your face. For a more potent effect, open pores first by rinsing the face with warm water. Rub the skins on your face and neck for about one minute, focusing on problem areas. The papaya massage will have the added benefit of boosting circulation to the skin. This is not only great for your skin, but it is also relaxing. Try using it after a long day outside, especially if you've been in the sun. The dose of antioxidants is great for protecting the skin from damage and preventing wrinkles.

Try feeding your face with fresh papaya skins once a week. To really improve your skin, and your health, eat a fresh papaya each week when it is time for your anti-wrinkle facial. This sweet, musky fruit is packed with skin nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E and potassium. I love to make it into a smoothie with banana and strawberries. It also tastes great when sliced and drizzled with fresh lime juice. Papaya is one of the best foods for your skin, especially when it comes to fighting wrinkles. Eat it, enjoy it, and feed your face with it.

Matcha Green Tea and Berry Antioxidant Mask

This is the ultimate in antioxidant-rich homemade face masks. Green tea is packed with antioxidants and nutrients for the skin, including vitamins A and C and potassium. Berries supply the second dose of free radical fighting antioxidants. Strawberries (or try blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries) are high in vitamin C, as well as anthocyanins and flavonols to protect cells and reduce inflammation.

This berry and green tea face mask is a great treatment for preventing wrinkles and skin aging. The body is always producing free radicals, which damage cells, cause skin inflammation, and a loss of skin elasticity. Antioxidants can neutralize these cell destroyers, slowing the aging process. It may still be true that eventually wrinkles are going to form and the skin is going to sag to some extent, but why not do what you can to maintain a youthful complexion? Protect your skin from the sun, eat antioxidant-rich foods, and soak your skin in this super anti-aging face mask.

To make this berry and green tea face mask you will need:

• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
• 3 medium sized strawberries
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey

Toss all ingredients in the blender and whip up this homemade anti-aging treatment for your skin. Lay a warm wash cloth on your face for about thirty seconds to open pores. With your fingertips smear the berry and green tea paste over the face and neck area. For a really dynamic beauty treatment, sip a cup of match green tea while letting the mask set into your skin. After about fifteen minutes rinse your face. Finish with cool water and then gently dry. Use a moisturizer after your green tea beauty treatment to keep the skin soft and supple. Alba Botanica has a great oil-free green tea moisturizer made with aloe that calms and protects the skin. It also comes with vitamin C rich hibiscus and anti-inflammatory cucumber. Or use your favorite moisturizing lotion and go brew another cup of green tea.

photo by Fred V