Face masks play a vital role in skin care. They complete the cleansing process by dissolving impurities and removing dead cells. This refines the skin, making it clear, translucent and youthful. Face masks also stimulate blood circulation to the skin, while others may soothe sensitive skin. Fruit and vegetable packs are popular and can easily be used at home. They contain vitamins and minerals and nourish the skin. 

DIY masks

For dry skin: Mix half a teaspoon honey with the yolk of an egg and one teaspoon of dried milk powder. Mix this into a paste and apply on the face. Remove after 20 minutes with water.  

For dry skin, a cream of milk and honey mask can also be nutritious. Mix together one tablespoon of  honey and thick cream. Apply this paste on the face and leave it on for half an hour. Rinse with warm water. It adds a glow to the skin.  

Ground almonds can also be mixed with the cream of milk for a nourishing mask. Mix ground almonds into a paste with cream. Apply and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rub this gently into the skin and rinse  with rose water.  

For oily skin: Mix half a teaspoon of honey with the white of an egg and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Add Fuller’s Earth or Brewer’s Yeast powder.  Mix it into a fine paste and apply. Remove after 20 minutes with water.

For oily skin with enlarged pores: Add lemon juice and a little milk to oatmeal. Apply the paste and remove after 20 minutes with water.

For oily and combination skin: Mix one teaspoon of yoghurt to Fuller’s Earth (multani mitti) and apply. Yoghurt, by itself, can also be applied. It helps to soften the skin and restore the natural acid mantle.  

Mix a teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of lemon juice and apply this paste daily, washing it off after 20 minutes. This helps to remove tan.  

Cleansing papaya mask for all skin types: Papaya pulp can be applied on the skin like a mask, washing it off after 20 minutes. Papaya contains enzymes and helps to soften and cleanse the skin of dead skin cells.  

Cleansing and skin lightening mask:  Mix cucumber and papaya pulp with one teaspoon of yoghurt, a teaspoon of honey, 3 teaspoons of oatmeal and a teaspoon of lemon juice.  
Fruit mask for all skin types: Fruits like banana, apple, papaya, orange can be mixed together and applied on the face. Keep it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Banana tightens the skin. Apple contains pectin and helps to cleanse the skin. Orange is rich in Vitamin C. It restores the normal acid-alkaline balance.  

Banana mineral properties make it an effective anti-wrinkle mask. Mash a banana and mix it with milk or cream. Honey can also be added. For oily skin, add orange juice, instead of milk and cream.  

For combination skin, mix yoghurt with walnut powder and a little rose water. Apply on the face and wash it off after 20 minutes.  

To remove tan: Apply yoghurt or buttermilk on the face and wash it off after 20 minutes. Or, mix gram flour with yogurt and a pinch of turmeric into a paste. Apply on the face and wash it off after 20 minutes.  

For a stimulating mask, mix together a tablespoon Brewers’ Yeast, with one egg yolk and a teaspoon of sunflower oil. Mix into a smooth paste and apply on the face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with water or milk.

Tips for mask application

Tie your hair back, away from the face. Cleanse your skin thoroughly with warm water. Use a flat, wide brush to apply the mask. Do not apply any mask on the sensitive skin around the eyes, unless the mask is specially indicated for this delicate region. Avoid the lips too. Leave on the mask till it is dry. About half-an-hour should do. Remove the mask by rinsing with plenty of water, unless special directions for removal of the mask are indicated, as in the case of “peel-off” masks. If there is an acne condition, grainy masks and scrubs should not be used.