Looking for a simple (and relaxing) solution for dry, winter-ravaged skin?
Then cozy up and treat yourself to these three all-natural, ultra-hydrating DIY face mask and facial pack recipes for all skin types, including dry/normal or mature, dry/blemish-prone, and dry/sensitive.
Why Make Your Own Natural Face Mask?
Face masks, also known as face packs or facial packs, are an effective way to deliver potent hydrating, clarifying, and soothing skin benefits while you relax and take some time for yourself.
They’re so effective that skincare experts often recommend masking once to several times a week to boost skin hydration, exfoliate, cleanse the pores, help calm minor irritations, and support a youthful glow.
But pre-made face masks can get expensive, especially if you care about natural, high-quality ingredients and use them regularly.
But here’s a little secret: most people don’t need to buy expensive face masks!
You can easily make your own face masks and face packs at home using simple items like:
- High-quality plant oils for natural hydration and balancing excess oil
- Teas and coffee for antioxidants, smoothing, and cleansing
- Herbs and spices for addressing various skin concerns, such as blemishes, irritation, aging, and dark spots
- Honey to naturally exfoliate
- Oats, clays, and charcoal to absorb excess oil and toxins
- Enzyme-rich fruits to exfoliate and renew
- Vegetables (like pumpkin, carrot, and avocado), and yogurt to hydrate and exfoliate
- And other items you likely have in your pantry or fridge.
Plus, no special equipment or skills are required!
If you can mix and mash a few ingredients in a bowl, you can make a spa-quality face mask at home in minutes.
Where to Find Ingredients for Homemade Face Masks
For simplicity’s sake, most, if not all, of the ingredients for these natural face masks can be found in your kitchen, pantry, beauty cabinet, or at your local grocery store.
These recipes will also include Desert Essence plant facial oils, including:
- 100% Jojoba Oil (sustainably sourced), available in 2 oz, 4oz, and 8 oz
- Organic Jojoba, 4 oz
- Moringa, Jojoba, & Rosehip
- Organic Coconut, Jojoba, & Coffee
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
Missing an ingredient? No problem. Each recipe will also list ingredient alternatives (including plant oils), making it easy to mix and match based on what you have and what’s available.
Tips on Mask Prep, Application, & Removal
Before you get started making your own natural face mask, it’s important to know what you need and prepare your skin and work area.
Here are some tips:
- Read the recipe ahead of time to ensure you have everything you need for your homemade face mask
- Prepare your skin for masking by pulling back your hair and using a headband to keep hair out of your face
- If you’re worried about staining your clothes, wear an old shirt or robe, and/or place a towel around your neck
- Note: Turmeric will stain your clothes and towels!! So if you’re using it, be prepared.
- Remove makeup and cleanse skin using your favorite natural cleanser, such as Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash or Moisturizing Ceramide Cleanser
- If desired after cleansing, apply a hot towel to your skin or use a facial steamer to open pores and soften skin
- Apply mask in a thick layer (don’t be shy)
- Make space to lie down and relax for 10-15 minutes while it does its work
- Have a washcloth ready to help you remove the mask
Special note: Those with sensitive skin or skin allergies should do a small patch test before applying any new ingredients to the face.
Now that you’re prepped, let’s get started making hydrating DIY natural face masks.
3 Natural Face Mask Recipes for Hydrated Winter Skin
These all-natural masks contain a blend of moisturizing, exfoliating, and soothing ingredients to support skin hydration and help address common skin concerns.
1. Green Goddess Enzyme Face Mask for Dry/Normal or Dry/Mature Skin
This mask is a nod to your inner goddess and combines ultra-hydrating ingredients with natural enzymes to restore, brighten, and uplift dry, dull, and mature skin types.
Note that adding matcha or moringa will provide additional, potent antioxidants, but is not required for the hydrating benefits.
Ingredients:
- Half a whole avocado
- A drizzle of olive oil, jojoba oil, or Moringa, Jojoba, & Rosehip
- ¼ cup crushed up fresh papaya or pineapple OR 1 tablespoon plain unsweetened yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon matcha or moringa powder
- Optional: 1 tablespoon ground coffee
- Optional: 1 drop Lavender essential oil
How to Make:
- Mash the avocado and fresh papaya, pineapple, or yogurt with olive oil, jojoba oil, or Moringa, Jojoba, & Rosehip thoroughly to create a creamy consistency (pineapple will create a more chunky consistency).
- Stir in the matcha or moringa powder and, optionally, ground coffee and Lavender essential oil.
- Apply to your entire face, neck, and chest using your fingers or a mask brush.
- Relax and let dry for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse skin thoroughly and pat dry.
- Follow with your regular daily or nightly skin care products.
Related reading: Revitalize Your Skin with the Fall Renewal Jojoba Face Mask
2. Honey Oatmeal Jojoba Face Mask for Dry/Blemish-Prone Skin
Did you know oiliness and blemishes can be caused or exacerbated by skin dehydration?
It’s true! While it may seem counterintuitive, dry skin may try to compensate by producing excess oil, leading to oiliness, clogged pores, and breakouts, as well as regular or seasonal dryness.
This mask addresses all these issues using the exfoliating and natural antibacterial properties of honey, the absorbent and clarifying power of oats, essential fatty acid-rich flax or chia seeds, and the natural oil-balancing properties of jojoba for an ultra-hydrating, deep-pore-cleansing mask.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds or chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons warm water, leftover coffee, or herbal tea of choice
- 2 teaspoons raw honey
- Manuka honey is especially good for blemish-prone skin
- 2 tablespoons oat flour or ground up oats
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
- Optional: 1-2 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
How To Make:
- Combine ground flax seeds or chia seeds and warm water, coffee, or tea in a bowl to form a thick paste. This will take a couple of minutes.
- Once thickened, add the honey, oats or oat flour, jojoba oil, and optional tea tree oil, stirring to combine.
- Apply to your face and let it set for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse clean and pat skin dry.
Related reading: 6 Tips to Help Blemish-Prone Skin
3. Soothing Chamomile Cucumber Mask Recipe for Dry/Sensitive or Irritated Skin
Cold weather can be extra harsh on sensitive skin, which can become irritated, red, blotchy, and sore from dryness.
This mask is like a balm for sensitive skin, with chamomile & turmeric to calm irritation, aloe vera, jojoba, or olive oil to soothe and hydrate, yogurt or avocado for extra moisture and creaminess, and cucumber to cool and moisturize.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers (from a tea bag or loose herb)
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera, jojoba oil, or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons plain unsweetened yogurt or mashed avocado
- 1 small cucumber, grated or pureed, about 3 tablespoons
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
How To Make:
- In a mortar and pestle or a small bowl, combine the chamomile with aloe, jojoba, or olive oil, and muddle together, crushing the chamomile with the pestle or a spoon to release its natural oils.
- Add the yogurt, avocado, cucumber, and turmeric, and stir to combine.
- If the mask is too runny, add more avocado or yogurt (consistency will depend on the amount and water content of the cucumber).
- Apply to skin, neck, and chest using your fingertips or a mask brush.
- Relax and let it dry for 15-20 minutes. (This mask can be on the watery side, so plan to lie down while it dries.)
- Remove with a warm washcloth and apply the product as usual.
Related reading: A Quick Guide To Chamomile For Skincare
Essential Everyday Skincare Products for Winter
These DIY masks will go a long way in preventing and addressing seasonal dryness and other skin concerns.
However, it’s the daily skincare products we use that will make the most significant difference.
If you’re looking for clean and natural products to refresh your cool-weather skincare routine, Desert Essence can help!
Our products are botanically based, free of harsh synthetic chemicals, sustainably sourced, and affordable.
Some wintertime facial care favorites include:
For face:
- Moisturizing Ceramide Cleanser: A non-drying cleanser that gently removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Restorative Face Oil: Contains Organic Evening Primrose, Marula, and Jojoba Oils to replenish lost moisture and naturally restore antioxidants.
- Moisturizing Ceramide Cream: A rich yet light moisturizer with three different Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, and AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, and Olive Oil to moisturize and rejuvenate.
- Lip Rescue Ultra Hydrating - Shea Butter: This rich blend of organic shea butter, organic beeswax, rosemary oil, and ginkgo biloba is perfect for preventing and soothing dry, cracked lips.
Discover more ways to create a clean winter skincare routine, in: