​3 DIY Face Masks for Beautiful Skin

Beautiful skin takes some work. It all starts, of course, with a healthy diet that promotes optimal blood flow, body cleansing, and skin elasticity. It continues with regular exercise that keeps your organs, including your skin, in the best possible shape. The icing on the skincare cake is what you actually do to your skin. Washing your face, moisturizing each day, and wearing sunscreen when you're outside are essential tasks for keeping your skin soft and glowing. Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can clog your pores and leave your skin looking mottled and dull.

But the most enjoyable way to give your skin a little TLC is the much-loved face mask. A luxurious face mask doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the best masks come right from your kitchen. Here are three healing, nourishing face masks you can concoct yourself for your next at-home spa day.

Banana Mask

Bananas have lots of love to give to your skin. Potassium hydrates and moisturizes, while B-vitamins protect against oxidative stress. Vitamin A heals dryness and fades scars and spots, while zinc fights germs that can cause acne. Vitamin C promote collagen production, and Vitamin E helps to repair damaged skin cells. Lectin destroys acne-causing bacteria, and amino acids help your skin maintain its elasticity.

And it's not just by eating bananas that you can reap these benefits. Mash up a medium-sized ripe banana until it's a smooth paste. Add two tablespoons of honey, a natural acne remedy, and a dollop of plain yogurt, which cools and soothes. Slather the mask all over your face and décolletage, and even on the backs of your hands and tops of your feet. Sit back and daydream for 20 minutes while it nourishes and renews. Rinse with warm water, and moisturize.

Oatmeal Mask

Folks have been using oats in skincare since around 2000 BC, and they're recognized by the FDA as a topical ingredient. Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it ideal for sensitive skin. It's used to treat a variety of skin problems, including eczema, sunburns, and poison ivy. It's hydrating, soothing, and it contains chemicals called saponins that have incredible cleansing properties.

To make a luscious oatmeal mask, add ⅓ cup of oatmeal to ½ cup of hot water. Let it sit for about three minutes. Add a couple of tablespoons each of plain yogurt and honey, and mix in the white of a small egg. Apply the mask to your face and dry, irritated patches of skin elsewhere. Read a good book or check your email messages for 15 minutes while it sets. Rise with warm water, pat dry with an absorbent towel, and moisturize.

Egg White Mask

Egg whites are packed with nutrients like protein and albumin, which tone your skin and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Because egg whites are a natural astringent, they're great for oily skin, drawing out dirt and oils and tightening the pores. They can help eradicate blackheads, reduce under-eye puffiness, and improve the general appearance of your skin.

All you need for an egg white mask is egg whites, although you can mix in a little honey for additional antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and moisturizing benefits. Apply it your face and other skin in need of some love, and leave it alone for a half hour. Rinse with warm water, and moisturize.

An inexpensive, kitchen-curated mask can do wonders for your skin. Use organic ingredients for the best possible results and the greatest benefits.