3 DIY face masks that are perfect for dry skin

If you’ve ever excitedly yanked the lid off the Danish butter cookie dabba only to find it filled with random buttons and assorted sewing needles — you’re well versed with Indian ingenuity and the drive for DIY. Stands to reason that when it comes to skin and haircare, sometimes grandma’s homemade concoctions featuring pantry ingredients are more effective than the jars of branded goop we throw money at.

Feel like you’re ready to swap the toner for turmeric? Step one: Identify your skin type. If your skin has dry patches, feels itchy and tight, is less prone to breakouts (yay, you) and sheds a few flakes when you lightly drag your nail against your skin, you’ve been left high and dry by the skin gods. Step two: Raid your masala drawer to whip up some of our favourite DIY face masks that’ll work as a humidifier for your face.

Oily friends, we have you covered  — and those who have been tag-teamed by combination skin, we have a solution for you, too. Who says you need a spa for a soothing, pick-me-up facial?

Banana and coconut oil

These two ingredients act as natural moisturisers for dry skin. Rich in potassium, banana hydrates flaky skin and is believed to promote natural collagen production. Coconut oil lubricates healthy skin cells while healing acne, wounds and inflammation with its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Ingredients:
½ ripe banana
1 tsp coconut oil

How-to: Use a fork and mash half of a banana into a paste, and stir in the coconut oil. Add a drop of lavender or tea tree essential oil to the mix if the smell gets too much for you. Leave the paste on for 15 minutes before washing it off.

Avocado and vitamin E

Avocados are definitely pricey but the natural oils are ideal for restoring moisture to your skin. Avocado and vitamin E oil together are a power-packed duo that’ll give your dry skin a big shot of hydration.

Ingredients:
½ avocado
1 tsp Vitamin E oil

How-to: Vitamin E is easily available in jars as an oil, but you can opt for store-bought capsules and pop them for the goodness that lies inside. Mix it with mashed avocado and spread the paste on your neck and skin for 10-15 minutes to soak up all its goodness.

Carrot, honey and avocado

Vitamin-rich carrots are high in beta carotene and potassium which give your skin a wonderful glow and teaming them natural humectant honey and star-player avocado will leave you with nourished skin.

Ingredients:
½ carrot
¼ avocado
1 tsp honey

How-to: Slice and boil the carrots to soften and once cooled down, mash into a paste. Scoop out the avocado from a slice approximating ¼ of the fruit. Add an equal portion of honey to the mix and apply it for 10 minutes.

Keep in mind:

• Always start with a fresh, cleansed face
• Just because a product is natural doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll suit your skin. Do a patch test on the inside of your wrists to see how your skin reacts to the ingredients. If you feel any irritation or burning, wash it off immediately.
• We recommend using a face mask a maximum of 3 times a week and keeping it on for no longer than 15 minutes. Use fresh ingredients and make enough for one application— a natural face mask, sans preservatives, can go bad pretty quickly.
• Steer clear of your under-eye area while applying and do not use on areas where there is sensitivity and irritation like on patches of dermatitis, eczema or open wounds.
• Always follow up masking with a moisturiser

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