After the long months of winter, your skin might be suffering from indoor heat, the wind, cold, and, for some of us, ice and snow. Not only can the colder months leave your skin dry, it can also result in a dull appearance and visible fine lines. One way to help manage your dry skin is through face masks or steams.
And while there are a number of options on the market, you can also make your own at home. This is a great way to save money and keep a closer eye on the ingredients you apply to your skin.
So, if you have dry or dull skin this winter, you can find my favorite facial remedies below.
Spirulina and Manuka Honey Hydration Mask
I love this mask because it’s incredibly nourishing and very simple to make. I use spirulina, also referred to as blue-green algae, which is packed with antioxidants that have the potential to help with fine lines and wrinkles.
The other ingredient for this mask is manuka honey, which may potentially reduce inflammation and irritation caused by acne. Moreover, manuka honey is a humectant, so it moisturizes the skin, leaving it soft and supple.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. manuka honey
- 1 tsp. spirulina powder
- 1 tsp. water or rose water, or any other herbal hydrosol mist
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a jar or bowl.
- Apply the mixture gently directly to your skin.
- Leave on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
Oat Banana Exfoliating Mask
Dry, winter skin usually means one thing: flakes. And it’s not the pretty, snowy kind. While you might not be able to easily see dry, flaky skin, it can result in your skin looking dull.
Gently lifting and removing this dry skin may help to create more glowing looking skin — not to mention may allow your skin to hold moisturizing treatments better, such as beauty balms and oils.
For this treatment, I love combining oatmeal, a gentle exfoliator and great for soothing dry skin, and banana, which some claim can hydrate and moisturize your skin.
Ingredients
- 1/2 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tbsp. oats
- 1 tbsp. liquid of your choice, such as water, yogurt, or rose water
Instructions
- Combine mashed banana with the oats.
- As you blend, add small amounts of liquid until you have a thick consistency.
- Apply to your face with your fingers.
- Leave on for 20–30 minutes.
- Remove with lukewarm water using small circles so the oats can help lift off dead skin.
Herbal Facial Steam Treatment
This is a treatment that I’ll often do either instead of or before I apply a mask. The ingredients can change depending on what you have on hand — for example, you can use different dried herbs, teas, and flowers.
I facial steam a few times a month in the winter, since it’s very hydrating. Yes, the steam makes your face wet, but it helps your skin to better absorb the oils and balms you put on afterwards.
Ingredients
- calendula, for its healing properties
- chamomile, for its calming properties
- rosemary, for toning
- rose petals, for moisturizing
- 1 liter boiling water
Instructions
- Place a handful of herbs and boiling water into a basin or large pot.
- Cover with a towel and let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Tuck your head under the towel, creating a little “tent” over your head while you place your face over the basin or large pot.
- Steam for around 10 minutes.
- Rinse gently with lukewarm water.
- Apply mask, oils, serums, or balm (optional).
Nourishing, hydrating facemasks don’t need to cost a fortune
As you can see, nourishing, hydrating face masks and steams don’t need to empty your wallet. You can get creative and use items you might find in your local supermarket or even have in your own kitchen. Just remember to have fun!