Jan
Give your skin a bit of TLC during the cold, harsh winter
January is the month of the year in which our minds and bodies are most in need of a bit of TLC.
With the festive season being over but the worst of the winter still to come and those long, cold nights stretching out ahead of us, there’s no shortage of excuses to treat ourselves at this time of year.
This is also one of the seasons when our skin suffers the most at the hands of the elements. Sure, the summer sun can be a bit gruelling for our faces, but the cold, harsh conditions in January mean most of us are prone to dry or irritated skin during the winter months.
Luckily, there’s no need to resort to any expensive skin treatments for an answer, which is excellent news after we’ve all splashed our cash at Christmas. You can whip up a restorative DIY face mask in the comfort of your own home using just essential oils and ingredients you already have in the back of your cupboard or fridge.
As well as doing your wallet and your skin a favour, a face mask also means some much-needed time for yourself. Whether you choose to curl up with a book, listen to a podcast or an album, have a bath or even meditate awhile, having a homemade face mask on pretty much obliges you to chill out and give your mind a little bit of time off.
So, light a few candles and get ready for some serious relaxation. Here are a few of our favourite essential oil recipes:
Hydrating avocado mask
This recipe harnesses the hydrating powers of avocado and raw honey.
- ¼ cup mashed ripe avocado (as smooth as possible)
- 1 tsp plain yoghurt/plant-based yoghurt
- 1 tsp raw honey
- 1 drop sandalwood essential oil
- 1 drop palmarosa essential oil
Mix all the ingredients together well so that the mask is smooth, and then apply in an even layer. Repeat 2-3 times a week, or whenever you feel the need.
Exfoliating pumpkin mask
The pumpkin in this recipe helps to gently get rid of dead skin cells to reveal the fresh new skin underneath.
- 2 tsp pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp plain yoghurt/plant-based yoghurt
- 1 drop Roman chamomile essential oil
- 1 drop lemon essential oil
Blend all the ingredients well and then apply to the face evenly. Do this once a week before you go to bed.
Easy soothing mask
This incredibly simple mask is extremely calming if your skin is irritated or sensitive.
Apply this mask evenly, and allow to sit for about 20 minutes. Apply once a week or whenever your skin is feeling particularly irritated.
Getting the most out of your mask
Before you apply your DIY face mask, make sure your skin is ready for it. Remove any makeup and gently cleanse your skin to wipe away any impurities and help your mask really do its job.
Apply the mask with a fan brush or simply with clean hands, and then sit back and put your feet up, literally: putting your feet up isn’t just comfortable, it helps promote blood flow to the face, meaning those essential oils can sink in more easily and get to work.
After at least 20 minutes of relaxation, or when the mask has dried out, remove it using a warm damp cloth, or simply warm water. Then, splash your skin with cooler water to close up your pores and pat your face dry. Finish up your pamper session with your favourite moisturiser.
Doing one of these face masks at least once a week can be fabulous for both your skin and your peace of mind.