We caught up with international spa consultant, author and aesthetician specializing in multiethnic skin Linda Harding-Bond to see how you can solve your skin problems the natural way. She’s provided six facial mask recipes that could be made using ingredients straight from your kitchen! Find out which mask is best for your skin, and get glowing!
For Skin Tarnished by Winter:
Try The Greek Yogurt Mask
Ingredients:
- 2 rounded tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil
Directions: Whip egg yolk, fold in yogurt and add EVOO. Apply to face with clean hands avoiding eyes and lips. Let it remain for 5 minutes. To remove, apply warm washcloth to skin as a compress for 15 seconds then remove gently working upwards on face. Follow with a rich moisturizer applied to the face and throat and eye and lip cream.
For Oily Skin:
Try this Baking Soda and Cider Mask
Ingredients:
- 2 rounded tablespoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Directions: Mix together until combination begins to bubble. Apply to the face only. Leave on for about three minutes, or until dry. Remove with tepid washcloth. Follow with a gel-based moisturizer applied to the face and throat and lip cream.
For Dry Skin in Need of Moisture:
Try this avocado and banana mask
Ingredients:
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions: Smash ingredients together in one bowl and apply to face around eyes and lips with clean hands. Let it remain on skin and throat for 10 minutes. Remove with warm water and washcloth. Follow with a rich moisturizer applied to the face and throat, and eye and lip cream.
For Hyperpigmentation Issues:
Try this spice and lemon mask
Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 rounded tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Directions: Blend together and apply to skin leaving on for 15 minutes.* Remove with tepid water and warm washcloth. Follow with a moisturizer containing sunblock.
*May also be used as a spot treatment three times per week for hyperpigmentation.
For Combination Skin Types:
Try this well-blended mask
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh pumpkin
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Directions: Blend ingredients in a bowl or blender. Apply to face with clean hands avoiding eyes and lips. Let it remain on skin for 10 minutes. Remove with tepid water and washcloth. Follow with a light moisturizer applied to the face.
For Acne-Prone Skin:
Try this strawberry-infused mask
Ingredients:
- 6 ripe strawberries
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon honey
Directions: Mash up strawberries, and blend in honey and baking soda. Apply to face with clean hands avoiding eyes and lips. Let it remain for 15 minutes. To remove, apply tepid washcloth to skin. Follow with a moisturizer for acne-prone skin.
Learn more of Harding-Bond’s skin secrets and tips at www.lindatheskindiva.com.
—DaMonica Boone
