There’s no glow like a post-facial glow. When your skin feels fresh and radiant, you want those dewy days to last forever.
But while you’re in-between sessions, how do you keep that glow going? Turn to at-home face masks, says Massage Envy Franchising employee and skin care specialist Adrianne Lackey.
Long a slumber party staple, DIY face masks have grown up—and now play an important role in the world of adult skin care too. With the right ingredients and application, face masks allow you to tailor your skin care to your needs and easily maintain the results of your professional facials. Let’s explore what face masks can do for you!
Benefits of face masks
DIY face masks are an excellent way to address specific skin concerns. Is your skin in need of extra hydration? A gentle detox? A boost of anti-aging care? There’s a mask for that. Whether you choose a store-bought option or create one using ingredients from your kitchen, face masks provide accessible care tailored to your skin’s needs.
And while face masks may be packed with benefits for your skin, they’re also an opportunity to pause, relax, and reconnect with your body’s needs. Incorporating them into your routine transforms self-care from a rare indulgence into a regular practice—allowing you to look and feel radiant every day.
How to make a face mask at home
The easiest way to get started with face masks at home is to make your own. Before you decide to follow any complex or expensive recipes, rest assured: simpler is often better. Here’s what to keep in mind about homemade face masks before you start tossing things in a mixing bowl.
Less is more
The beauty of an at-home face mask? The ingredients are fresh and chosen by you. The secret is to stick to a few high-quality, skin-loving ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation and make a true impact on your skin.
Ingredients don’t need to be rare or expensive either. You likely already have a lot of the ideal ingredients for DIY face masks in your pantry at home.
Says Adrianne, “Some great DIY face mask ingredients include honey, avocado, oatmeal, banana, Greek yogurt, and matcha.” Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits these ingredients offer:
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- Honey: Honey draws moisture into the skin and has antimicrobial properties that may help with healing wounds like acne blemishes.[1] Specific types like manuka or raw millefiori honey may also provide an extra antioxidant boost.[2]
- Yogurt: Rich in lactic acid, yogurt may help calm inflammation and provides moisture to the skin[3].
- Oats: These are soothing for sensitive or itchy skin, boost the skin barrier, and have a mild anti-inflammatory effect.[4]
- Green Tea: Packed with antioxidants, green teas such as matcha help combat free radicals that prematurely age the skin.[5]
- Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can help target skin disorders like acne[6].
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera soothes irritated skin, boosts hydration, and promotes healing[7], making it a great addition for calming and nourishing your skin.
Always make sure your ingredients are fresh and free from additives. The goal is to use ingredients that nurture your skin without overwhelming it.
The three-ingredient face mask
Ready to try your hand at making a face mask? Here’s how to make a face mask at home that’s simple, only contains three ingredients, and works for most skin types:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon finely ground oats
Instructions:
- Mix the yogurt, honey, and oats in a small bowl until you have a smooth paste.
- Apply the mask evenly across your face, avoiding the eye area.
- Leave it on for 10–15 minutes while you relax.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water, gently massaging your skin in circular motions to exfoliate with the oats.
- Pat your face dry and follow with your favorite moisturizer.
This mask gently exfoliates, hydrates, and soothes your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and balanced.
A word of caution
Homemade face masks are great, but they’re not one size fits all. Certain ingredients, even natural ones, can trigger allergies or sensitivities. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin—like the inside of your wrist—before applying a mask to your face.
Adrianne also cautions against using “ingredients such as lemon juice or apple cider vinegar” that “can cause irritation.” Harsh or highly acidic ingredients can disturb your skin’s natural barrier. The simpler you keep your ingredients list, the less chance there is to experience negative effects.
How to choose a store-bought mask
For pure convenience, nothing beats a store-bought face mask. Not all masks are created equal, though! Keep an eye on the ingredients list and look for those that address your skin’s needs.
“Store-bought face masks are great for targeting specific skin concerns you may have and many do a great job at calling those benefits out,” says Adrianne. Here’s what to look for depending on your particular issue:
Dry skin
Look for masks with humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid, glycerin) to attract moisture[8], emollients (e.g., ceramides, fatty acids) to soften the skin[9], and occlusives (e.g., shea butter, squalane) to lock in hydration
[10].These ingredients help replenish the skin barrier[11], reduce transepidermal water loss, and may improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture[12]. “A cream or gel mask is typically going to be hydrating,” says Adrianne.
Try: Jan Marini Skin Research® Hyla3D® Face Mask, PCA SKIN® Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask
Oily or acne-prone skin
Opt for masks containing clay (e.g., kaolin or bentonite) or charcoal to absorb excess oil[13], salicylic acid for exfoliation and oil control[14], or enzymes (e.g., papain or bromelain) to gently exfoliate without harsh scrubbing.[15]
“A clay mask can be useful for drawing out impurities,” notes Adrianne. Salicylic acid and enzymes have been shown to help prevent clogged pores.
Try: Jan Marini Skin Research® Skin Zyme® Mask, Jan Marini Skin Research® Retinol Plus Mask
Sensitive skin
Choose masks with calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, colloidal oatmeal, or niacinamide.[16] [17] Avoid fragrances, alcohols, and harsh exfoliants that could trigger irritation.
These ingredients help soothe redness and irritation while strengthening the skin barrier to reduce sensitivity over time. Look for lightweight hydrating masks or overnight masks with minimal active ingredients.
Try: Jan Marini Skin Research® Hyla3D® Face Mask
Aging skin
Look for masks containing antioxidants (e.g., vitamin E, vitamin C), retinoids (e.g., retinol), and peptides. These ingredients may help combat free radical damage, stimulate collagen production[18], and improve skin elasticity[19].
Retinol promotes cell turnover to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles[20], while vitamin E helps protect the skin from oxidative stress[21], and peptides help give the skin an appearance of firmness and plumpness[22].
Try: Jan Marini Skin Research® Retinol Plus Mask
How to properly apply your face mask
After you’ve carefully considered the ingredients and intentions behind your at-home face mask, it’s time to apply it. While applying a face mask may seem as simple as slathering it on and hoping for the best, there are a few simple steps you can take to maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.
1. Cleanse your skin
Begin with a gentle cleanser to remove any buildup of dirt, oils, and makeup. This will create a clean base for your mask to work more effectively by allowing more of the active ingredients to reach your skin.
2. Apply evenly
Use your fingertips, a brush, or a spatula to apply the mask in a thin, even layer, making sure to avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and lips. Take care to cover your face uniformly, as this will help the mask to work its magic across the entire surface.
3. Follow instructions
Adhere to the recommended duration suggested by the mask’s instructions. Some masks may need longer to work, while others might be more effective with a shorter application time. This way, you avoid irritation or over-drying your skin.
4. Rinse gently
Once the mask has dried or the time is up, remove it with lukewarm water. Be gentle with your skin, and pat it dry with a soft, clean towel before applying your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin feeling nourished.
Adds Adrianne, “Something fun to do with masks that I do all the time is multi-masking! This is when you use multiple face masks at one time in different areas of the face depending on what your concerns are. My favorite thing to do is use a clay or charcoal detoxifying mask on my T-zone to help with oil and blackheads, and then a nourishing or brightening mask on the rest of my face.”
The secret to radiant skin
Enjoy the benefits of face masks at home while you look forward to your next customized facial appointment at a Massage Envy franchise location. Through a combination of at-home care and professional facials, you can keep your skin glowing and healthy-looking week in and week out.
Meet with an esthetician today to discuss how targeted enhancements like treatments for your eye area, neck, or tired hands and feet can take your facial experience to the next level. And consider adding advanced solutions like a Chemical Peel or Oxygenating Treatment to promote even deeper and longer-lasting results. From facials to homemade masks, from the comfort of your home to the expert care at a Massage Envy franchised location—achieving luminous skin has never been easier.
