How to Make a Hydrating Cucumber and Yogurt Face Mask

There are many benefits to making your own health and beauty care products, such as avoiding the chemicals found in many commercial beauty products. Commercial products are often expensive also, so making your own with natural ingredients can save you money. Face masks are one beauty care item that is easy and inexpensive to make. I developed the following recipe for skin in need of hydrating and soothing. This mask is also great for combating acne.

You will need the following implements to prepare this recipe: 1 small mixing bowl; 1 large fork; 1 small plate or dish; 1 large wooden or plastic mixing spoon; teaspoon for measuring; 2 soft wash cloths.

You will need the following ingredients to prepare this recipe: 1 small ripe cucumber; 1 cup of plain yogurt; 1 teaspoon of honey.

Begin preparing the recipe by washing the ripe cucumber with cool water. Then cut the cucumber in half length-wise. Use the large fork to scrap the cucumber out of its skin onto the small plate or dish and then mash the cucumber with the fork until it is smooth. When the cucumber is blended smoothly (you may wish to use a mixer or blender), add it to the mixing bowl.

Next add the cup of yogurt to the mixing bowl and stir the yogurt and cucumber with the wooden spoon until the mixture is blended uniformly. Then add the teaspoon of yogurt to the mixture and stir well until the mixture is smoothly blended.

Cucumber is excellent for the skin; it is cool and soothing helping skin issues such as under eye circles and inflammation while hydrating. Yogurt is also great for hydrating the skin, combating acne and inflammation. Honey is naturally anti-bacterial; it is a humectant that will draw moisture to the skin while helping improve acne.

Prepare your skin for the mask by washing it with very warm water; this will open your pores allowing you to remove debris and also allowing the mask to better penetrate your skin.

Apply a thick layer of the mask to your face taking care to avoid your eye area. For best results allow the mask to set for 5 to 10 minutes. Soak one of the soft wash cloths in warm water and use it to remove the mask with slow, circular motions. Remove the rest of the mask with cool water. Then splash your face with cold water; this will close your pores making it more difficult for debris to enter.

Please note that many natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions in people that use them. Avoid any ingredients that you know you are allergic to and discontinue using any formulations that cause skin irritation, hives or other signs of an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this recipe substitute with one of the alternatives listed below.