How to Make a Homemade Face Mask for Dry Skin

Co-authored by Joanna Kula and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: November 3, 2022 References

If you deal with dry skin, you’re not alone. Using a face mask once or twice a week is a great way to soothe your skin and rehydrate it—plus, you won’t have to go out and buy an expensive option from the store. Grab a few items straight from your kitchen cabinets to get started!

1

Oatmeal mask

Exfoliate and moisturize your skin using oats. Combine ¹⁄₂ c (120 mL) of hot water with 1/3 cup (43 g) of oatmeal in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of plain yogurt and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of honey. Smooth the mask onto your face, then let it sit for about 15 minutes.^{[1]
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- Before you rinse this mask off, put a strainer in your skin to catch all the oats and prevent a clog.
- For extra exfoliation, scrub the oatmeal mask on your skin for about 30 seconds before letting it sit.

2

Avocado mask

Hydrate and freshen your skin with creamy avocado. Cut an avocado in half and scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Mix it with 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of plain organic yogurt and 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of raw honey. Mash the mixture until it’s smooth, then gently dab it all over your clean face.^{[2]
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- Allow the mask to sit on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes so the omega fatty acids in the avocado and olive oil have time to penetrate.^{[3]
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  Joanna Kula
  Skincare Specialist
  Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.}
- Avocados are filled with good fats and nutrients that can give your face a boost of moisture.^{[4]
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  Joanna Kula
  Skincare Specialist
  Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.}
- If the avocado is small, you may want to scoop out the flesh from both halves to use for your mask. You should have enough for a mask that you can spread all over your face.

3

Banana mask

Leave your skin feeling healthy and moisturized. Peel a banana and cut it in half, then mash one half with a fork. Spread the mashed banana all over your face and down your neck, then let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing.^{[5]
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- If the mask is too thick, you can mix in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of milk to thin it out a bit.

4

Pumpkin mask

Use this mask to rejuvenate and refresh your skin. Combine ¹⁄₄ c (59 mL) of fat-free Greek yogurt, 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of raw honey, ¹⁄₄ c (59 mL) of canned pumpkin, and 1 tbsp (17 g) of ground flax seed. Mix the ingredients up until they’re smooth, then spread the mask all over your face. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.^{[6]
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- Pumpkin does have a tendency to stain carpet and clothing, so do this in the bathroom or over the sink to avoid potential disasters.
- If you’re having trouble getting the mask off your skin, use a microfiber cloth to scrub it off.

5

Strawberry mask

Use vitamin C to refresh and rehydrate your dry skin. In a small bowl, mash 5 fresh strawberries, ¹⁄₂ US tbsp (7.4 mL) of plain yogurt, and 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) of honey. Keep mashing with a fork until the mixture is smooth, then spread it onto your face.^{[7]
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- Keep the mask on for approximately 20 minutes so you can get the maximum benefits.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Joanna Kula
  Skincare Specialist
  Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.}

6

Egg yolk mask

Moisturize your skin with a refreshing and easy egg mask. Grab an egg and separate the yolk, then throw the egg whites away. Beat the yolk and add in a dash of cinnamon, then spread the mixture all over your face. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.^{[9]
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- Egg whites are great for oily skin, but aren’t so good for dry skin. Stick to using the yolks only for a hydrating mask.
- To make your mask a little creamier, add in a few drops of honey.

7

Orange and yogurt mask

Hydrate and reduce redness in your skin. In a small bowl, mix the juice from 1/4 of an orange with 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of plain yogurt and 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of aloe. Use a foundation brush to smooth the mixture onto your face, then let it sit for about 15 minutes.^{[10]
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- This mask can also help reduce pigmentation and redness on your skin, so it’s a win-win!
- If you have any sun damage on your face, this is a great mask to try.

8

Turmeric mask

Brighten dark spots while treating your dry skin. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tbsp (17 g) of chickpea flour with a pinch of turmeric powder. Add 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of water, then stir the ingredients together until they’re smooth. Once your mixture is nice and thick, spread it onto your face and leave it there for about 15 minutes.^{[11]
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- Turmeric is a tried and true skincare ingredient. It can help reduce inflammation, brighten up dark spots, prevent breakouts, and heal dry skin. It’s a great ingredient to keep on hand for whenever you need it!

9

Coffee mask

Hydrate and exfoliate with coffee grounds. Mix 1 to 2 tbsp (17 to 34 g) of fresh coffee grounds, 1/2 tbsp (8.5 g) of red or green clay, 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of coconut oil, and a splash of water. Use a fork to combine your mixture until it’s smooth, then spread it onto your skin and leave it for about 15 minutes.^{[12]
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- If you’re prone to breakouts, you might not want to put coconut oil on your face (it has a tendency to clog your pores). Instead, use plain yogurt or heavy cream.
- Coffee grounds also help brighten up your skin and leave you feeling refreshed.

10

Brown sugar mask

Scrub off dead skin while adding in moisture. Mix together 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of virgin coconut oil and 2 tbsp (34 g) of brown sugar. Scrub the mixture onto your face in small circular motions, then let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water and pat your skin dry with a towel.^{[13]
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- Brown sugar is a physical exfoliant, so you won’t want to use this one more than once a week.
- The coconut oil helps to rehydrate and moisturize your skin to leave it feeling fresh and glowy.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I get rid of my freckles?

Community Answer

There are several home remedies. You can rub onion, yogurt, sour cream, or lemon juice on your freckles and then rinse it off with warm water. Not sure how many days it would take, but any of those should lighten the freckles. Also, you can combine buttermilk, oatmeal, or honey with salt and rub it on your freckles to lighten them.
Question

Is the banana technique good for sensitive skin?

Community Answer

Yes, it's good for all types of skin.
Question

Can I use aloe vera in the morning and the banana technique at night? It wouldn't be harmful to use them alternately?

Community Answer

I'm pretty sure it would be safe. It might even help with extra moisturization. Maybe when you use the banana technique, you could use 2% milk as an after-rinse.

Warnings

If you have sensitive skin, avoid putting lemon juice on your face. The high acidity can cause redness and irritation.^{[15]
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