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We have all had to adjust the last few months to a different way of life in many ways. Let’s take a self-care approach that can help us feel a little more comfortable in our own skin. Wearing a mask can be inconvenient in a number of ways and let’s be honest, our skin has suffered from this new-found way of life – so here are some tips and tricks to help prevent that dreaded “Maskne” in 2021.
6 natural remedies for skin-care that actually work
1. Baking Soda
“Technically baking soda and water soften blackheads and any clogged pores in the skin. It’s best for congested skin,” says Vargas. She recommends a DIY baking soda mask.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
“It’s the best astringent in nature because it helps to balance the skin’s pH, making you both less oily and less dry,” says Grigore. She warns that apple cider vinegar is very pungent and that you must always dilute it before using. “I recommend using a mixture of one part vinegar to four parts water. Apply to your face with cotton or a spritzer. No need to wash it off,” she says.
3. Turmeric
According to Holecek, turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. She recommends it in gentle, exfoliating bases like chickpea flour, oat powders, or kaolin clay.
- Turmeric powder is made from the root of Curcuma zedoaria, a form of ginger native to Southeast Asia. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is what gives it that yellow-orange tinge; it’s also what makes it such a potent anti-inflammatory. Turmeric is also found to lighten hyperpigmentation.
4. Honey
Holecek says honey is a soothing remedy for those pesky acne scars. For a DIY facial, she suggests mixing honey, aloe vera, one teaspoon of chickpea flour, and a pinch of turmeric to make a paste. Spread the paste on your face. Once you rinse off with cool water, use an ice cube on the skin for 30 seconds to treat a congested face.
5. Fine-Grain Salt
“Fine-grain salt cleans deeply, removes dead skin cells, balances moisture, and pulls toxins from pores, making it especially great for preventing acne or quick treatments during flare-ups on the face and body,” Grigore says. “The simplest way to use sea salt is to wet your face or body, put some salt on your wet hand so it sticks, then pat it gently onto your skin. You can leave it for a few minutes or rinse immediately. Just make sure not to scrub too hard—it is too abrasive by itself.”
6. Tea Tree Oil
According to Grigore, tea tree oil is known as a “miracle antiseptic.”
“It’s renowned for its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties, making it an easy and effective spot treatment,” she says. She suggests diluting tea tree oil in a little bit of extra virgin olive oil or organic jojoba oil and applying it directly on a zit.
8 tips to protect your skin while wearing a face mask
- Choose a mask made with two layers of breathable material, such as cotton.
- Wash your mask regularly, ideally washing it after each time you wear the mask. Avoid wearing makeup. If you wish to wear makeup, use a mineral makeup.
- Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser and apply a moisturizer twice a day.
- If you are experiencing dry patches of skin, apply a thin amount of a barrier repair cream to the area affected.
- Avoid products that will not clog your pores. Look for, non-comedogenic products, which means it will not clog your pores
- If you are experiencing breakouts, spot treat the area with a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid product.
- Give yourself weekly at-home facials with the natural skin-care remedies above!
self-care is not selfish
The Lazy Girl Co. 