Store bought face masks can be expensive, creating DIY face masks with aloe vera at home is a super affordable alternative.
Aloe vera has been used as a beauty treatment for centuries, from soothing skin irritation to hydrating the hair. The gel found inside the aloe vera plant has beneficial components for the face including its anti-inflammatory properties, moisturising effects, and its various vitamins, minerals and fatty acids.
Here are five 2-ingredient face mask recipes.
The Thursday Plantation Aloe Vera Gel for $17.99 is an affordable aloe vera gel suitable for the following recipes.
To Soothe the Skin
This super easy aloe vera and honey DIY face mask recipe is an amazing treatment amazing for reducing redness, scarring and enhancing face moisture. All you need is aloe vera and honey, manuka honey is recommended for the best results. For a vegan option simply switch the honey for colloidal oatmeal.
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp Aloe Vera
1.5 Tbsp Honey
Mix the aloe vera and honey until combined, then apply the mixture to the face and neck leaving it for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse the mask off and apply a moisturising gel.
For a Gentle Face Exfoliant
For sensitive skin, this gentle exfoliant recipe is great because of the levels of antioxidants in coffee.
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Aloe Vera gel
Coffee grounds (use desired amount)
Mix the aloe vera and desired amount of coffee grounds together to create a gritty texture, then massage the mixture gently onto the face and neck. Leave for 5 – 10 minutes, rinse and apply a moisturising gel.
To Remove Dead Skin Cells
This recipe creates a natural exfoliant using apple cider vinegar, which contains BHA and AHAs (typically found in cleansers, toners and masks) that help with pigmentation. To read more about BHA and AHAs on Bondi Beauty click HERE. This recipe is not suitable for extremely sensitive skin, as apple cider vinegar is mildly acidic, but after the aloe vera is mixed with it, it becomes less harsh for the skin.
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp Aloe Vera Gel
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (0.5 Tbsp for sensitive skin)
Mix the aloe vera gel and apple cider vinegar together in a bowl, then let the mask settle for about 5 minutes to reduce the acidity levels. Apply to the face and leave for 5 – 10 minutes to remove dead skin cells. Rinse off and apply a moisturising gel.
For a Dry Face
The natural emollients found in coconut oil eliminate dryness and boost hydration. This 2-ingredient recipe is great for (those with) X dry skin or eczema, but not so great for those with acne prone or sensitive skin as coconut oil may clog pores and cause breakouts for unsuitable skin types.
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp Aloe Vera Gel
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
Mix the aloe vera gel and coconut oil together, apply to the face and neck, leaving it for 5 – 10 minutes. Rinse clean and follow up with a moisturising gel.
To Fight Acne
Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial properties, making it a great substance for clearing pores and preventing dirt and oil build ups on the surface of the skin. Tea tree oil on its own may feel like it dries the skin, which is why adding a hydrating element like aloe vera will create a great DIY face mask for fighting breakouts.
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Aloe Vera Gel
5-7 Drops of Tea Tree Oil
Mix 5-7 drops of tea tree oil into 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, and mix until the texture becomes smooth and even. Apply to the face, leaving it for 10 minutes. Then, as usual, rinse it off and apply a moisturising gel.
Doing a patch test on the inside of the arm before applying masks is recommended to avoid redness and irritation on the face.
