Do Homemade Face Mask Recipes Really Work?

I am almost positive that, just like me, you are an avid DIY fan. Whether it is adding lip balm to your brows or apple cider vinegar to your cooking, you are all about that DIY life. After all, if you were not into homemade products, you probably would not have clicked on this article. Am I right? So, welcome my fellow “make your own magic” enthusiasts!

And today, I will be talking about just that, DIY. To be more specific, homemade face masks. Simply because it is tough to deny the power of watching a RomCom whilst sipping on a mocktail, with a glorious face mask hydrating your skin. And, is there a girl's night on the planet that would be complete without multiple facemasks on hand? 

As the world shifts more toward natural beauty solutions, it only makes sense (pun intended) that homemade beauty masks would be on the agenda. But the million-dollar question remains: do they really work?

Let’s take a closer look.

What Makes DIY Masks So Popular?

The allure of homemade face mask recipes is undeniable. Probably as they are affordable, are often made with natural ingredients, and can be a fun, relaxing way to pamper your skin. 

Of course, many people are drawn to handmade face masks because they see them as a healthier option compared to store-bought products (which can sometimes contain chemicals or artificial fragrances). 

According to a report posted in 2019, about 41% of global beauty consumers use a DIY skincare product monthly, with facial cleansers being the most popular item to create. And even though the global natural skincare products market was valued at £5.3 billion in 2021 (and projected to reach £9.39 billion by 2030), indicating a strong preference for store-bought natural skincare products. The emphasis is still on the movement towards NATURAL products to help tackle acne, pimples, blackheads, and dry skin head on.

How people acquire them, of course, varies. This could be due to the fact that some people just do not have the time, energy, or passion to make their own.

The Benefits Of Using Natural Ingredients

Using natural ingredients is believed to be gentle on your skin, rich in nutrients, eco-friendly, and customizable. The most common ingredients used in homemade masks include honey, avocado, oats, and yogurt. Their benefits include:

Honey is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore it can help calm irritated skin and even fight acne. It is also a natural humectant (meaning it locks in moisture). A recent study found that honey-infused creams made a big difference, improving skin hydration by up to 29.7% and reducing wrinkle depth by up to 11.7% after just four weeks. Not too shabby for honey-infused goodness and that is without even considering the benefits of honey itself!

Avocados are extremely rich in healthy fats and vitamins (especially vitamins C and E). Thus they are ideal to help nourish and hydrate dry skin. That is why they are a go-to ingredient used in masks because everyone wants smooth and soft skin.

Oats, on the other hand, are perfect for sensitive skin. They are gentle, soothing, and great at reducing redness and calming irritation. This is because oatmeal is packed with avenanthramides (a group of polyphenols found) which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes oatmeal great for treating different skin conditions. In fact, a 2020 study found that a 1% colloidal oatmeal cream gave longer-lasting relief for patients with chronic hand eczema compared to a regular moisturizer. Pretty impressive, right?

Yogurt is full of probiotics and lactic acid, which help exfoliate dead skin cells and hydrate, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. In fact, a 2011 study created a yogurt-based facial pack and found that it boosted skin moisture and brightness in the treated areas compared to the control group. How amazing is that?

But … Do They Really Work?

While some homemade beauty mask ingredients do have real skincare benefits, others can be overly harsh or just simply ineffective. Also, bear in mind that not all natural ingredients are suitable for all skin types. For example, certain citrus fruits (like lemon) can be irritating or cause photosensitivity, especially for sensitive or sun-exposed skin. 

It is also important to be cautious with spices like turmeric, which can cause staining or irritation if not properly diluted. If you do choose to make homemade face masks, it is important to patch-test any new ingredient to avoid allergic reactions. You should also avoid using highly acidic or abrasive ingredients on your skin and always follow up with sunscreen if your mask contains ingredients that could increase sun sensitivity.

Homemade masks are also often limited in their ability to target more complex skin issues. While they may provide temporary hydration or a glow, they lack the active medical-grade ingredients that clinical products contain, such as retinoids, AHAs, or peptides, which work to treat deeper skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, or hyperpigmentation.

And while many homemade mask ingredients have anecdotal backing, they often lack the clinical studies that support their effectiveness in the way commercial skincare products do. For instance, while honey is widely known for its multiple benefits, not all of its purported uses are backed by solid research in dermatology or necessarily suitable for your specific skin concerns.

Therefore, the effectiveness of homemade face masks largely depends on your skin type, skin issues, and the ingredients used. If you are dead set on whipping up a DIY mask for your ladies' night this Friday, doing research and reading an efficacy study or two can help in your creative quest.

Here’s The Verdict

Homemade face masks can be great for giving your skin a quick boost, whether it is hydration, soothing irritation, or adding a healthy glow. But if you are dealing with deep wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, or severe acne, it may be time to call the experts.

Ultimately, it is all about what works for your skin! And remember, consistency is key. Whether you are into DIY masks or prefer professional treatments, taking care of your skin with the right products will always pay off!