Now is the time, especially in cold places like NYC when the air is so cold and dry, to really make sure that your skin is 100% moisturized & properly taken care of. This can be easier to do by yourself than you may think! There are so many natural and household ingredients that can be mixed together to target different skin problems. 

Cosmetic regulation involving chemicals in skincare is not tightly regulated, and many do not know the lasting effects of using chemicals on your skin. Knowing what ingredients do what can be pretty confusing. We are here to clear it all up, giving you do's and do not's along with some quick face mask recipes that you can make at home!

Quick Tips: 

QUICK TIP 1: NEVER USE ESSENTIAL OILS / FRAGRANCE

Firstly, THE MOST IMPORTANT information that I've learned about skincare is to NEVER use essential oils, or any kind of scented product on your face. Fragrance  and the condensed nature of essential oils are SO BEYOND irritating and harsh on all kinds of skin. NEVER directly mix essential oils into your homemade face masks, and try to avoid products with them listed in the ingredient list.

QUICK TIP 2: KNOW WHICH OILS WORK FOR YOU

Naturally occurring oils like coconut, olive and avocado oil are a different story. Natural oils are comedogenic, meaning they may clog your pores. Make sure you determine your skin type and if they are safe for you before using products with heavy oils. If you have oil prone skin, these may be ingredients you want to stay away from or use once a month.

QUICK TIP 3: EXFOLIATION

Another important rule is exfoliation. It is important to lightly exfoliate your face, but this should only be done about once a week. Harsh exfoliant face washes should NOT be used. Exfoliation should be an ADDITION to your routine, before a gentle cleanser is used to wash your face. Along with that, the small beads found in many exfoliating face washes are also extremely bad for the environment. Your best bet is finding a light exfoliating product & picking a specific day of the week to use it!

QUICK TIP 4: CONSISTENCY

If you want to see results, create a skincare plan. Make sure you are taking care of your skin consistently (this means not over/under washing). Make sure to moisturize at LEAST twice a day.

QUICK TIP 5: SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is essential to a morning skincare routine. Wearing sunscreen daily (yes, even on cloudy days & during the winter) is done mainly to preserve your overall skin health from UV rays, and to prevent premature aging. It's use should be seen as a preventative health measure.

QUICK TIP 6: THE LESS INGREDIENTS, THE BETTER

Generally speaking, the less ingredients and the more natural the ingredients are, the better they will be for you & your skin.

The BEST Natural Ingredients:

Many products you can find around your house and at the grocery store are naturally beneficial for your skin! Below I have compiled a list of some of the best, and how they specifically help your skin.

- Oatmeal/Oats (ground with spoon) = natural cleanser & moisturizer

- Plain Greek Yogurt = gentle exfoliant & brightens skin

- Raw Honey = antioxidant (slows the effects of aging)

- Mashed Avocado = rich with vitamins & minerals, promotes elasticity 

- Banana = rich in Potassium & great for containing moisture 

- Cucumber = smooths, softens & tightens pores

- Aloe = contains vitamins A & C, rich in antioxidants & enzymes, inflammatory

- Jojoba Oil = moisturizing & healing properties 

- Coconut Oil = strengthening, light exfoliant & antibacterial 

- Apple Cider Vinegar = balances skin pH (tones)

DIY Face Mask Recipes

When creating your own mask at home, the key is to target a specific problem that you want to change about your skin. For example, if I really wanted to focus on cleansing & protection I would use a mask consisting of oats and raw honey. Use as little ingredients as possible and target 1-2 problems. It is best to only use one face mask, once a week.

Below are a few of our favorite face mask recipes that you can make at home!

Honey & Oat (cleanse & protect mask)

- 1 tablespoon ground oats (best to take oats and mash with spoon)

- 1 teaspoon raw honey

- 1/2 teaspoon unfiltered apple cider vinegar

- 1/2 teaspoon rosewater (or water)

Mix until smooth, apply to face for 10 minutes!

Yogurt, Honey & Aloe (brighten & soothe mask)

- 1/4 cup plain yogurt

- 1 tablespoon raw honey

- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel 

Mix until smooth, apply to face for up to 15 minutes!

Avocado & Cucumber (smooth & reset)

- 1/2 cucumber

- 1/4 avocado

- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

Blend cucumber & avocado together, then mix in aloe vera gel. Apply for 15 minutes! 

Jojoba oil, coconut oil and banana are great single ingredients to mix with oats! Mix until smooth and add a little water if needed. Let sit for 15 minutes and rinse.

XO, 

Cloak & Dagger