4 Homemade Facial Masks With Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is made from freshly pressed aloe vera leaf juice with addition of other natural ingredients such as herbal extracts, polysaccharides, and natural thickeners. As a facial mask ingredient, it helps lock in moisture, soothes irritated and sunburned skin, prevents dryness and flaking, speeds up the healing of minor skin injuries and acne, enhances skin elasticity, and improves complexion. Facial masks with aloe vera gel are suitable for all skin types, including overly sensitive skin.

Anti-Acne Mask With Nutmeg & Lemon

Nutmeg is an Ayurvedic medicine that complements and enhances the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera gel. It helps unclog pores and regulate sebum secretion in the epidermis, eliminates acne and prevents acne scars. The mask also contains lemon juice that lightens pigmentation and improves complexion.

Mix 1 tbsp of aloe vera gel (for example, Lily of the Desert 99% Aloe Vera Gelly), ¼ tsp of finely ground nutmeg (preferably organic), and few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well, apply on your skin, and leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Repeat daily to make your skin acne-free and clear.

Lightening Mask With Turmeric

Like nutmeg, turmeric is a widely used Ayurvedic medicine. It has an antiseptic effect, helps lighten the skin, and reduces the appearance of scars and pigmentation. Alongside turmeric, this mask contains honey that provides the skin with essential nutrients and helps lock in moisture. Be careful if you’re sensitive to honey or other bee products.

Mix 1 tbsp of honey with 1 tsp of turmeric powder. Stir well and add 2 tbsp of fresh aloe vera gel. Apply this paste on your face and neck, leave for at least 20 minutes, then rinse off with plain water. Repeat at least twice a week to reduce tan and pigmentation.

Ayurvedic Mask With Multani Mitti

Multani mitti (fuller’s earth) is a type of cosmetic clay that thoroughly cleanses pores by absorbing dirt, grime and excess oil. Instead of multani mitti, you can use kaolin (white clay). Facial masks with clay are perfect for normal, combination, oily, and problem skin.

Combine 1 tbsp of multani mitti and 1 tsp of aloe vera gel. Add some cold milk (if you’re not sensitive or allergic to dairy products) or some rose water to adjust the consistency of the paste. It should be neither too thick nor too liquid. Apply the mask on your face and let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Refreshing Mask With Green Tea

Green tea is valued for its antioxidant properties. It neutralizes the negative effects of free radicals, produces a refreshing and rejuvenating effect, and improves skin elasticity. The mask also contains clay that helps cleanse the skin and lavender that has a soothing and healing effect.

Mix 1 cup of water and some green tea together in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and allow the tea to steep for at least 30 minutes. Once the tea is ready, strain it to get rid of tea leaves. Mix the tea with ½ cup of kaolin or any other cosmetic clay (preferably French clay), ½ cup of aloe vera gel, and 8–10 drops of lavender essential oil. The paste may appear too liquid, but it will thicken as it sits, so don’t add any more clay.

Apply the mask on your face and let it sit until it dries completely (it will take about 30 minutes). Rinse off with warm water and apply a moisturizer. If there’s any extra mask left, you can store it into a glass jar with a lid.