5 Homemade Face Masks with Fresh Fruit

Lemon & Apple Mask for Oily Skin

The best thing about this mask is that you can make it whenever you want because apples and lemons are available at grocery stores and supermarkets all year round. Both fruits contain natural fruit acids, such as citric acid and malic acid, that exfoliate and lighten the skin, as well as help get rid of excess oil and prevent greasy complexion. The mask also contains sage that has astringent properties and thus reduces the appearance of pores.

To make the mask, mix 1 tsp of applesauce (cooked and pureed apples) and 1 tsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small bowl. Add 1 tsp of dried sage (that can be substituted with lavender or peppermint) and mix all ingredients together until well-blended.

Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the area around the eyes, and leave it for 5 minutes. Then smooth the mask all over your face with your fingertips and let it sit for 10 more minutes. Rinse off the mask with warm water, pat your face dry with a soft towel, and apply your regular moisturizer.

Strawberry Mask for All Skin Types

Who doesn’t love strawberry smoothies? They’re delicious, they’re healthy, and… they can be used as a face mask! Strawberries are full of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that helps your skin fight free radicals. Free radicals are considered one of the main causes of aging because they can break down collagen fibers in the epidermis and damage skin cells. Therefore, vitamin C has anti-aging properties.

In a blender or food processor, puree 1 cup of fresh strawberries. Add 1 cup of plain yogurt and 1.5 tbsp of honey. Mix all ingredients together until well-blended and coat your face with some of the mixture. Let the mask sit for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your smoothie. Wash your face with warm water and moisturize as you normally would.

Banana Mask for Acne-Prone Skin

This mask consists of a banana (obviously), baking soda and turmeric. Banana nourishes and moisturizes the skin, baking soda absorbs excess oil from the skin surface to prevent clogged pores and subsequent breakouts, and turmeric has antiseptic properties and thus kills bacteria that cause acne and inflammation.

Place one banana (preferably very ripe or even overripe) in a bowl and mash it with a fork until smooth. Add 1.5 tsp of baking soda and 1.5 tsp of turmeric powder. Stir thoroughly, apply to your skin with clean hands and leave for 15 minutes. Wash your face with your regular cleanser and pat it dry.

Papaya Mask for Smooth and Clear Skin

Papaya does wonders to the skin because it is rich in papain, a natural enzyme with exfoliating properties. It loosens dead skin cells, helping make your skin incredibly soft and smooth. In addition, papaya combats pigmentation (blemishes, age spots, acne scars) and makes the skin look bright and glowing.

Mash two pieces of papaya with a fork or use a blender to get a lump-free, smooth pulp. Add 1 tsp of honey (preferably organic) and stir well. Apply the mixture generously on clean and dry skin. Let it sit for 15 minutes, wash your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry.

Tomato Mask for Bright and Flawless Skin

Botanically, a tomato is a fruit, so this mask definitely belongs on the list of fruit-based masks. For this reason, and also because tomatoes are really good for your skin. They contain lycopene (a type of carotene) that has amazing skin benefits. It helps the skin absorb oxygen, which slows down skin aging. In addition, tomatoes also tighten pores, prevent acne, cleanse the skin and give it a healthy glow.

Peel a ripe tomato. The easiest way to do this is to put a tomato into boiling water for 30 seconds, then let it cool in a bowl of ice water. The skin should come off easily after this. Blend the tomato until it becomes smooth and add 1 tbsp of oatmeal and 1 tsp of plain yogurt. Mix well and apply the mask generously on your face and neck. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash off.