How to Get Rid of Blackheads With Tomatoes

Most acne pimples, including blackheads, occur when pores become clogged with dirt, dead skin cells and sebum, your skin's natural oil. Tomatoes, which are high in vitamin C, vitamin A and citric acid, are a natural blackhead remedy. They're much less costly than commercial acne formulations and may be less irritating to the skin. Tomatoes can be used alone or mixed with avocado, lemon or lime juice to create a facial mask. If you're out of fresh tomatoes, tomato paste can also be applied as a mask.

Step 1
Slice both the tomato and the lime or lemon in half.

Step 2
Use a hand juicer to collect the juice from half the lemon or lime. Pour the juice into a bowl and discard any seeds.

Step 3
Use the juicer to separate the tomato juice from the pulp. Hold the juicer over the bowl and allow the tomato juice to mix with the lime juice. Squeeze both halves of the tomato and save the juice mixture to use as an astringent later. You may wish to pour it into a small glass bottle and add a little water to dilute it, but it can also be used full-strength to tone skin after cleansing.

Step 4
Scoop the tomato pulp from the juicer and into the second bowl. Use a spoon if necessary to scrape the pulp from the skins.

Step 5
Lie back and spread the tomato pulp over your face, concentrating around the edges of your nose, where blackheads tend to accumulate. Leave the pulp on for 15 minutes.

Step 6
Wash your face with warm water and a mild soap and pat dry.

Things You'll Need
1 ripe tomato
Lemon or lime
Metal hand juicer
2 bowls
Glass bottle (optional)
Spoon (optional)

How to Clear Acne With Lemon Juice

Acne vulgaris, or acne, occurs in 40 to 50 million individuals in the U.S. and is the most common skin condition, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Acne occurs from excess oil buildup, clogged pores, inflammation and bacteria. Over-the-counter products are available to treat acne breakouts, but they can be pricey. Lemon juice is a home remedy for acne treatment and is inexpensive compared to the acne products at stores. Lemons contain a natural astringent and antibacterial agent that acts as an exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells faster and prevent clogged pores. Lemon juice is not a substitute for medical treatment; consult with your health care provider to discuss any potential risks or if your condition worsens.

Lemon Juice Wash

Step 1
Cleanse your skin with mild soap and water. Apply a small amount of soap to a washcloth and gently scrub your skin to remove any oil or dirt buildup, rinse with warm water and dry with a clean towel. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists suggest washing your face once or twice daily with warm water and a mild cleanser.

Step 2
Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl. After use, you can cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and save for another treatment.

Step 3
Dip a cotton ball into the lemon juice and squeeze out the excess liquid. Apply the lemon juice directly to the affected area of skin. Repeat dipping the cotton ball in lemon juice and applying it to your skin until you cover all affected areas.

Step 4
Wait 10 minutes. Allow the lemon juice to dry on your skin. However, if the lemon juice is causing severe stinging or discomfort, then remove it immediately by rinsing it off with cool water.

Step 5
Rinse the skin area with cool water to remove the lemon juice residue, and then dry with a towel.

Step 6
Repeat the lemon juice wash twice daily to help reduce or eliminate acne.


Lemon Juice and Rose Water

Step 1
Cleanse your skin with a mild soap and water while gently scrubbing with a washcloth. Rinse and dry your skin with a clean towel.

Step 2
Combine equal parts of lemon juice and rose water in a bowl. Rose water has natural antibacterial properties, is a skin toner and helps to reduce the acidic nature of lemon juice.

Step 3
Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and squeeze to remove any excess liquid. Apply the product directly to your affected skin areas.

Step 4
Let the product stay on your skin for 15 to 30 minutes and rinse with cool water. Dry your skin with a towel.

Step 5
Repeat the lemon juice and rose water treatment twice daily, or as needed.

Warnings
Avoid using lemon juice around your eyes. In addition, lemon juice is an exfoliant and removes the dead skin cells that promote new skin growth--this fresh skin may be sensitive to the sunlight, so avoiding sun exposure or wearing sunscreen is advised.

Tips
Perform a small skin test before applying lemon juice remedies to large areas of your skin. If you are using straight lemon juice, you many experience a mild stinging sensation upon application; however, if the stinging is uncomfortable or causes redness or inflammation, you can dilute the lemon juice with water using a one-to-one mixture.

Things You'll Need
Mild soap
Washcloth
Towel
Cotton ball
Bowl
Knife
Lemon, fresh or juice
Rose water

The Benefits of Guava for the Skin

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and its condition speaks volumes about your health. Rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and oily, dry and aged skin, may reflect stress, lack of exercise or a poor diet. Improving your skin's health is possible in a variety of ways, including adding more skin-supportive nutrients in your diet. Guava is a tropical fruit that tastes like a cross between a strawberry and a pear, and it provides several nutrients that support skin maintenance. Including it in your diet may help you make progress toward the beautiful complexion you want that is more than just skin deep.

Vitamin K
Treat skin discoloration, such as dark circles, spider veins, rosacea, acne irritation and overall splotchiness, with vitamin K. It heals because it improves blood coagulation, which is impaired in cases of skin redness and irritation. A guava provides 1.4 micrograms of vitamin K, which is about 2 percent of the 80 micrograms Food and Drug Administration daily value.

Vitamin C
The amount of vitamin C in a guava is more than twice the 60 milligrams of the FDA daily value, which is good news for skin healing because it contributes to generation of collagen, the substance that gives skin its firmness. Include more vitamin C-rich foods like guava in your diet to improve the tautness of your skin and reduce the impact of aging.

Lycopene
A guava provides 2.9 grams of lycopene, an antioxidant that protects healthy cells from toxins that accumulate in the body due to metabolism and environmental pollution. The damaging effect of toxins includes premature aging, because they damage DNA in charge of growth and development.

Water
A substance that provides health benefits, including hydrated skin, is water. While drinking water helps you meet the eight glasses each day the body requires, an additional source that provides the remaining requirement is food. A guava provides 81 percent of its composition as water. Slice the juicy fruit and serve it in a tropical fruit salad with coconut, pineapple, papaya or mango, or juice it and benefit from its nutrients served over ice.

Homemade Skin Cream Using Milk & Butter

Combine butter and milk products together to make a moisturizing cream for the body. The most moisturizing and emollient-rich butters come from nuts, such as shea and cocoa butter. When choosing a milk product to use, choose liquid or powdered milk. You do not have to use milk from cows, sheep or goats. Experiment with using almond, rice or coconut milk with the recipe below. Beeswax allows the lotion to thoroughly coat the skin and turn the consistency of the lotion into a body butter.

Step 1
Heat 1/4 cup water in the double boiler to a gentle boil.

Step 2
Combine the ingredients listed above with the exception of the essential oils. The recipe above calls for 3 tbsp. of oil. You can use one oil alone or combine several different oils for maximum effect. Some oil choices include almond, coconut, olive, sunflower and jojoba oils. Choose an animal milk such as cow's, goat's or sheep's, or use a plant or nut-based milk such as coconut or almond milk.

Step 3
Melt the ingredients slowly in the double boiler, stirring frequently with a spatula until completely melted.

Step 4
Allow the lotion to cool for a few minutes before adding up to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil or oils. This is an optional step used to scent the lotion and add extra properties to the blend.

Step 5
Decant the lotion into a glass or plastic jar and allow it to cool completely before using.

Things You'll Need
1/4 cup of cocoa butter
1/3 cup of shea butter
1 tbsp. beeswax
1 tbsp. oil
3 tbsp. milk
Double boiler
Essential oils
Spatula
Glass or plastic jar

Common Household Items for Skin Care

Give expensive skin-care products a pass and give your budget a break with a few common, skin-nurturing ingredients found on your kitchen shelf or in your refrigerator. Your skin will reap the benefits of skin-care treatments made of high-quality, fresh ingredients free of chemicals, fragrance and other harmful additives.

Fruit
Fresh fruits are skin-friendly and can be used in a variety of beneficial skin-care treatments. Mash an avocado with a small amount of honey and a few drops of vinegar for a hydrating facial for dry skin. Mix lemon juice with rolled oats for an oily skin facial cleanser, or with yogurt for a soothing cleanser for sensitive skin. Mash a ripe banana with honey for an easy facial. Cleanse your face with juice from fresh strawberries or kiwi.

Vegetables
Vegetables are on the top of the list when it comes to healthy ingredients. Toss a cucumber in your blender, and puree the cucumber with a few drops of honey for a soothing toner for combination skin. Tomato juice makes a refreshing toner for oily skin, or add a few drops of honey to the tomato juice for a soothing facial.

Dairy Products
Dairy products such as cream, milk or yogurt are full of healthy fats that act as natural moisturizers. Cleanse your face with a paste made from cream, ground oats and a few drops of green tea, or a combination of oats and yogurt. Wash your face with a mixture of whole milk and warm honey, or add milk and honey to a warm bath. Use full-fat milk or yogurt.

Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E that will keep the skin smooth and supple. A few drops of olive oil on a cotton ball will smooth away makeup. Massage a drop of olive oil into the tender skin around your eyes. Olive oil massaged into your cuticles will moisturize your cuticles and add natural shine to your nails. Massage olive oil into dry, callused feet, or pour olive oil into a warm bath for an all-over moisturizer. Smooth olive oil onto dry, cracked lips. Use high-quality, extra virgin olive oil.

Sugar
Sugar has surprising moisturizing qualities that make it a useful ingredient in a number of skin-care treatments. Combined with a small amount of olive oil, sugar makes an effective scrub for dry hands or rough, calloused feet. A small amount of brown or white sugar stirred into a teaspoon of honey will exfoliate and moisturize dry lips.

Use Banana Peel For Skin Care

Bananas rightfully earn the title of “super food” with numerous beneficial properties -- think copious nutrients, antioxidants and healthy natural sugars. For do-it-yourself skin-care gurus, however, the power lies in the peel. You can use this fruit's characteristic peel for various at-home skin remedies, each of which targets a particular skin issue, ranging from acne to dry skin.

Rub Out Acne
Some acne sufferers have experienced positive results simply by rubbing banana peels on affected areas. For this technique, cut a ripe banana into pieces and remove the peel, once again cutting the peel into manageable pieces about the size of the average acne pad. Rub the inside of the peel onto the affected area -- use only one peel section for each spot, such as your forehead or chin -- until the peel browns. Repeat the process about three or four times daily. This method's potential effectiveness is likely owed to the banana's vitamin-C content; vitamin C serves as an antioxidant that, according to dermatology professor Whitney Bowe, can help relieve the oxidative stress responsible for causing skin inflammation.

Ease Puffy Eyes
To tighten up under-eye bags, run a spoon through the inside of a banana peel to collect the white internal fibers. Combine the peel's fibers with aloe vera gel until the two ingredients form a paste, then apply the paste around your eyes. Lie down for about 10 to 15 minutes with your feet raised before rinsing the paste away with cold water. While the aloe vera moisturizes, the banana's potassium content can help counteract the excess salt that causes fluid retention and under-eye bags.

Scrub for Success
While many banana skin-care recipes call for the creamy flesh of the banana, exfoliating, skin-tightening scrubs can actually benefit from leaving the peel on -- a practice which adds a chunkier texture to the mixture. To create a banana scrub, slice a ripe banana -- leaving the peel but not the stems -- and mash it into a chunky paste with a few tablespoons of granulated sugar and a dash of vanilla extract or the essential oil of your choice. Massage the scrub into your skin -- it works just as well on the face as it does the arms and legs -- and rinse it clean with warm water.

Peel Back the Layers
If you're looking for DIY skin-care techniques, don't neglect the fruit within the banana peel. For a moisturizing mask, mash a medium-ripe banana into a paste and apply it your freshly washed face; allow it to rest for about 10 or 20 minutes before rinsing with cold water. You can also add a few tablespoons of honey and plain, natural yogurt to this mask to heighten its antibacterial, skin-tone evening and moisturizing properties.

Natural Home Remedies for Younger Looking Skin

You can't stop the aging process, but you can restore your skin's youthful glow with a natural home remedy. Natural treatments infuse skin with anti-aging compounds, vitamins and antioxidants -- the same ingredients you'll find in pricey products at the cosmetics counter. Combine a homemade remedy with healthy lifestyle choices to keep your skin looking its best.

Nourishing Skin Mask
To make a moisturizing anti-aging mask, combine 2 cups of canned pumpkin, 4 tablespoons of honey, 4 tablespoons of plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon of grapeseed oil in a blender. Smooth the paste over your skin and then rinse with warm water after 10 minutes. You can substitute strawberries, blueberries, cranberries or pomegranate seeds for the pumpkin, if desired. All of these contain anti-aging compounds, including antioxidants and vitamins A and C. Grapeseed oil works to promote the repair of skin cells.

Take Care of Your Body
Exercise maintains good circulation and blood flow to your skin, so aim for at least one 30-minute workout per day. Get at least eight hours of sleep at night so your body has time to repair damage and refresh skin. Skip processed foods, which can wreak havoc on your health. Instead, opt for a nutrient-rich diet of vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grains. Drink green tea -- it contains compounds called flavonoids that have antioxidant effects in the body. After you've brewed a pot, press the used tea bags against your skin for 10 minutes. The tannins in tea help reduce puffiness, under-eye circles and inflammation.

Cure for Prematurely Aging Skin

Premature aging can be prevented and repaired; however, repair does not occur overnight. Premature aging occurs due to free radical damage from environmental factors that can be difficult to avoid. Free radicals, such as ultraviolet radiation from the sun and pollution from the environment, are unpaired molecules that damage the skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and loss of elasticity. Store-bought products and dermatologist treatments are effective, but they can be incredibly expensive and are often harsh on the skin. Natural treatments are also effective, and they do not promote the side effects or irritants due to chemicals.

Step 1
Cleanse the face with milk and honey twice a day. Combine ¼ cup of milk and 1½ tbsp. of honey. Mix well and store in the refrigerator after every use.

Step 2
Apply a small amount of the milk and honey cleanser to the skin, massaging thoroughly, and rinse with lukewarm water. Milk contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that removes dead skin cells and keeps the skin fresh. Honey attracts and holds in moisture while nourishing aging skin with vital nutrients.

Step 3
Scrub the face once a day with brown or white sugar. Sugar contains glycolic acid, another natural alpha hydroxy acid used by dermatologists to repair aging skin. This exfoliating scrub will maintain smooth skin and reveal younger-looking skin over time without side effects.

Step 4
Fade age spots with a spot treatment made of fresh lemon juice and aloe vera gel. Lemon contains citric acid to smooth roughness from age spots and has bleaching capabilities to lighten dark spots. Aloe reduces inflammation and softens rough age spots.

Step 5
Separate the white of one egg and apply it to the skin as a weekly facial mask treatment. Egg whites are a natural way to tighten and lift sagging skin that has lost elasticity. Let it dry on the face and neck for 25 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

Step 6
Puncture one vitamin E capsule and combine the oil with 1/2 tsp. of extra virgin olive oil for an intensive moisturizing night treatment. Smooth the mixture over the face before bed, and wash your face as usual in the morning. Vitamin E repairs prematurely aging skin, while extra virgin olive oil makes skin more permeable to fully absorb the vitamin E oil.

Warnings
Take care not to get any of the natural treatments in the eyes as irritation may occur. Discard the milk cleanser after one week.

Tips
Always wear SPF 30 on the face, neck and hands when going outdoors. These areas are considered the most delicate skin and more prone to premature aging than other areas of the body.

Antioxidants fight free radical damage. Eat an abundance of foods high in antioxidants such as berries, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and nuts.

Things You'll Need
¼ cup milk
1½ tbsp. honey
Sugar
Lemon juice
Aloe vera gel
Egg white
1 vitamin E capsule
Extra virgin olive oil

How to Make an Easy Three-Step Oatmeal Facial Mask

Whether acne irritation or environmental stress is the culprit, your skin could likely use a pick-me-up. An oatmeal facial mask is an inexpensive way to pamper your skin at home. Oatmeal has soothing ingredients that will relieve irritated and itchy skin on your face, and leave you with smooth skin. To reap the benefits of oatmeal, do an oatmeal facial mask three times a week.

Step 1

Grind 4 tbsp. of rolled oats to enhance the texture of the resulting mask. Pour the rolled oats into your blender or food processor, and grind the oats until they form a course powder. Pour the ground oats into the small bowl.

Step 2

Measure 1 tbsp. of honey and pour over the oat powder in the small bowl. Mix the honey and oats thoroughly until they form a uniform mixture. Honey will improve the texture of the mask and acts as a humectant to help moisturize your skin; it also has antibacterial properties to help treat acne.

Step 3

Crack an egg without breaking the yolk. Pour out and discard the egg white, and pour the yolk into the small bowl with the honey and oatmeal mixture. Use the spoon to break the yolk and mix with the honey and oats to form a paste. Egg yolks are rich in vitamin D, which is an antioxidant that delays the aging process.

Step 4

Apply the mixture to your face and allow it to set for 15 minutes, then rinse it off thoroughly with warm water. Pat your face dry with a towel.

Tips

If you have oily skin, include a splash of lemon juice to help clean away excess oil.

Things You'll Need

Blender

4 tbsp. rolled oats

Small bowl

1 tbsp. honey

1 egg

Spoon

How to Make a Banana Facial Mask

The expensive facial treatments you might receive in a spa sometimes involve simple ingredients you’d find in any kitchen. Daring to smear what should be food on your face, though, may require a trustworthy recipe before you can get yourself going. The banana itself is an astringent, while oatmeal is also an astringent and helps exfoliate your skin. Honey, if included, conditions and moisturizes your skin, while yogurt or sour cream helps the honey blend in with the banana.

Step 1

Peel the banana and place it in a small, shallow bowl. Use a fork to mash the banana to a smooth consistency.

Step 2

Mix 1 tbsp. honey and 2 tbsp. yogurt or sour cream in with the banana, if so desired. These ingredients are optional.

Step 3

Fill the coffee grinder with oatmeal and grind this to a fine powder. Repeat as needed until you have 1/4 to 1/3-cup of finely ground oatmeal. How much oatmeal you will need depends on the size of the banana you used to form the base of the mask.

Step 4

Mix the finely ground oatmeal in with the banana (and honey and yogurt or sour cream, if included) a bit at a time until it reaches a creamy, pasty consistency.

Step 5

Apply the mask to your face. Leave it in place for up to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water or wipe it off with a damp washcloth. Rinse your skin with warm water and pat dry.

Things You'll Need

1 small to medium banana

Fork

Small, shallow bowl

1 tbsp. honey (optional)

2 tbsp. yogurt or sour cream (optional)

1/4 to 1/3 cup oatmeal

Coffee grinder

Turmeric Skin Benefits

Turmeric is a mustard-yellow spice commonly used to flavor Indian cuisine, but it's also used as herbal medicine. Scientists say its active ingredient, curcumin, may offer a range of benefits, some of which pertain to your skin. However, researchers only have animal and test-tube studies to go on. It's necessary to duplicate the results in well-designed human trials to know whether turmeric has skin benefits. The amounts used in studies are higher than typical dietary consumption and are similar to supplemental doses.

Regenerative Properties
Curcumin has properties that may help regenerate skin and accelerate wound healing, according to the author of a review published in the January 2013 issue of the journal Biofactors. The ingredient protects skin by reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals -- unstable atoms that can cause cellular damage. Curcumin also regulates proteins involved in the healing process of wounds and influences enzymes involved in skin regeneration, according to the review. These properties may benefit a range of skin problems, as well as wound healing.

May Fight Skin Aging
UVA and UVB -- rays that come from the sun -- are known to cause damage to your skin over time. Exposure is linked to skin aging and skin cancer. Researchers set out to determine whether turmeric possesses properties that protect against UV-related skin damage, using hairless mice as a model. The scientists found that turmeric extract given twice daily prevented an increase in skin thickness, reduced skin elasticity and prevented the formation of wrinkles related to long-term UVB exposure -- all related to skin aging. The study was published in the December 2009 issue of the journal Phytomedicine.

May Protect Against Skin Cancer
Curcumin appears to have skin cancer-fighting properties, according to an animal study published in the May 2013 issue of the journal Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. In the experiment, scientists administered oral curcumin to mice for 14 days, followed by UVB radiation three times a week for 24 weeks. At the end of the study, researchers found that curcumin helped suppress skin cancer formation and slowed the onset of tumors. The results warrant further investigation in humans, according to the authors.

Supplement Precautions
If you're considering taking turmeric in supplement form, there are potential side effects. Large doses of turmeric may cause digestive problems, including ulcers. Turmeric may lower blood sugar, so it's crucial to talk to your doctor if you have diabetes and are prescribed medicine to control your glucose level. Turmeric may also have blood-thinning properties, which increases the risk of bleeding if you take anticoagulant medication. In addition, turmeric stimulates bile production, which may cause complications if you have gallstones or bile obstruction.

Honey & Nutmeg to Heal Acne Scars

When it comes to DIY beauty, treatments that really work are rare delights. A honey-and-nutmeg mask is one of these: soothing, fragrant and quite effective against acne scars. Honey and nutmeg each has curative properties that help to prevent infection and reduce swelling, and may actually help new skin growth. This can mean smoother, less obvious acne marks at a fraction of the price you'd pay for a commercial remedy.

Effects of Honey
Honey is more than delicious: it has demonstrated medicinal benefits. Though it's been used in traditional healing for centuries, it has not been thoroughly studied in modern medicine. A recent review published in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing found that honey is widely demonstrated to have antibacterial properties, with some types of honey actually being sold as therapeutic agents. In addition, there is some evidence that honey can actually help your skin heal from wounds. When applied to acne spots, honey may stop swelling by killing any infection, and make your scars heal more quickly and smoothly than they would otherwise.

Effects of Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains several potent substances, one of which is mace or Myristica fragrans. A study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that mace "exhibited strong antifungal and antibacterial activities." Ayurvedic medicine promotes nutmeg for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties; in fact, it's traditionally been used to treat eczema and other skin conditions. Like honey, nutmeg can reduce the infection and swelling around your clogged pores, resulting in smaller spots and smoother scars.

Method
To make a honey and nutmeg mask, combine 1 tsp. ground nutmeg with 1 tsp. honey. Apply to your face gently, without rubbing--or apply a small amount directly to acne spots. Leave on for 30 minutes, then wash off carefully.

You can apply this mask during or after a breakout, or when your skin is clear. If you're sensitive, be very careful not to rub the mask in, as the nutmeg can hurt your face. Use this mask two or three times a week at most. According to beauty blogger Viva Woman, this treatment soothed her acne almost immediately, and lightened scars slowly over time. BellaSugar called this treatment "a minor miracle," saying its effects were visible within just a few weeks.

Considerations
Nutmeg in particular is a strong astringent, and may be too harsh for sensitive skin. If you're sensitive, test this treatment on a small section of skin, or leave on for less than 30 minutes. Follow with a moisturizer: Viva Woman recommends aloe or emu oil. While you're using this mask, avoid exfoliating your face; over-exfoliating can cause dryness, sensitivity and damage.

Honey is naturally drippy, and this mask may stain; wear clothing that can handle being dripped on, and be sure to have a towel at hand.

Modifications
Viva Woman and BellaSugar both recommend adding cinnamon to your treatment. Cinnamon adds to the antifungal and astringent effects of the mask, while increasing its exfoliation potential. However, it also increases the potential for stains and may be painful to sensitive skin. To add, mix 1 tsp. of ground cinnamon into your treatment; apply as normal.

Some recommend adding lemon juice as a skin lightener. However, Viva Woman found that the lemon caused painful stinging and photosensitivity.

Homemade Pore Cleansing Facial Mask

Revitalize and nourish your skin with a homemade, pore-cleansing mask that consists of a luscious melange of banana and honey and is infused with the heavenly scent and skin-balancing benefits of rose and ylang-ylang essential oils. Made with fresh, natural ingredients you may already have in your kitchen, this invigorating mask whisks away pore-clogging debris, leaving any type of skin refreshed and glowing. What's best is this beautifying mask can be whipped up in a flash, making it an accessible and a relaxing way to pamper yourself before a special night out.

Step 1

Grind 1 tablespoon of oats to a fine consistency in the blender. Peel the banana, cut it into small pieces and mash. Cut 1 fresh lemon in half and extract 1 teaspoon of juice.

Step 2

Add the lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of raw honey, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of wheat germ oil and ground oats to the mashed banana. Mash all the ingredients together to form a smooth, creamy paste.

Step 3

Dilute the mask with a little distilled water if it's too thick, then stir thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth. Add 1 drop each of ylang-ylang and rose essential oils, and stir well until thoroughly infused.

Step 4

Pull your hair back into a ponytail and wrap a towel around your shoulders to cover any exposed clothing. Wash your face and neck and gently pat dry.

Step 5

Apply the mask to your face and neck using upward motions, avoiding areas around your eyes and mouth. Relax and rest for 10 minutes, or longer if your skin is dry.

Step 6

Soak the washcloth with warm water and gently remove the mask, then thoroughly rinse your face and neck with warm water. Follow with a cold water rinse. Pat dry with a clean towel. Apply your regular toner -- or skin freshener -- and moisturizer.

Things You'll Need

• 1 just-ripened banana
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon wheat-germ oil
• 1 tablespoon finely powdered old-fashioned oats
• 1 drop of rose essential oil
• 1 drop of ylang-ylang essential oil
• Clean washcloth
• Distilled water
• Small bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Blender