The Truth About DIY Face Masks, According to Derms (2024)

Disclaimer: I don’t do DIY face masks. If I’m whipping something up in the kitchen, the only reason it’ll end up on my face is if I happen to miss my mouth when I'm eating. But Pinterest proves I’m in the minority. A quick search for “homemade face masks” on the site pulls up an endless scroll of recipes, photos, and ingredient spotlights.

Clearly, there’s traction behind this movement. Part of its popularity: the rise of natural ingredients within beauty. Customers are getting savvy about what they put on their skin, and more often than not, they want that to be as close to nature as possible. “My patients find them appealing since they usually contain fresh, natural ingredients,” says Karyn Grossman, a dermatologist based in Los Angeles.

If you’d rather put avocado on your face instead of on your toast (a decision I will try my best not to question even though it makes zero sense), you have the support of derms, who generally agree that DIY face masks are fair game. “They’re easy, inexpensive, and can be as effective, if not more, than traditional masks,” says New York City-based dermatologist Francesca Fusco. Besides, they’re customizable. Instead of following a recipe to the letter, you can mix and match based on what your skin needs. Of course, you’re just not going to get some of the high-tech ingredients that you’d find in a souped-up sheet mask. So if you’re looking for lifting and tightening, says Grossman, you’re out of luck. But tighter pores, brighter skin, and a smoother texture are all entirely possible with at-home mask.

More DIY skin-care hacks to keep in your cabinet:

  1. This Is Exactly How to Make Jessica Alba's Vanilla Sugar Body Scrub
  2. Whip Up This Soothing DIY Chest Rub From The Ayesha Curry Cookbook
  3. Could This DIY Contouring Mask Change Your Beauty Routine?

The biggest downside is that the FDA hasn’t tested the safety of any of these recipes—so slather on a kitchen concoction at your own risk. Still, “there isn’t that much damage you can do if you pay attention to your ingredients,” says Grossman. The only problems she’s seen in her practice are stained skin from turmeric (which temporary turns it yellow), over-exfoliation, and a reaction in one patient who decided to add her own acid to a recipe. (This is never a good idea.) If your skin feels uncomfortable at any point, you can just rinse it off and apply a soothing ingredient, like aloe vera or coconut oil, to minimize any redness or irritation. No harm, no foul.

The best DIY face masks contain a combination of ingredients, and those have been deemed safe. First, choose the base depending on your skin type. Then, you can toss in extras depending on what you have and what you’re trying to treat.

The Truth About DIY Face Masks, According to Derms (2024)

FAQs

Do homemade face masks actually work? ›

Of course, you're just not going to get some of the high-tech ingredients that you'd find in a souped-up sheet mask. So if you're looking for lifting and tightening, says Grossman, you're out of luck. But tighter pores, brighter skin, and a smoother texture are all entirely possible with at-home mask.

What DIY face mask is recommended by dermatologists? ›

The Recipes:
  • Hydrating Avocado Mask: Avocado isn't just for toast; its hydrating properties make it a skin superfood. ...
  • Brightening Berry Mask: Rich in antioxidants, berries offer a vibrant boost to dull skin. ...
  • Soothing Oatmeal Mask: For sensitive or irritated skin, oatmeal is a gentle soother.

What do dermatologists say about face masks? ›

Choosing the right face mask can help prevent skin problems. Board-certified dermatologists recommend looking for these things when choosing a face mask. Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours. Health care workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic have found that this helps save their skin.

Do face masks actually help your skin dermatologist? ›

Facial masks may provide various skin benefits. Based on its ingredients, a mask can help combat acne, fade hyperpigmentation, hydrate your skin, minimize redness, and address signs of aging. How often should you use a face mask? It depends on your skin type and your desired result.

What is the most effective homemade face mask? ›

For the best hydrating mask:
  • Mash one avocado.
  • Add two tablespoon of plain yogurt.
  • Add one tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Add one tablespoon of honey.
  • Mix everything well together.
  • Apply for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Rinse well, especially around the hairline.
Aug 4, 2021

Are DIY face masks better than store bought? ›

If you want quick results and don't want to undergo side effects, then store-bought masks are an ideal solution. On the other hand, if you don't want to spend and want results gradually, then DIY face masks can be an ideal choice.

Do dermatologists recommend peel off masks? ›

However, if you have sensitive skin, try to avoid these masks as they can be a bit abrasive when you remove them and rinsing off with water is much more gentle. So while peel-off masks aren't bad for your skin, they generally don't provide any extra benefits your traditional face masks can't offer, either.

Are egg yolk and vaseline good for the face? ›

vaseline and egg are a perfect combination of natural ingredients used to smoothen your face skin. vaseline softens your skin and gives it a silky glow.

What ingredient makes face masks peel off? ›

DIY Peel Off Face Mask Ingredients

Here's what to stock up on so that you can make your own peel at home: Gelatin Powder – this common ingredient is what makes it possible to peel off the mask! Water – 1 tablespoon of water helps dissolve the gelatin.

Do face masks actually work in skin care? ›

Face masks work by driving ingredients closer and deeper into the skin, infusing your pores and allowing the skin to soak up more of the product. Face masks can have the immediate effect that people are looking for, so although it may be temporary, it can give you a boost or glow for an event. Dr.

Do you put moisturizer on before or after sheet mask? ›

There is no set golden rule because every skin type is different and what works for one skin type may not fit another skin type. But in general, the recommended routine is to cleanse, tone, sheet mask and then moisturize afterwards.

Why do I get pimples after using a sheet mask? ›

Perhaps the biggest negative when it comes to sheet masks is that they are often not designed for oily skin or acne prone skin. Sheet masks for oily skin or for acne prone skin can actually increase bacteria on the surface skin since your skin is trapped under the sheet mask, which can cause breakouts.

Do at home LED masks work? ›

LED therapy can be super beneficial for your overall skin health. At home masks are a great way to boost your skin barrier, calm inflammation and aid in collagen production. However, at home devices out there vary widely in quality, strength, and efficacy.

Do clay face masks really work? ›

Modern science has found that clay masks may have several benefits for your skin such as absorbing excess oil and preventing acne. Anecdotal evidence suggests clay masks for hair may also have benefits. If you do give clay masks a try, be sure to limit their use to twice a week.

What is the science behind LED face masks? ›

The application of red and near-infrared light has a domino effect, stimulating collagen production and blood circulation. On a surface level, this can speed healing of wounds, such as burns or ulcers, and even reduce signs of aging, like wrinkles and brown spots.

Do at home masks work? ›

At-home masks are typically not as effective as in-office treatments because they are not as highly powered.” That's because those masks you'll find at a physician's office are not safe for at-home use and need to be used by a licensed professional.

How often should I use homemade face mask? ›

"Face masks are designed to give a boost of deeper-acting ingredients for whatever skin concern you have. Oily or break-out prone skin benefits from masking 2-3 times a week. Hydrating and moisturizing masks are ideal weekly, although in dry weather conditions, twice a week may be beneficial. "

How realistic face masks are made? ›

Hyper-realistic face masks are made from a flexible sillicone material and are designed to imitate real human features all the way down to a tiny freckle and fine wrinkles.

How long do homemade face masks last? ›

You should also consider how you are going to store your products. For example, if you use natural ingredients such as dairy, fruit, or vegetables, you'll want to keep these face masks refrigerated. They will usually last well for 5-7 days in an airtight container.

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