The 5 best face masks for oily skin

So being a beauty therapist, I have come across every skin type imaginable, and the main concern people have is oily skin or spots caused by oily skin. I have taken some time scouring through books, researching on websites and trialling loads of recipes and I have now put together a quick list of the best 5 homemade face masks for oil, blemish proned skin! (These really work!)

*(SCIENCY BIT)*
Oily skin (seborrhoea) is caused by excess skin oil (sebum). During puberty, increased androgen levels, which are male hormones present in both males and females, signal the oil glands of the skin to mature. At this time the body begins producing much more skin oil. For some people, oil glands go into overdrive and the skin takes on an oily look. This oily appearance normally subsides to some degree after puberty, but can persist into adulthood, and is often seasonal, coinciding with humid weather. The good news is that most experts agree that oily skin helps skin age more slowly with fewer wrinkles. The bad news is that oily skin can look, well, oily. Also, as a whole, people with oilier skin tend to suffer more with acne.


So here's the best recipes to help get that excess oil under control and have your shiny skin glowing for a whole different reason!!

1. Apricot face mask
Regulates skin oiliness, soothes acne flare ups, nourishes the skin (great for sensitive skin)

Ingredients:
-1 apricot
-1 tbsp. natural yoghurt
-1/2 tsp bentonite clay

Method:
Mash the peeled apricot in a food processor or blender, then add the yoghurt and clay and mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth paste.

Apply to your face evenly, making sure to avoid the eye area, and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
For continued/optimum results use once a week.



2. Honey, lemon and banana mask
Absorbs and retains moisture, nourishes and hydrates the skin, exfoliates dead skin cells

Ingredients:
- 3 tsp mashed banana
- 1/2 tsp honey
- a few drops of lemon juice

Method:
Mix all the ingredients until you form a smooth paste.

Apply to the face and neck, again avoiding the eye area, leave for 20 minutes then rinse with warm water.
For continued/optimum results use once a week.


3. Strawberry Mask
Cleanses and exfoliates the skin, tightens pores, treats acne

Ingredients:

-8 Strawberries
-A few drops of lemon juice
-1 tbsp. bentonite clay

Method:
Mash/blend the strawberries, then add the clay and lemon juice. Mix until they form a paste.

Apply to face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Pay special attention to your t-zone if your looking to reduce enlarged pores. Leave for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water.
For continued/optimum results use once a week.


4. Green tea and Aloe Mask
Hydrates, moisturises and softens the skin, improves elasticity, absorbs excess oil and treats acne.

Ingredients:

-2 tsp green tea
-1 tsp honey
-2 tsp bentonite clay
-1 tbsp. aloe vera gel

Method:
Mix together ingredients to form a paste.

Apply to face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
For continued/optimum results use once a week.



5. Oatmeal mask
Cleanses the pores, exfoliates and moisturises the skin, reduces spots and acne scars

Ingredients:
-3 tbsp. fine ground oatmeal
-2 tbsp. natural yoghurt
-1/2 tsp. honey

Method:
Grind the oatmeal finely (If your oatmeal isn't already), mix together with the yoghurt and honey until you form a paste.

Apply to face and neck, avoiding the eye area and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water.
For continued/optimum results use once a week.



Make sure after using any of the above masks to splash your face with cool water after rinsing to close up your pores to stop any impurities getting into them and try not to touch your face, your hands carry oils that increase the oil on your face too!

Hope this helps all of you (like me) prone to oily skin! Let me know if you try the recipes and how you get on!