The Connector
The Connector

With the fluctuation of Atlanta’s weather, we need to make sure we are ready to weather the storm — or sunshine, or rain or sudden below freezing temperatures! Our skin needs a little extra attention and if your normal skincare routine isn’t doing the trick, these do-it-yourself (DIY) facials are just what you need to give your skin a boost. 

Illustration by Nhi Lam

Honey hydration

For those of us prone to dry skin, hydrate with a honey, mango mask. Honey is great for its moisturizing and soothing effects while mango, which is packed with vitamin C, is amazing for brightening dull skin. 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
  • 1 mashed mango

Directions: Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Spread evenly onto face and leave for 20 minutes. Remove with a cloth soaked in warm water. 

Cucumber cleanse

Controlling oily skin can seem like a losing battle. Excess oil and dirt can clog your pores, which can lead to ungodly pimples. Cucumbers’ natural astringent properties tone skin and reduce the size of pores, minimizing sebum or oil secretion. Due to its high-water content, it dually hydrates and moisturizes skin — which oily skin still needs. A common mistake when treating oily skin is over drying, which causes the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive to compensate for the lack of moisture. 

Ingredients:

  • ½ cucumber
  • 1 egg white
  • Mint leaves

Directions: Cut cucumber into slices and whisk egg white. Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Massage evenly into the face, leave on for 30 minutes, and then remove with a cloth soaked in warm water. 

Papaya plus

Combination skin can seem just as tricky as a Rubik’s Cube. Certain areas of your skin may be complete opposites of each other, so you need a multipurpose mask. Papaya is a natural exfoliator that isn’t too harsh on the skin. This along with its brightening properties will give your face a fresh start. It also includes vitamin E — a powerful anti-inflammatory that repairs and protects your skin. 

Ingredients: 

  • ½ mashed papaya
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • 1 teaspoon vitamin E 

Directions: Mash papaya and combine with honey and oil. Apply evenly to face and leave on for 15 minutes. Then remove with a cloth soaked in warm water. 

All of these masks are simple, affordable and customizable. What may work for one person may not work for you, so tailor these masks to your own specific needs. There are dozens of substitutions for all of these ingredients. If you have a holy grail remedy, I’d love to hear and try it! Email me your tricks and tips to fashion@scadconnector.com