What Is In A DIY Peel-Off Face Mask?
DIY peel-off masks contain a gel or paste-like substance that sticks to the skin, dries, and can be peeled off easily. Some of the common base ingredients used in DIY peel-off masks include:
Non-Toxic Glue
This is a common ingredient in DIY peel-off masks and is used as an adhesive to help to trap skin impurities. It is easy to peel out at one go. You can use latex-free skin glues used for face painting and face art design.
Gelatin
Gelatin hardens on the skin and is easy to peel off than glue. It is less harsh than glue and can be easily washed off with water, making it hassle-free. However, gelatin is made from collagen extracted from animal bones and connective tissues and may have a foul smell.
Egg White
Egg white-based masks are the gentlest, albeit the messiest form of peel-off masks. Applying them can be challenging. Usually, you have to apply a layer of egg white, followed by a piece of thin tissue paper, and then keep layering the egg white and tissues. It can be easily peeled away after drying. Since we are talking about ingredients that peel-off masks contain, let us look at the ingredients you should avoid when making a DIY peel-off mask or buying one commercially:
Do not use strong glues such as superglue as these can damage the skin. Choose glues that are certified as non-toxic.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the basic ingredients for a peel-off mask, let’s look at the benefits of DIY peel-off masks. Are Peel-Off Masks Good For Your Skin? What Are The Benefits?
There are multiple benefits of using DIY peel-off masks: The base ingredient helps remove the dead skin cells and buildup from the skin. You can easily customize the ingredients as per the skin issue you may have. They give an immediate tightening effect and help minimize the appearance of pores. They soak up excess oil without causing excessive dryness. DIY peel-off masks are a cost-effective way of cleansing the skin easily at home.
This brings us to the next most important question: are commercial masks worth it? Why should you go the DIY way? Scroll down to the next section for the answer.
DIY Vs. Commercial Peel-Off Face Masks: Which One Is Better?
Ultimately, it boils down to your preference, skin needs, and ease of use. If you have been using commercial face masks and your skin loves them, you do not need to banish them from your routine. Once in a while, you can give your skin a break and try out natural ingredients. On the other hand, if your skin is sensitive to cosmetics, preservatives like parabens and triclosan, and other synthetic ingredients, it is better to use DIY peel-off masks. In the next section, we have shared a few recipes you can try at home.
DIY Peel-Off Face Mask Recipes For Different Skin Types
Before we jump into the recipes, make a note to select ingredients that suit your skin type to prevent an allergic reaction.
DIY Peel-Off Masks Recipes For Oily And Acne-Prone Skin
1. Honey And Turmeric Peel-Off Mask
Turmeric contains curcumin, which helps reduce inflammation and tackles skin infections. Coconut oil has moisturizing properties, while honey has antibacterial benefits. Witch hazel is beneficial for oily skin. It helps control excess oil and reduces inflammation (1), (2), (3), (4). You Will Need
3 teaspoons of coconut oil 3 teaspoons of witch hazel ½ teaspoon of Manuka honey A pinch of turmeric 2 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin powder 1 tablespoon of warm water
Steps To Follow
2. Honey And Tea Tree Oil Peel-Off Mask
Tea tree oil helps improve mild to moderate acne, while honey increases the antibacterial activity of the mask (5). You Will Need
1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin powder 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey 2 drops of tea tree oil 2 tablespoon warm water
Steps To Follow
3. Activated Charcoal Peel-Off Mask
Activated charcoal can clean your skin pores and get rid of dead skin cells (6). This DIY charcoal face mask that you can peel off is an effective way to cleanse your pores and rejuvenate your skin. You Will Need
½ teaspoon of activated charcoal powder ½ teaspoon of unflavored gelatin powder 1 tablespoon warm water
Steps To Follow
4. Activated Charcoal And Glue Peel-Off Blackhead Strip
This mask will help remove blackheads from your nose and other areas. Be careful not to use it around your eyes and cheeks. You Will Need
1 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder 2 teaspoons of non-toxic glue
Steps To Follow Note: If you notice any residue, wipe away with a warm and wet towel. Do not rub your skin.
5. DIY Peel-Off Face Mask With Lemon And Egg
Lemon extract is commonly used in skin brightening products. This peel-off mask may help reduce excess oil and brighten the skin (7). You Will Need
The white of an egg 1 teaspoon of diluted lemon juice Tissue paper
Steps To Follow
DIY Peel-Off Masks Recipes For Hydrated, Soft, And Glowing Skin
6. Honey, Milk, And Egg White Peel-Off Mask
Honey has antibacterial properties, while milk is often added to DIY masks for its skin softening benefits. This is one of the easiest and most effective DIY face masks for blackheads. You Will Need
The white of an egg 1 teaspoon of gelatin powder 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey 1½ tablespoons of whole milk
Steps To Follow Mamtha Nair, a vlogger, shared her experience of using her homemade peel-off face mask for her skin. She said, “So I am not going to lie, this is really going to hurt. But for me, it’s really worth it. This gelatin peel-off mask removed unwanted hair, whiteheads, and blackheads effectively (i).
8. Banana Peel-Off Mask
Bananas have antioxidants that may protect your skin from free radical damage (9), (10). Honey’s natural antibacterial properties and lemon’s brightening effect add more goodness to the mask and will leave your skin refreshed and radiant (7), (11). You Will Need
Ripe banana peel 1 tablespoon of honey 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
Steps To Follow
Cut the ripe banana peel into small pieces. Blend or mash the peel until it forms a smooth paste. Add the honey and fresh lemon juice and mix everything thoroughly. Apply the mask evenly to your clean face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Allow it to dry for about 15-20 minutes. Gently peel off the mask in an upward motion. Rinse your face with water and pat it dry.
7. Rose Water Peel-Off Mask
Rose water has been used for ages for beauty purposes. It is known for its wound healing and skin-soothing abilities. It also has antibacterial properties and keeps your skin healthy (8). You Will Need
3 teaspoons of rose water (hydrosol) 2 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin powder 2 drops of rose essential oil (optional for masking gelatin’s odor)
Steps To Follow There are several peel-off masks and other home remedies to rejuvenate the skin, but whichever you choose, be sure to exercise proper caution regarding potential reactions.
Illustration: Best DIY Peel-Off Face Mask Recipes & Benefits For Skin
Make your own homemade peel-off face mask without gelatin and eggs! Take a look at this video to know how to make this easy and affordable DIY mask. Do peel off masks remove facial hair? Yes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that charcoal and honey peel off masks may help in removing fine facial hair. The ingredients in the peel-off masks stick to the hair on your face and gently uproots it when you peel off the mask, leaving your skin smooth and shiny. What can I use to peel off a face mask? You can use your fingertips to gently peel off the face mask. Ensure that your hands are clean before you start peeling off the face mask. Can a DIY peel-off face mask be used on all skin types? The effectiveness and safety of DIY peel off face masks depends on the ingredients used and sensitivities of the skin. For example, if you have sensitive skin then ingredients like lemon juice and baking soda can irritate the skin. So it is always best to do a patch test before using any new DIY skincare product. How do I safely and effectively remove a DIY peel-off face mask? To safely and effectively remove a DIY peel-off face mask follow the tips; • Wet your face: Before peeling off the mask, wet your face with warm water to loosen the mask and to easily remove it. • Use a wet towel: Apply a wet towel on the face for a few minutes to soften the mask, which will help in easy removal. • Peel off slowly: Avoid pulling too hard and too quickly as it can cause pain and irritation so do it gently and slowly • Rinse and moisturize: After removing the mask, rinse your face with cold water to remove any residue and moisturize to soothe and hydrate the skin. Are there any side effects or risks associated with using a DIY peel-off face mask? There are some potential side effects and risks associated with it if used incorrectly or wrong ingredients are used like skin irritation, redness, allergic reactions, or acne flare-ups due to some ingredients. How often should a DIY peel-off face mask be used for best results? The frequency of using a peel off mask depends on your skin type and the ingredients used in the mask. But in general, it’s best to use a peel off mask not more than once or twice a week to avoid over exfoliation and skin irritation. How do you make an aloe vera peel-off mask at home? You can make an aloe vera peel of mask by mixing 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with water and combining it with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water. Do not apply it near the eye and lip area as they are very sensitive areas. How can I customize DIY peel-off masks for different skin types? Pick ingredients that cater to your specific skin types and its needs. For dry skin, add moisturizing ingredients like avocado or yogurt. Oily skin can benefit from ingredients like clay or tea tree oil.
