Contrary to popular belief, fancy-shmancy professional facial treatments and expensive store-bought masks are not always better than simple homemade treatments.  Here are 4 DIY face masks that rival spa facials and pricey store-bought formulations:

Egg White has been used as a main ingredient in face masks for Millennia, especially in Asian cultures. Egg white helps to tighten skin and clean pores by pulling out toxins and excess sebum.  In addition, egg white is high in protein, which helps regenerate skin tissue and Magnesium, which contributes to a youthful glow and helps to slow down the skins aging process. 

Instructions: Whisk together 1 egg white and 1 tsp of freshly squeezed orange juice.  Massage the mixture into your face and neck and leave on for 10-15 minutes while lying down (this helps prevent the mask from running).  When the time is up, gently wash the mask away using a washcloth moistened with warm water.  Finish by gently massaging a few drops of facial oil into your skin.

Avocados are packed with vitamins and potassium and are rich in healthy oils (especially Omega 3’s), all of which work wonders in giving your skin a deep dose of moisture without clogging pores.  In addition, avocados are high in Vitamin C, which naturally helps to brighten skin and lighten age spots and dark circles.

Instructions: Cook ½ cup of rolled oats and once it cool mix it with one mashed avocado (make sure it’s ripe before you mash it).  Smear the mixture all over your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.  Rinse off with warm water. 

Honey is rich in antioxidants and contains natural antibacterial properties. In addition, honey acts as a natural antibiotic, which kills acne-causing bacteria.  Because of it’s antibacterial, antifungal and probiotic properties raw honey also effectively reduces breakouts and helps prevent the formation of new acne. 

Instructions: Mix 1 TBSP of raw honey and ½ a lemon into a small bowl.  Slather the mixture all over your face and leave on for 20-30 minutes.  Wash it away with warm water and gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Finish with a few drops of avocado oil, almond oil or olive oil, all three of which are wonderful oils for acne prone skin.

French green clay contains a wide variety of healing minerals including bentonite, magnesium, potassium, calcium, copper, selenium, and silica.  When used as mask, the clay acts as a sponge that helps to draw out toxins from the skin, remove dead skin cells and promote circulation.  

Instructions: Mix roughly 1 part clay powder to 2 parts water until you have a thin paste.  Spread over skin and leave on for 5-8 minutes, or until completely dry.   Wash the mask off gently using a warm, wet washcloth.  Finish by massaging a few drops of your favorite facial oil into your skin.