5 homemade masks to treat your skin this summer

Not everyone is blessed with skin that stays healthy with zero maintenance in the scorching heat of summer. Apart from dehydrating you, the hot weather creates a lot of problems for the skin, like sunburn, oiliness, acne, open pores, early ageing and pigmentation. If you have a hectic schedule, perhaps you don’t have time during the day to visit a salon. You can still manage to keep your skin healthy and fresh from the comforts of your home, once you have retired for the day with these easy homemade masks.

Papaya antioxidant mask

Papaya works wonders to rejuvenate the skin. It’s rich in antioxidants and enzymes, which aid in getting rid of old and dead skin cells, giving way to new cells. Lemon exfoliates, naturally bleaches and tones the skin, while honey moisturises and soothes the skin.Ingredients:• Papaya, peeled and seeded • ½tsp honey • ¼tsp lemon juiceDirections: Mash the papaya in a mixer until it becomes a smooth paste. Now, add honey and lemon juice, and mix properly. Apply it all over the face, avoiding the eyes. Let it dry and rinse with water after 10 to 15 minutes.

Oatmeal mask

Oatmeal mask is great to soothe irritated skin. It is also highly effective in treating skin problems such as eczema, pimples, breakouts, etc, when mixed with honey and yoghurt. It has antibiotic and soothing properties too. A perfect, relaxing mask after a hot day out!Ingredients:• 1/3 cup instant oatmeal • ½ cup hot water • 1 to 2tbsp yoghurt • 1tbsp honeyDirections: Mix the oatmeal in hot water till it puffs up and turns soft. Now, add honey and yoghurt and use a blender to blend them together. Make a spreadable paste of it and apply evenly on your face. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes while you relax. Wash off and dab your skin dry. This pack can also be used for underarms, necks, etc.

Cucumber mask

Cucumber is crucial in treating your skin during summer. This simple cucumber face mask suits all skin types. In fact, this one would not irritate even the most sensitive skin. The cooling effect of cucumber along with the exfoliation power of sugar would give you fresh glowing skin just in 10 minutes.Ingredients• 1 cucumber • 1tbsp sugar Directions: Peel and mash the cucumber with the aid of a grinder, but make sure you don’t grind it too much that it becomes liquid. Add sugar to it and mix well. Apply it all over your neck and face, and keep it on for about 10 minutes. Wash off and pat dry.

Egg mask

Eggs are great for smooth and shiny skin, and they brighten the complexion instantly. Lemon juice would tone your skin while the egg works on removing excess oil and tightening the open pores.Ingredients• 1 egg white • 1tsp lemon juiceDirections: Beat the egg white with lemon juice until it becomes thick and stiff. Apply a thick layer on your face and neck. Let it stay for about 15 to 20 minutes. Wash your face with cool water and pat dry. Your skin will instantly feel tightened.

Hydrating watermelon face mask

Watermelon is not only good for your taste buds, but also for your skin. With the abundance of water in the watermelon, it can be used for a hydrating face mask that is also effective in removing blemishes, giving you clear, fresh skin.Ingredients• 2tbsp water melon juice • 2tbsp cucumber juice • 1tsp milk powder • 1tsp yoghurtDirections: Mix all the ingredients together to make a fine paste. Apply it evenly on your face. The cucumber will cool down your sun irritated skin while watermelon will restore the moisture. Wait for 15-20 minutes to let the mask dry. Wash it off and pat dry for beautifully, radiant skin.