One of my favorite things about a dry, powdered face mask is its versatility. While the extra step of blending in a bit of water might turn some people off, to me the blending process is an invitation to explore the mask’s potential and address different skincare issues that come up throughout the year. With a handful of ingredients you likely have in stock already, you can customize a single face mask and effectively transform it into 4 or 5 different masks. Since many of the dry face masks out there veer toward the detoxifying side of the aisle with clays, herbs and spices that are ready to come to life with a sprinkle of water, you can persuade most masks to be more gentle or even more vigorous if you go beyond the simple “just add water” mantra.
Here are my top five mix-ins for dry face masks, beginning with the most gentle to the most active.
Rosewater — Rosewater is naturally soothing and moisturizing—a great tonic for stressed skin. If you’re already pushing the limits of your skin’s comfort zone by using a mask that’s a little more active than you’re used to, try using rosewater to blend the mask rather than regular water. It will add a therapeutic scent and calming base to the mask. Rosewater is great for everyone, but ideal for mature and sensitive skin types. Add rosewater to the Mahalo Pele Mask for a soothing twist.
Raw Honey — It’s no secret how obsessed I am with raw honey for glowing, happy skin. Many of my favorite masks that don’t require additional blending use honey as the base, so it’s only natural to include it as a mix-in. Honey is a great choice for people with sensitivities who also struggle with acne. It’s antibacterial and incredibly healing, plus it helps skin retain moisture since it’s a natural humectant. Like Greek yogurt, honey deserves to be used all by itself from time to time, but don’t hesitate to use it as a mixing medium for your dry masks. Try adding raw honey to May Lindstrom The Problem Solver to soften the intensity of the spices.
Greek Yogurt — For skin that needs to be pampered while clays and other detoxifying botanical goodies do their thing, Greek yogurt makes a fabulous add-in. As you know, Greek yogurt can be a mask all by itself. The lactic acid helps gently clear pores while the probiotics enhance your glow. Greek yogurt adds a moisturizing boost to skin, so if you’re worried that the mask you’re using is too drying, mix-in some Greek yogurt and you’ll still get great results. Add Greek yogurt to Aster + Bay Green Glow Mask for an awesome “green smoothie” affect.
Lemon juice — Similar to ACV, fresh lemon juice can pack a punch and help brighten the complexion while treating acne. It lightens age spots and other discolorations, and it clarifies. It’s adds a big dose of vitamin C to your mask, which helps neutralize free radicals and boost collagen production. Be sure to dilute the lemon juice in a 1:3 ratio with water before adding to your favorite dry mask. The Gressa Dirty Pretty Things mask is a great fit for a little bit of citrus.
Apple Cider Vinegar — This kitchen staple deserves a place on your bathroom top shelf, especially if you’re struggling with skin imbalances, hyperpigmentation of any kind or clogged pores. The natural alpha hydroxyl acids present in ACV remove dead skin cells and clarify. ACV balances oil production for both oily and dry skin, too. Just be sure to dilute ACV before adding it to your mask. It’s too concentrated to apply neat in most cases, and it can burn! Mix ACV in a 1:3 ratio with water and add to your dry mask. Try a little ACV with the Laurel Brighten Mask for an extra boost.
What are your favorite mix-ins for dry face masks?
