DIY TURMERIC & LEMON BRIGHTENING FACE MASK

With the colder months fast approaching, I thought it would be fun to kick off a beauty series to keep our skin glowing and hydrated all winter long. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my favorite DIY face masks, scrubs, winter skincare tips, and more! For a glimpse into my daily routine, check out my Natural Vegan Skincare Routine.

Wouldn’t it be nice to keep that summer glow all year round? This DIY mask is not only brightening but also perfect for acne-prone skin (or any skin type!) while giving you a healthy, radiant complexion.

Now, a quick disclaimer: the vegan police might be after me for this one… While I don’t consume honey, I’ve always appreciated its medicinal properties for the skin, especially Manuka honey, which has endless healing benefits. I actually picked up a bottle of Manuka honey from Trader Joe’s over the summer without thinking much of it. But then I started feeling guilty, since vegans typically avoid honey. There’s a lot of debate within the vegan community about this, which I dive deeper into in my post about Plant-Based vs. Vegan. If you’re concerned, you can always swap out the honey for agave nectar to get that same sticky consistency!

Normally, I wouldn’t purchase products with honey, but I had this small bottle lying around, and instead of letting it go to waste, I’ve decided to use it for beauty purposes, like in this Brightening Turmeric DIY Face Mask.

A fun fact: Manuka honey comes from New Zealand, where bees feed on the nectar of the Tea Tree Plant. It’s the perfect addition to this mask for an extra glow boost!

THIS POTENT MANUKA HONEY IS ESPECIALLY GREAT FOR:

  • Healing acne and scarring
  • Fighting skin infections
  • Cleaning pores while naturally exfoliating
  • Helping skin retain moisture
  • Rejuvenating radiance and softness

NOT TO MENTION ITS:

  • Anti-bacterial properties
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Anti-fungal qualities
  • High in antioxidants to protect the skin

What makes it even more special is its thicker consistency compared to regular honey, with a cloudy appearance. After soaking up some of this healing Manuka honey, my skin feels totally moisturized, balanced, and soft—it’s magical!

I’m no honey expert (I picked mine up from Trader Joe’s), but I know that higher-quality Manuka honey products are out there, like this one from Manuka Doctor, which has a higher UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) score, indicating more potency. You can really feel the difference with a higher UMF—it’s like a supercharged version of regular honey!

The next essential ingredient for this DIY face mask is turmeric – a true wonder spice, and not just for your curry recipes! This vibrant, golden powder is incredibly beautifying. I was inspired to include it in this mask from my Golden Glow Elixir Juice, which you all seemed to love as much as I did (plus, it’s great for boosting immunity during the winter months!).

Turmeric has been used for centuries in beauty rituals, especially by Indian brides who use turmeric body scrubs and masks before their weddings to achieve that head-to-toe glow. The spice is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to brighten and even out skin tone, while also giving you a luminous, radiant complexion. It’s like liquid gold for your skin!

BENEFITS OF TURMERIC:

Turmeric is a powerhouse when it comes to skincare, offering a range of benefits:

  • Reduces redness
  • Treats breakouts
  • Helps with age spots
  • Reduces scarring and hyperpigmentation
  • Helps to heal psoriasis and eczema
  • Brightens and tones
  • Anti-inflammatory properties

While fresh turmeric would be even better for this mask, I only had ground turmeric on hand, which still works wonders. Just a heads-up—turmeric is known to stain, so be sure to wear a shirt you don’t mind getting a little messy and dry your face with a dark towel. The turmeric will leave a slight yellow tint on your skin, but don’t worry! I usually wash my face with my regular sulfur soap once or twice after the mask, and the yellow tint disappears with no problem. Just a little heads-up to ensure you’re prepared!

Next up is fresh lemon juice! Lemon is packed with vitamin C, which is essential for brightening and evening out your skin tone. It’s also anti-bacterial, making it especially helpful for breakouts, while acting as a natural exfoliant to give your skin that healthy radiance. Lemon is also known to help fade acne scars over time, making it a great addition to this mask. Don’t worry though—this mask won’t sting like lemon juice sometimes does on its own! It actually feels soothing and balancing on the skin.

The final ingredient is oats, which are incredibly moisturizing, exfoliating, and softening. I blended my oats a bit in the food processor to make them finer, but you can also use oat flour if that’s easier. Just a heads-up, the mask can get a little messy depending on how finely ground your oats are, so be sure to apply it over the sink to make cleanup easier. The oats will help lock in moisture while gently sloughing off dead skin, leaving you with smooth, soft skin.

CONCLUSION

And there you have it—this Brightening Turmeric DIY Face Mask is the perfect way to keep your skin glowing and healthy throughout the colder months! With the power of Manuka honey, turmeric, fresh lemon juice, and oats, this mask works wonders to brighten, exfoliate, and heal your skin, all while leaving it soft, smooth, and balanced.

Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, acne scars, or just want to keep your skin glowing, this mask has got you covered. Plus, it’s natural, vegan (with the option to substitute for agave), and perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet effective skincare routine.

So, put on your favorite old shirt, get ready for a little mess, and treat your skin to some much-needed love and nourishment. Your skin will thank you, and you’ll be glowing all season long!

Let me know how you like it!

20 BEST EXFOLIATORS FOR FACE, (TESTED AND REVIEWED FOR 2024)

Getting a natural shine might be difficult. Your complexion may appear a little lifeless when dead skin cells remain on the surface of your skin for far longer than they should. Fortunately, the top facial exfoliators can assist in removing that doubt. Excessive force could result in irritation, which can lead to hyperpigmentation. Give up using the product if you become red and raw. You’ve come to the perfect spot if you’re searching for the best exfoliator for face.

DERMALOGICA RAPID REVEAL PEEL

Want a peel that looks professional without having to get out of your house? Try this incredible Dermalogica peel. Users gave it high marks for smoothing wrinkles, brightening skin, evening skin tone, and reducing the visibility of pores. An astounding 100% of respondents agreed that their skin tone was more balanced and that their skin was brighter and smoother. In the meantime, 75% of customers concurred that pores, fine lines, and wrinkles were less noticeable. The tubes, however, may be hard for you to open.

ACURE BRIGHTENING FACIAL SCRUB

This scrub is an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin because it works best at preventing severe skin irritation. The best facial exfoliant for achieving a brighter, more radiant complexion was this one, as it gave the deepest cleanse. People adore how it leaves my skin feeling soft and nourished while still leaving me with a deep sense of cleanliness. Be advised that using this scrub could get messy because of the possibility of sink stains caused by its rich color.

ST. IVES FRESH SKIN APRICOT SCRUB

Without a doubt, the best drugstore face exfoliator is St. Ives’ traditional creamy scrub. It minimizes the look of pores, efficiently cleans and removes makeup, and removes debris, oil, and other contaminants. Because it leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated, clean, and healthy, most consumers adore it. Additionally, it makes their skin sparkle and helps makeup apply more smoothly. Be aware that some people may find this physical exfoliant’s abrasive particles to be very irritating. 

DR.DENNIS GROSS ALPHA BETA UNIVERSAL DAILY PEEL PADS

The typical amount of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) in most skin care products is 2%, which is also present in this liquid exfoliant. According to the manufacturer, the exfoliant is good for all skin types and aids in pore cleaning and fine-line smoothing. Use your fingertips or a cotton pad that has been lightly moistened to apply the liquid to your face and neck. Do not rinse it off.

PAULA CHOICE 2% BHA LIQUID EXFOLIATOR

This toner, which is made with a blend of BHAs and PHAs, is a fantastic choice for people who are new to using chemical exfoliants because it is mild on the face. According to the firm, because PHAs like gluconolactone are large molecules at the molecular level, they assist in giving the skin more time to respond to their exfoliating benefits. This makes them suitable for sensitive skin. In addition to the chemical exfoliants, the recipe contains hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and moisturize, as well as tea tree extract to lessen irritation.

TULA SKINCARE EXFOLIATING SUGAR SCRUB

People’s #1 choice for the best non-abrasive scrub is the Tula Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub. This skin exfoliant boasts a chemical and physical formula that is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is made with a blend of probiotic extracts for smoothing and improving texture, pineapple and papaya extracts for breaking down dead skin and brightening the complexion, and sugar for gently polishing the skin. Although the product’s label claims that it can be used without water, we discovered that this had a slight pulling effect on the skin. Nevertheless, this is still a good exfoliator for face.

NEUTROGENA DEEP CLEAN GENTLE DAILY FACIAL SCRUB

We suggest the Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Daily Facial Scrub as a more affordable option. This face scrub polishes and softens the skin by removing dead skin cells gently using a combination of chemical and physical exfoliants. The non-abrasive face scrub is a great choice for skin types who are oily or prone to acne because it is also oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. 

PCA SKIN PORE REFINING TREATMENT

We suggest the PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment, which is made with mandelic acid, rice powder, pumice, papain, kaolin, and bentonite, if you want softer skin. In order to brighten, even out uneven texture, absorb extra oil and pollutants, and gently exfoliate without causing irritation, the exfoliating recipe combines physical and chemical ingredients. Customers particularly enjoy that their complexion does not feel tight or raw after using it and that it has a lovely viscous consistency that makes it simple to apply evenly over the skin. It’s not a daily exfoliator because you can only use it once or three times a week. 

PEACH & LILY GLASS SKIN FACE POLISHER

Including regular exfoliation in your skincare routine is one of the greatest strategies to rid your skin of blackheads. The Peach & Lily Glass Skin Face Polisher is a product we adored due to its powerful combination of physical and chemical exfoliants that gently remove dry skin and prevent oil buildup. This exfoliating scrub targets premature symptoms of aging, brightens, and soothes the skin. It is enhanced with salicylic acid, fruit extracts, angelica root, and ginseng.

CETAPHIL EXTRA GENTLE DAILY SCRUB

An excellent substitute for a face scrub if you don’t like face scrub but still want the benefit of using it, this is the exfoliating cleanser you will love. In order to offer a deep clean without stripping, the solution is enhanced with micro-fine granules that pull away dirt, debris, and dead skin buildup. One of the best cleansers for oily skin, its hypoallergenic formula is also mild enough to use on more sensitive skin types. Its formulation targets dirt, debris, and excess oil buildup. Nevertheless, it doesn’t do much to lighten skin tone.

KIEHL’S DAILY REFINING MILK PEEL TONER

This product is incredibly fulfilling and yields immediate outcomes. If you are striving for “glass skin,” you should look into this. It literally makes you glow and is all about giving yourself a really mild exfoliation and intense hydration boost. Almond milk, 23 percent emollients, and lipo-hydroxy acid, a derivative of salicylic acid, are combined in a dual-phase composition for the peel. When you mix it up, the ingredients combine to clear blocked pores and remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, leaving the skin looking radiant and hydrated. 

AESOP PURIFYING FACIAL EXFOLIANT PASTE

Aesop’s purifying face exfoliator paste is definitely worth keeping in your cupboard because it combines the benefits of manual exfoliation with chemical components for fast velvety soft results. Fine quartz and lactic acid are added to the cream-based washing recipe to help exfoliate dead skin cells, and the fine-grain textured paste evens and smoothes your face. It’s easy to apply: just give your face and neck a gentle massage twice a week. A little goes a long way, which is great given the price, and the subtle earthy aroma appeals to a lot of consumers.

DR BARBARA STURM FACIAL SCRUB

Benefits of this refining facial peel from DR. Barbara includes anti-aging and cell renewal. The scrub buffs away at dry, flaky skin as the chemical components work to soften your complexion. It’s an excellent choice for people who steer clear of more physically demanding scrubs. The mild product, which dispenses as a thick cream with fine grains and leaves skin soft and soothed without causing irritation, is easy to wash off. 

REN CLEAN SKINCARE READY STEADY GLOW AHA TONIC

For years, REN’s ready steady glow tonic has been a beloved mainstay in our skincare routine, living up to its cult status. The non-invasive exfoliating mix includes salicin to soothe, lactic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, and a combination of AHAs and BHAs to refine skin. REN’s toner is made for everyday use and fits into your evening routine with ease. It applies smoothly with a cotton pad. It not only makes your face look cleaner at the end of the day, but it also makes your skin look younger.

KATE SOMERVILLE EXFOLIKATE INTENSIVE EXFOLIATING TREATMENT

For good cause, Kate Somerville’s exfolikate is a cult favorite. The dual-action exfoliant provides brightness at home by utilizing both chemical and physical components. The lotion uses natural alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, and enzymes from papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin to gently exfoliate dull skin. Rosewood and cinnamon extracts work together to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while a calming combination of aloe vera, antioxidant vitamin E, and honey works to relieve any irritation. When applying the cream to your face, there is a tiny tingling sensation at first, but the effects are an unmatched radiance.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY SUPER RADIANCE RESURFACING FACIAL

Two years ago, Charlotte Tilbury’s first exfoliation product was released, and it did not let down. This dual-purpose product promises to give skin the instant glow that comes from a spa facial at home. It does this by exfoliating and resurfacing the skin. The treatment is meant to be used once a week, and it needs to be applied evenly and kept on the skin for up to 20 minutes. Charlotte Tilbury’s mask exfoliator dried swiftly and wasn’t sticky like some other mask exfoliators.

MURAD VITAMIN C EXFOLIATING FACIAL

Murad’s triple-action exfoliating facial with vitamin C is designed to revitalize skin by combining physical, chemical, and enzymatic techniques for remarkable outcomes. Enzymes work toward radiance, micro-mineral exfoliants manually remove dead surface cells to significantly smooth skin, and vitamin C supports healthier-looking, brighter skin. Glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids complete the trifecta by brightening and cleansing pores.

AVEENO POSITIVELY RADIANT SKIN BRIGHTENING EXFOLIATING DAILY SCRUB

This inexpensive scrub does a great job cleaning. Microbeads softly polish skin while soy extract helps to moisturize and brighten. For acne-prone skin types, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and it’s oil-free, so there’s no need to worry about outbreaks.

BOSCIA EXFOLIATING PEEL GEL

This cool peeling gel exfoliator uses both chemical and physical means. Because the formula’s molecules really join together as you apply it, it helps remove debris and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Buffing is a unique pampering sensation that will make your skin ball up. Then, much deeper, alpha-hydroxy acids from different fruits truly remove bacteria or oil. Even skin types that are sensitive will benefit greatly from it because of the combination of calming botanicals and the absence of preservatives.

M-61 BY BLUEMERCURY POWERGLOW PEEL

This one-step peel uses a combination of salicylic and glycolic acids to tighten pores and remove dead skin cells. It’s great if you’re having trouble with breakouts because it also helps to enhance the texture and tone of your skin. Additionally, chamomile and lavender are added to the pre-soaked wipes to reduce redness and irritation. Please be aware that it could take some time to become used to it. To prevent peeling or dryness as your skin adjusts, start by applying them three times a week before bed and lather on your favorite moisturizer. If your skin is sensitive, cut back or, once your skin is able to tolerate it, use every day.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Sunscreen use and daily washing are essential for healthy skin practices. However, exfoliation may be the unsung hero of any skincare regimen. Why? Even though dead skin cells are naturally shed by the skin, this process isn’t always successful. Allowing those dead cells to remain and build up can lead to a host of issues with the complexion, including hyperpigmentation, flaky spots, dullness, clogged pores, and more obvious fine wrinkles. To address these concerns, exfoliating can assist in hastening the skin’s turnover process. Check out our list for clear, luminous skin.