dry skin soap for face

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!

DAILY FACIAL SKIN CARE TIPS FOR MEN

Why Men Should Care About Their Skin: A Simple Facial Care Routine for Healthy Skin

While women often prioritize skincare routines for glowing, healthy skin, many men overlook their own facial care. But why is that? Men’s skin deserves the same attention, as it’s just as sensitive and exposed to dirt, pollution, and harsh elements. Taking care of your skin is just as important as keeping your body fit and healthy. A good skincare routine isn’t complicated—it’s about consistency. By following these five easy steps daily, men can achieve clear, healthy skin that glows with confidence. No matter your skin type—whether dry, oily, or sensitive—these simple steps will work for you.

Cleaning, Toning and Moisturizing Your Skin

The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing. Start by splashing lukewarm water on your face and applying a men’s face wash. Avoid using regular soap, as it can contain harsh chemicals that may damage your skin.

Gently massage the face wash onto your skin in circular motions to cleanse away dirt and impurities. Afterward, rinse with cool water to help tighten pores and prevent dirt and oil from accumulating.

The next step is to use a toner that suits your skin type. Opt for a natural, organic toner and steer clear of anything with harsh chemicals. Toner helps restore balance to your skin after cleansing and preps it for the next step in your routine.

Toners are important because they help lower the skin’s pH level, giving it a hydration boost and removing dead skin cells for a fresh, healthy appearance.

Moisturizing is a crucial step that you can’t skip. Apply a dime-sized amount of men’s face moisturizer to your entire face. Proper hydration helps prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and excess oil production.

Again, prioritize moisturizers made with natural ingredients and essential oils. Avoid products with synthetic chemicals and instead focus on organic, skin-friendly options to nourish your skin effectively.

Sunscreen, always apply sunscreens!

The final step in your skincare routine is applying sunscreen before stepping outside. This is a crucial, non-negotiable part of your daily facial care.

Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This level of protection is ideal to shield your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging, sunburn, and long-term damage. Sunscreen helps prevent tanning and protects your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, keeping your skin healthy and glowing. Never skip this step, no matter the weather!

Avoid Eye Wrinkles and Dark Circles

Did you know the area around your eyes is the first part of your face to show signs of aging? The skin around the eyes is extremely delicate and lacks sweat and oil glands, which makes it prone to dehydration and wrinkles. To keep your eye area youthful and smooth, it’s essential to incorporate a men’s eye cream into your daily routine.

After moisturizing your face, apply a thin layer of eye cream to the under-eye area and around the eye socket. Gently tap it in to ensure it absorbs well. This will help reduce puffiness and dark circles, giving your eyes a refreshed look.

For nighttime care, applying eye cream after your anti-aging cream will further hydrate the skin around your eyes, helping to combat wrinkles and signs of aging. You definitely don’t want to look older than you are, right? So, make these simple steps part of your daily skincare routine to keep your skin looking its best for years to come!

Take Care of Your Lips- Use Lip Balms

Lip balms aren’t just for women—men need to take care of their lips too! After all, who doesn’t want soft, smooth lips? Everyone does, right? So don’t hesitate to use a lip balm or even a bit of lip gloss. Dry, cracked lips can be uncomfortable and look unappealing, so keep them hydrated and healthy by making lip care part of your routine.

When you’re taking care of your face, don’t forget to show your lips some love too. A little lip balm goes a long way in preventing dryness and keeping your lips soft and subtle. It’s an easy step that makes a big difference!

Clean, Trim or Shave Your Beard

Growing a beard might be easy, but maintaining it is a whole different story! Whether you’re rocking a stubble or a full Bandholz, your beard needs proper care. Use the right beard products, like beard shampoo and beard wax, to keep it clean, soft, and styled.

Be sure to wash, trim, and shave your beard regularly to keep it looking its best. Consistency is key—don’t neglect your beard just because it’s growing in. If you prefer a clean shave, make sure to maintain that as well with the right shaving products.

A man’s beard can be one of his most attractive features, so it’s important to pay attention to it. Don’t just grow it—maintain it well and give it the care it deserves to look sharp and on point!

As you can see, these facial skincare tips are simple yet essential! A little care and dedication can make a huge difference in the health and appearance of your skin. Skincare isn’t just for women—men’s skin deserves the same attention. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your skin healthy, clear, and free from damage.

Don’t shy away from investing in quality skincare products. Take the time to understand your skin type and use products that work best for you. By committing to these 5 simple and easy steps in your daily skincare routine, you’ll notice your skin improving in no time.

Remember, your skin is important—treat it well, and you’ll love the results!

conclusion

In conclusion, skincare is not just a routine, but a commitment to your overall well-being. Men, just like women, need to take care of their skin to keep it healthy, youthful, and damage-free. By following a simple yet effective skincare routine—cleansing, toning, moisturizing, protecting with sunscreen, and giving attention to areas like your eyes and lips—you can maintain clear, smooth skin with minimal effort. Remember, consistency is key. Don’t hesitate to invest in the right products for your skin type, and always make sure to maintain your beard if you have one. By dedicating a few minutes each day, you’ll ensure your skin stays looking great and feeling healthy for years to come. Take care of your skin; it’s worth it!