Smooth, glowing and fresh: DIY face masks perfect for over-60 skin

Cooler weather, increased stress and lack of sleep are all reasons your skin may playing up, and with with winter fast approaching, your skin could be calling out for some much-needed love and attention in the coming weeks.

There’s no need to fret though, as we’ve found three soothing, brightening and calming face masks you can make at home without having to fork out hundreds of dollars for a facialist. Best of all, these masks use natural ingredients that won’t irritate your skin like some chemical products you find at a beauty salon can. All you need is a few pantry staples and 15 minutes to sit down and relax while the mask works its magic.

Hydrating avocado mask

The natural oils in avocados can deeply penetrate our skin to hydrate it and help smooth fine lines. Mixed with cocoa powder and honey, it can brighten your skin tone and leave you skin feeling supple and soft. This mask is especially beneficial for those who’re experiencing dry skin.

1. Mash one-quarter of an avocado in a bowl until smooth.
2. Add one tablespoon of cocoa powder and one tablespoon of honey and mix well.
3. Apply mask to clean, dry skin and leave for 10 minutes.
4. Wash off with warm water and apply moisturiser to your face to lock in hydration.

Refreshing banana mask

Bananas are a superfruit packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that are good for our health, but these properties extend beyond dietary benefits and can also do wonders for our skin. The natural vitamins in bananas help to hydrate the skin, as well as reduce the appearance of dark spots and destroy bacteria that can cause pimples.

1. Mash half of banana in a bowl.
2. Add one tablespoon of orange juice and one tablespoon of honey and mix well (it’s okay to have lumps!)
3. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave for 15 minutes.
4. Wash off with lukewarm water and apply a moisturiser to your face.

Pimple-fighting turmeric mask

Your teenage years may be well behind you but that doesn’t mean the pimples have disappeared. If you’ve been eating more fatty or sugary foods than usual a small breakout is not uncommon.

But fear not, because if you’ve got turmeric in your pantry those pimples could soon disappear. The spice is a natural antiseptic and helps to fight bacteria on your skin, while also helping to reduce dark circles and soothe dry skin.

1.  Mix three tablespoons of turmeric powder with enough water to make a thick paste. Add two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and stir together, maintain a thick consistency.
2. Apply to a clean, dry face and leave for 5 minutes. Don’t leave on for longer than 5 minutes as the acid in the lemon could cause irritation if left on for too long.
3. Wash off with warm water and apply moisturiser to your face.