3 DIY Face Masks for Glowing Skin

Cooler weather can mean drier skin, making fall a good time to give your skin a little extra care. And a few seasonal favorites from your kitchen can make an easy at-home face mask.

Apples, pomegranates and pumpkin are fall staples — and they can also be used in simple DIY skin-care recipes. Before you get mixing, remember that even natural ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. Test a small amount first, and stop using a mask if you notice burning, itching or redness.

Apple and Oatmeal Face Mask

Apples contain naturally occurring antioxidants, including vitamin C. Pairing apple with oatmeal and honey creates a simple fall-inspired mask that can feel soothing and refreshing on the skin.

What You'll Need

• ½ small apple
• 1 tablespoon finely ground oatmeal
• 1 teaspoon honey

How to Make It

1. Puree the apple until smooth.
2. Stir in the oatmeal and honey.
3. Apply a thin layer to clean skin, avoiding the eye area.
4. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Rinse gently with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

Tip: Skip scrubbing when you remove the mask. Let the oatmeal rinse away gently rather than using it as an exfoliant.

Pomegranate Face Mask

Pomegranates are packed with naturally occurring antioxidants and make a colorful addition to this simple seasonal mask.

What You'll Need

• 1 tablespoon pomegranate juice
• 2 tablespoons plain, unsweetened yogurt

How to Make It

1. Mix the pomegranate juice and yogurt until combined.
2. Apply a thin layer to clean skin.
3. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Because fruit juices can irritate some skin types, start with a short application and rinse immediately if your skin begins to sting or burn.

Pumpkin and Honey Face Mask

Pumpkin contains beta-carotene and vitamins naturally found in the fruit. Combined with honey and plain yogurt, it makes an easy fall face mask with a smooth, creamy texture.

What You'll Need

• 2 tablespoons plain pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon plain, unsweetened yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey

Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree — not pumpkin pie filling.

How to Make It

1. Stir the pumpkin, yogurt and honey together until smooth.
2. Apply an even layer to clean skin, avoiding the eye area.
3. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
5. Follow with your usual moisturizer.

A Few Skin-Safety Tips

DIY doesn't always mean gentle. Before trying a homemade face mask:

• Test it first. Apply a small amount to an area of skin before using it on your face.
• Don't scrub. Ground seeds, nuts and other coarse ingredients can irritate the skin.
• Avoid irritated skin. Don't apply a mask to sunburned, broken or already irritated skin.
• Keep it short. Leaving a mask on longer doesn't necessarily make it work better.
• Rinse if it burns or stings. Your skin shouldn't hurt during a face mask.

If you have sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, acne or another skin condition, talk with a dermatologist before adding new ingredients to your routine.

Give Your Skin Some Extra Care

For skin concerns that need more than an at-home remedy, the professionals at Renown Dermatology are here to help.

Put Your Best Skin Forward