Dry Skin Edition: Don't Underestimate The Power Of A Food Mask!

Food masks may be budget homemade face packs but that isn't any reason to underestimate them! Don't turn your nose up at them just because they are easily available, made of vegetables or fruits and aren't as sophisticated as your shea butter moisturisers.

In fact, homemade food masks are the reason why your mother has healthier skin and probably, a healthier bank balance than yours. The best part? They are natural, gentle on the skin, won't break the bank and can be made in a jiffy! If you have dry skin, these ones are for you.

1. The Water Cooler Mask

Peel, chop and deseed half a cucumber. Now take 2 - 3 fresh aloe vera leaves, cut off the prickly sides and remove the jelly centre. Mix the cucumber and fresh aloe gel in a blender to make a paste. Ignore how squishy and icky it is-it's good for you! Apply the mixture on your face and neck, away from your eyes and let it dry for 30 minutes. Then rinse it off with cold water, pat your face dry and moisturise immediately. This moisture-laden face pack will give dry skin a shot of hydration and leave it refreshed.

2. The Breakfast Mask

In a bowl, add two fresh strawberries, a few chunks of papaya, 1 tablespoon of oatmeal and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mash them together and massage the thick paste on your face and neck. Once it has sat for 15 minutes, rinse off with cold water and moisturise right after. As it is jam-packed with antioxidants and soothing agents, it will calm flaky, itchy skin.

3. The Coconut Oil Soak

Carry on with you night time skin care regime as usual except, in place of your night cream, apply pure coconut oil all over your face, neck and ears. Let it settle in your skin overnight and wash it off with face wash and warm water in the morning. "Coconut oil contains linolenic acid and penetrates into your skin and hair more easily as compared to other oils," says Dr. Rashmi Shetty in her book Age Erase.

4. The Smoothie Mask

Mix together a cup of plain yoghurt, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 banana. Blend until it forms a paste-like consistency. Apply it on your face and leave it for 20 minutes to dry. Then wash away with warm water, pat dry and moisturise your skin. This brightening and hydrating mask is a sure shot fix for your dry skin.

These are just a few of the food masks to try for dry skin so add them to your skin care routine and tell us how it goes.