Everyone wants smooth, healthy, radiant, and glowing skin but not everyone knows how to achieve this naturally. Using all natural ingredients in your skincare is not only great for your skin, it’s also good for the environment.

One way to accomplish healthy skin is by using face masks regularly. Face masks do a great favor to your skin in many ways. Not only do the masks perform excellent cleansing, they remove your deep impurities. In fact, dermatologists recommend using a facial mask once a week. Don’t overdo it because more than one mask a week can stress the skin causing dryness, irritation, and even possibly acne.

Face masks also help with stress. If you are having a particularly stressed out week, apply your favorite face mask, kick back and relax for 20 minutes. There are many face mask recipes but not all of them are for everyone.

“My favorite is a chocolate mask,” said sophomore Lauren Abbott. “It smells really good and it makes my skin super soft.”

Many natural ingredients have also been known to treat the skin. Oatmeal is a natural ingredient that soothes dry skin while cucumber, yogurt, avocado and honey are wonderful for moisturizing. Aloe Vera, also a moisturizer, helps to protect skin from harsh UV rays from the sun. Using sugar and honey is also another way to exfoliate the skin. Clay helps to clean, as well as tighten pores, and is extraordinary for oily skin, according to TheDailyGreen.com.

“I like the dead sea mask it does a great job getting rid of all my dead skin,” said junior MaryAnn Weaver.

Making your very own homemade face mask is easier than you might think. One great face mask is the avocado face mask. Mix fresh avocado, plain yogurt, and warm honey together until well blended. This face mask does a good job of moisturizing, healing, and removing any dark spots over time.

The chocolate face mask does wonders to leave skin soft, smooth and glowing.

Oatmeal is an amazing way to sooth acne and irritated skin. Take ½ cup of ground oatmeal and ¼ cup of hot water put into a bowl. Let it cool and then apply to face. And like all face masks, when you’re finished, rinse with warm water, according to ehow.com.

Face masks are one of my favorite ways to relax and I have fun making them. Find a face mask or masks that you love and use it once a week to pamper your skin and yourself.

“I like the green tea facial mask,” said sophomore Hannah Rios. “It feels so refreshing.”