D.I.Y. vegan face packs for every skin type

We understand that going vegan is a lifestyle choice and not just a dietary preference. So this Vegan Day, give your face that much-needed glow with these homemade recipes.

By Malavika Malaviya

A few weeks ago, a video post popped up on my Instagram feed, with the caption D.I.Y. vegan face packs. Around 30 seconds into the video, they showed yoghurt as an ingredient. Last I checked, that is not vegan.

The video posted was by a reputed publication, and I was shocked to see that they could have made this error. The video got me wondering, how many others are making these mistakes and giving vegan face packs a bad name?

The good news is, there are a lot of D.I.Y. vegan face packs out there, and most are easy to make. To make life easier for you, I have put together a list of some of my favourites. They are made with easy-to-find ingredients that don’t burn a hole in your pockets. And they are all 1000% vegan-friendly!

Note: I have super sensitive skin, so all these packs have passed a litmus test. Since my skin doesn’t always react well to aloe vera, I have skipped it. If you have an excellent face pack recipes using it do share in the comments.

Deep cleanse with strawberry, banana and avocado

Why strawberry? 

Strawberries are rich antioxidants, astringent and anti-inflammatory. They help slow down ageing, treat burns and offer UV protection. Rich in alpha-hydroxylic and salicylic acid, strawberries help get rid of dead skin cells and treat acne as well.

Why banana? 

Rich in potassium and vitamin A, banana helps to hydrate and restore dry and dull skin. It is also a great exfoliator and antioxidant, thus preventing wrinkles and treating acne. 

Why avocado? 

Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, avocado is great for hydration and protection from harmful UV rays. It also contains linoleic and oleic acids which are known for their ability to restore skin to health. It also helps with scarring and pigmentation.

The omega-3 and six fatty acids in it help strengthen the “skin barrier” making your skin healthier. Lastly, it also works as an anti-ageing agent, thanks to the chlorophyll present in it.

Ingredients

2 strawberries 

¼ avocado

½ banana

A squeeze of lemon juice 

Instructions 

• Mix all the ingredients in a blender till it has a smooth but sticky consistency.
  Pro tip: Blend in spurts of 15-20 seconds and keep adding the lemon juice accordingly.
• Apply a generous amount on your face, avoiding the lips.
• Remove after 15 minutes, using a damp cloth.
• Finally, do no use a moisturiser or face wash immediately.

Rejuvenate your skin with coffee, cocoa and oats

Why coffee? 

Chlorogenic acid or CGAs present in coffee contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents that help prevent acne. It is also a great exfoliant and helps get rid of dead skin cells. Works well at reducing cellulite. 

Why cocoa? 

Cocoa powder contains flavanols that help decrease the harmful effects of UV rays on the skin while enhancing elasticity and hydration. They also help reduce fine lines and detoxifies the skin. 

Why oats? 

Oats contain zinc and have pH levels that of milk, thus reducing inflammation and fights acne. It also contains saponins, which are natural cleansers and clear out blackheads giving smooth skin.

Ingredients

1 tbsp cocoa powder

2 tsp ground coffee beans

2 tsp ground oats

½ cup of any plant-based milk 

Instructions 

• Mix all the ingredients in a glass container and keep adding the milk alternative until it has a paste-like consistency.
• Apply a generous layer on face and leave on for 15 minutes. 
• Wash with lukewarm water or a damp cloth and apply a moisturiser.

Cucumber and lemon for intense hydration

Why cucumber? 

Cucumbers are 96% water, hence one of the best hydrating agents in nature. It is also rich in vitamin C and folic acid that helps with stimulating new cell growth and anti-ageing effects. It also contains astringent properties that reduce inflammation and tighten pores. 

Why lemon juice? 

Lemon juice naturally contains vitamin C, which works as antioxidant reducing skin damage and aids with premature ageing. Its high pH levels decrease oil on the skin and reduce inflammation.

Ingredients 

1 grated cucumber 

2 tbsp lemon juice 

4 crushed mint leaves 

Instructions

• Mix all the ingredients. 
• Apply a generous layer on face and leave on for 15 minutes. 
• Wash with lukewarm water and apply a moisturiser.

Hopefully, these face masks get you a step closer to get a vegan-friendly beauty regime.

---

Malavika has completed her M.B.A. from Cass Business School, University of London. She has eight years of professional experience in strategy consulting with firms like PwC. She has recently adopted a more sustainable lifestyle and captures the same on her Instagram page.