When we were growing up, my best friend used to spend our weekends having sleepovers at each other’s houses. We’d watch movies and eat junk food, give each other absurd makeovers in which we’d throw all the makeup we owned on each other’s faces, and end the night wiping all the makeup off and doing some sort of DIY skin treatment. In a time before self-care was a part of the zeitgeist, we mastered the art of nurturing ourselves by taking care of our skin.

We may have graduated from sourcing our skincare from our kitchens to specialty stores, but there’s still something to be said about the at-home DIY. Here are some simple, homemade face scrubs, body scrubs, and masks to try for yourselves.

And remember: when it comes to exfoliating, the gentler the better. Do NOT be that person that goes home and slathers St. Ives Apricot Scrub all over their face. Save the harsher stuff for your body.

Honey + banana + yogurt

Believe it or not, yogurt has exfoliating properties! And while strong physical exfoliants can eventually enlarge your pores, there are gentler alternatives that will do more good than harm. This is one of them. Mash up a banana, add a bit of ‘gurt and the honey, and mix it all together. If you want to set some of the mixture aside for a snack, we support that decision.

Lavender oil + coconut oil + oatmeal

This mask, best used for your body (unless you know your face responds well to strong scents and oils) will moisturize well. Just a drop of lavender oil will do for this one, along with a tablespoon of coconut oil and three tablespoons of oatmeal. Great in the shower or before a relaxing bath.

Avocado + honey + oats

Mash half an avocado, add a tablespoon of honey, and throw in two tablespoons of oatmeal. This face mask is also hydrating, thanks to the avocado’s oils and honey. Honey is great at helping your skin hold in moisture, and oats are great and calming and soothing your skin, which is why so many lotions include them as an ingredient. I’d suggest not scrubbing so much with this one; use it instead as a mask.

Coconut oil + honey + lemon juice

This mask is good for oily skin and enlarged pores. Mix one tablespoon each of honey and coconut oil, with just a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to tighten skin and lock in moisture. This one is great at the end of a long day in the sun.

Aloe vera gel + cacao

Add a teaspoon of cacao to two tablespoons of aloe vera. This one is also good after a sunny day. Aloe vera is filled with so many vitamins and is great at soothing and hydrating skin. Cacao is great for brightening and has antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Perfect for summer, and great on your face or body. 

Virali Dave

Virali Dave is a writer in Los Angeles. Born in Mumbai, she has always considered the west coast to be the best coast. She can be found chronicling encounters with burritos on Instagram @virali and on Twitter @viralidave.