No one can stop the clock completely, try as we might the signs of aging show up eventually.  Wrinkles appear for any number of reasons, including  aging, pollution, chemicals, heat, smoking, and aging. Most wrinkles happen when the skin starts to lose its moisture and elasticity.  We’re not helpless when it comes to fighting the effects of time, many of us have the tools to combat wrinkles right in our very own pantries.  Much of what we put into our bodies to make us feel great can also be slathered on our skin to make us look beautiful.  None of these recipes will remove wrinkles completely, but they can help firm the skin and leave it looking tighter too.

Peachy-Lemon Mask

2 Peaches

1 tsp Lemon Juice

Mash peaches and lemon juice together, apply to face and neck.  Relax for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse off and follow with a moisturizer.

Wrinkle-Fighting Cucumber Mask

1 tsp cucumber juice

1 egg white

1 tbsp mint juice

½ tsp honey

1 tsp plain yogurt

Beat egg whites till still, add remaining ingredients thoroughly and apply to face in a thick layer.  Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse.

Rose-Banana Mask

1 ripe banana

1 tbsp rose water

Mash together banana and rose water, then apply to face and neck.  Rinse with lukewarm water after 30 minutes.  Firmer skin can result with regular use of this mask in particular.

Milk and Honey Mask

1 tbsp powdered milk

1 tbsp honey

Combine ingredients into a lump-free paste, then smooth over skin.  Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes then rinse. The lactic acid in the powdered milk is a great age-fighting ingredient, while the honey’s antiseptic properties will help soothe blemishes and breakouts, leaving behind soft, smooth skin.

Tropical Avocado Mask

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil

1 mashed avocado

Combine ingredients until creamy smooth, some lumps are possible due to the avocado’s consistency. Apply to face and neck, rinse after 30 minutes, pat dry.

Oatmeal-Banana Mask

1 ripe banana

3 tbsp heavy cream

2 tbsp honey

2 oatmeal flour (or finely ground oatmeal)

1 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil

Mash banana well and add remaining ingredients, blending thoroughly into a smooth paste.  Apply to face and neck, then rinse after 20 minutes.

Granny’s Wrinkle Remover

1 egg white

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tbsp olive oil

Beat egg whites until cloudy then add remaining ingredients and blend. Apply to face and neck, rinse after 30 minutes.  This miracle from my grandmother’s cupboard leaves the skin feeling hydrated and more firm.

Feeling “Grate” Eye Mask

½ cup grated cucumber

½ cup grated potato

2 paper coffee filters

Combine ingredients gently, then divide into each coffee filter.  Fold each filter in half and gently press out excess liquid from the ingredients, then fold in half once more, and place these triangles over the eyes. Recline the head back and relax for 20 minutes, enjoying the soothing benefits of these easy masks. Rinse any excess fluid drips.

Add these masks into your beauty routine and soon you’ll be enjoying the benefits of softer, younger-looking skin, without the high price tag or harsh chemicals.  Have a whole bundle of bananas about to take a turn for the worse? Invite your girlfriends over for a spa day!  Experiment with adding spices, like turmeric and cinnamon, for extra zing in your face mask recipes, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.