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Here’s What Dermatologists Said About Those DIY Pinterest Face Masks

Everything you need to know, straight from the experts.

We know: Face masks can be expensive.

So you turn to Pinterest, and discover a whole world of DIY face masks that you can make for a few dollars or less.

But do they ~really~ do what they say they will do? We asked the experts about some of the most popular DIY face masks on Pinterest.

Here's who we talked to:

Dr. David E. Bank, the director for the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery.

Dr. Doris Day, a New York City dermatologist and author of Forget the Facelift.

Dr. Michele S. Green, a New York City dermatologist.

All three experts approved of the 15 DIY masks below — for the most part.

In some cases, the dermatologists disagreed with tying certain ingredients to broad beauty claims. They also emphasized that you should absolutely do your research before trying anything new, just like you would with any other beauty product. A few more things to know, according to the experts:

• If you're worried that your skin might react adversely to any of these formulas, patch test first.

• Face masks are not face scrubs. You should gently apply each mixture to your skin without trying to rub it in at all, leave it on for 15 minutes or so, then rinse off.

• In general, you should use each of these a maximum of once per week. If you're wanting the benefits of your mask more frequently than that, you might need a night cream or a day cream that's designed to be an everyday treatment.

• You can't get all of the benefits of an ingredient by putting it on your face. Just because an ingredient contains vitamin A doesn't mean you'll get the same benefits as you would if you ate vitamin A with dinner.

1. Oatmeal + Milk + Honey + Water

2. Milk + Unflavored Gelatin (+ Optional: Honey, Tea Tree Oil)

3. Honey + Cinnamon + Nutmeg

4. Bentonite Clay + Apple Cider Vinegar

5. Lemon Juice + Honey + Buttermilk + Cocoa + Greek Yogurt + Banana (in various combinations)

6. Banana + Almond or Olive Oil + Egg Yolk

7. Honey + Lemon Juice + Baking Soda

8. Egg White + Lemon Juice + Honey

9. Matcha Powder + Coconut Oil + Water

10. Coffee Grounds + Essential Oil (Some blogs recommend Geranium Oil)

11. Honey + Baking Soda + Cinnamon

12. Egg White (and nothing but egg white)

13. Avocado + Egg + Banana

14. Coconut Oil + Cocoa Powder

15. Cooked Pumpkin + Honey + Topical Vitamin E

From the dermatologist: Avocado + Banana + Coconut Oil + Dark Organic Honey + Raw Oatmeal

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