The Best Dermatologist-Approved Ingredients for Your DIY Face Mask—Plus 7 Recipes to Try

At-home

spa days need not lack in luxury. Rather, as you learn about the endless upsides of natural ingredients, tending to your own skin, hair, and body becomes the ultimate act of sumptuous

self-care—and DIY face masks offer a glow-enhancing entry point.

While investing in a facial from your favorite spa technician or dermatologist is a time-honored (and obviously effective) tool in your beauty routine, trying your hand at a DIY face mask ensures that the skin-saving benefits can be enjoyed at your leisure sans scheduling, expense, and any unnecessary waste.

According to

Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, face mask efficaciousness is down to four all-natural ingredients, each boasting inherent benefits that feed our bodies and our skin alike: oatmeal, honey (especially Manuka honey), yogurt, and avocado.

"Oatmeal has skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties," says Dr. Murphy-Rose, who adds that colloidal oatmeal—a fine powder made from ground oats—is helpful in treating redness, dry skin, and eczema.

Honey is also an anti-inflammatory, with antimicrobial properties that promote healing.

For skin,

avocado is as soothing as it seems, providing nourishment via vitamins A, D, and E, while the lactic acid in plain yogurt makes it a natural exfoliant. "[The acid] is an alpha hydroxy acid used frequently in skincare products," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "This is a great at-home way to smooth skin and is believed to be safe to use during pregnancy."

As for what to avoid? Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends staying away from harsh abrasives like walnuts, which can cause microtears and increase skin irritation. Gentle = key.

Read on for complexion-boosting recipes to help inspire your own menu of DIY face masks.

Channel your inner Greek deity with this two-ingredient mask. Milk's vitamin D boosts and brightens tired skin, while honey nourishes and offers a light layer of exfoliation.

Match your mug to your mug with this matcha mask. Green tea is a natural antioxidant that reduces inflammation and redness and removes oil as additional ingredients brighten and tighten.

If you need more proof that superfoods belong on your face, sample this acai-centric recipe. Vitamin C and antioxidants combine with honey to elicit a rejuvenated (and natural) glow.

This recipe feature's all of our aforementioned superstars: avocado, honey, yogurt, and oats. Blend, slather, relax, and enjoy smooth and sumptuous skin, sans any inorganic chemicals.

This mask works while you rest. Green tea lends to redness reduction, and all-night wear allows the formula ample time to do its thing while repairing and moisturizing skin.

The vitamins found in mango (A and C) couple with coconut yogurt and raw honey for a mask that moisturizes and contributes to the overall health of your skin.

Rounding out this list is a simple solution for cleansing and natural (and gentle) exfoliation. A mixture of Greek yogurt, raw honey, and lemon provide astringent qualities without sapping your skin. Apply with a brush for extra luxury.