Two Easy DIY Facials To Try At Home

November 13, 2025 by Sarah Villafranco, MD

When you land on a formula that works—whether it’s a face cream that calms dermatitis or a soup your kids beg for—you share it. These two DIY skincare recipes are no exception. They're made with whole-food ingredients you probably already have, and they’re designed to deeply cleanse, nourish, and brighten your skin naturally.

Avocado Almond Lemon Deep Cleanse

Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone, or congested skin
Purpose: Deep cleansing and gentle exfoliation

Oil cleansing gets a lot of attention—and with good reason—but this “fat-cleansing” treatment is a unique spin on the idea. Instead of liquid oil, it uses avocado as the base, which bonds with oil, dirt, makeup, and impurities on your skin. Add almond meal for gentle exfoliation (oat flour works for nut allergies), and finish it off with a squeeze of lemon juice for a light, astringent kick. It’s a seriously effective way to reset your skin—just don’t overdo it. Once a week is plenty.

Ingredients

  • ¼ avocado

  • 2 T almond flour or meal (or oat flour for nut-free version)

  • Juice from a lemon wedge

Instructions

  • Mash the avocado, almond flour, and lemon juice using a fork or mini-blender until smooth.

  • Prepare your skin by holding a warm, wet washcloth over your face for 30–60 seconds.

  • Massage the mixture gently into your face and neck using circular motions for up to 2 minutes, focusing on congested areas (around the nose, under the lip, between the brows).

  • Rinse thoroughly with warm water and fingers, then wipe clean with a warm, damp cloth.


Honey Cacao Banana Flax Face Mask

Skin Type: Dull, dry, dehydrated, or irritated skin
Purpose: Deep hydration and antioxidant nourishment

This decadent, skin-softening mask is packed with goodness. Flax seeds bring essential fatty acids, banana offers vitamins and potassium, and raw honey adds antibacterial, humectant power. Raw cacao delivers antioxidants and a light toning effect thanks to its natural caffeine content. Bonus: it smells (and tastes!) like dessert.

Ingredients

  • 1 T ground flax seeds

  • 1 T raw cacao powder

  • 1 T raw honey

  • ¼ ripe banana

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients with a fork until smooth. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes so the flax can thicken it up.

  • Add a splash of hot water if needed to adjust the texture.

  • Apply to clean skin on face and neck, and leave on for 20 minutes.

  • Rinse off gently—ideally in the shower, as it can get messy!


With love and a spoonful of cacao,

"heart with signature Sarah"

The information contained in this post is for educational interest only. This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental illness, disease, or skin conditions. 

 

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OUR WELLNESS + SKINCARE EXPERT

Sarah Villafranco, MD

Dr. Sarah Villafranco attended Georgetown University Medical School, and went on to complete her residency in emergency medicine at George Washington University. She moved to Colorado, where she practiced as a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Aspen Valley Hospital, Snowmass Clinic, and Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, CO. After losing her mother to pancreatic cancer, she took a local soap making class, and fell in love with the chemistry and artistry of making soap. Sarah went into research mode and was alarmed to learn how many potentially harmful ingredients were in most skincare products on the market. She knew she could make better, safer products that were as effective (if not more so) than conventional products. After a few years of research and development, Sarah stepped away from the emergency room to launch Osmia Skincare in April of 2012. She remains a licensed physician in Colorado, and now helps people find healthier, happier skin as CEO of the brand.