Glowing Skin Series: Brightening Turmeric + Lemon DIY Face Mask (2024)

Oct 25, 2015 • Beauty

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Welcome to my new Glowing Skin Series!

With colder months on the way, I thought it would be fun to do a little beauty series to keep our skin glowing and hydrated through the upcoming winter. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my favorite DIY face masks, scrubs, winter skin tips and more! See my Natural Vegan Skincare Routine for a daily look into what I use.

Would be nice to keep that summer glow year round, right?! This mask is not only brightening but it’s great for acne-prone skin (or any skin!) and bringing you a glowy complexion.

The vegan police may be after me for this one though… while I do not consume honey, I’ve always loved the medicinal properties for the skin. Mainly pointing towards manuka honey, the healing aspects are endless. I bought this manuka honeyfrom Trader Joe’s over the summer without thinking… then started to feel major guilt that I ignorantly bought it in the first place. Vegans aren’t supposed to eat/use honey and there is great debate about this in the vegan community… refer back to this post outlining my thoughts on plant based vs. vegan. If you’re concerned, simply swap it out for agave nectar to achieve the same sticky consistency.

Normally, I wouldn’t purchase any products with honey so… not sure what I was thinking.. but I have a small bottle of it and I’m not going to beat myself up over it. I’m going to use it for beauty related purposes like this Brightening Turmeric DIY Face Mask 🙂

Manuka honey originates from New Zealand, where the bees feast on flowers of the Tea Tree Plant.

This potent manuka honey is especially great for:

Healing acne and scarring
Fighting skin infections
Cleaning pores while naturally exfoliating
Helping skin to retain moisture
Rejuvenating radiance and softness

Not to mention its:

anti-bacterial
anti-inflammatory
anti-fungal
high in antioxidants!

The consistency is much thicker than regular honey with a cloudy appearance. My skin is totally moisturized and balanced after soaking up some healing manuka honey. It’s magical stuff. I’m no honey expert, since I bought it from Trader Joe’s, but I know there are higher quality manuka honey products out there with higher UMF (potency) scores like this one from Manuca Doctor.

The next essential ingredient for this DIY face mask is turmeric – a real wonder spice – and not just for curry recipes! This vibrant spice is totally beautifying. I was inspired to use it from my Golden Glow Elixir Juice that you guys seemed to love as much as I did (it really helps immunity in the winter months too!) Indian brides have long used turmericbody scrubs and masks before their wedding days to illuminate from head to toe.

Benefits of Turmeric:

reduces redness
treats breakouts
helps with age spots
reduces scarring and hyperpigmentation
helps to heal psoriasis and eczema
brightens and tones
anti-inflammatory

Fresh turmeric would be even better but I only had ground turmeric on hand. It is known to stain so be sure to wear a shirt you don’t care about and dry your face with a dark towel. It will leave a slight yellow tint on the skin so I usually wash with my normal sulfur soaponce or twice after the mask and the yellow tint washes away, no problem.

Next up is fresh lemon juice! Lemon is high in vitamin C which is essential for brightening and evening out skin tone. It’s anti-bacterial which is especially helpful for breakouts and acts as a natural exfoliant for radiance. Lemon is known to help with acne scars too. Don’t worry, this mask doesn’t sting at all as lemon juice tends to do that.. but it feels soothing and balancing on the skin.

Oats are the last ingredient for this face mask and are super moisturizing, not to mention exfoliating and softening on the skin. I blended up my oats a bit in the food processor but you can also use oat flour. The mask does get a bit messy depending on how finely ground the oats are so be sure to apply this mask over the sink.

Brightening Turmeric and Lemon DIY Face Mask

★★★★★5 from 3 reviews

Author: Shannon Leparski
Prep Time: 5
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 1x
Category: Beauty

Print Recipe

Description

Brightening Lemon and Turmeric face mask that is also hydrating and makes your skin glowy!

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons rolled oats (ground into oat flour in food processor)
1 tablespoon manuka honey
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.
Apply over the sink, on a clean face.
Leave mask on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off gently with warm water.
You may need to wash your face a couple times to remove the yellow tint.

Keywords: diy lemon turmeric face mask, diy face mask, lemon turmeric mask, brightening diy face mask, turmeric face mask, lemon face mask

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LOL, looking CRAYin this mask… but it feels so nice and soothing. Let me know if you try it!

Reader Interactions

Comments

Naturesbox
January 04, 2024 at 5:55 am
Nice post on a turmeric face mask.
benefits of turmeric
Reply
Minette
July 25, 2020 at 9:43 am
Easy to make, just a slight tricky to apply if the oatmeal isn’t truly grounded. After the mask my face felt soft and looked brighter. Great mask! I did use half of the turmeric for fear of the yellowing, but it really wasn’t as issue at all. Def will do this mask again!!
★★★★★
Reply
- Isha
  September 01, 2020 at 3:12 am
  Great way to get a glowing skin
  ★★★★★
  Reply
sasha
June 08, 2020 at 10:38 am
honestly i have made tons of face masks they either don’t mix together,don’t do anything , give me a reaction, smell really weird or something along those lines. BUT this is the first time a mask has worked and benefited my skin. NO REACTION EITHER!!
Reply
k.varsh*tha
May 31, 2020 at 3:30 am
it was really awesome i did not think it will come soo wow
Reply
- k.varsh*tha
  May 31, 2020 at 3:36 am
  i have a doubt if we put turmeric wheat flour curd for a long time is that our face will become yellow
  Reply
Beth
May 23, 2020 at 11:16 pm
Did it tonight for first time and wow, instant difference in my skin! I’ve always had clear, normal skin. I’m 41 and recently started breaking out like a teenager. Tried this and couldn’t be happier with the results. Wondering, how often should i do this?
Thanks again this is great!
★★★★★
Reply
srishti
May 22, 2020 at 5:09 am
Thank You for sharing such a nice and informative blog and your knowledge with us. Turmeric is indeed a beneficial ingredient for a perfect skin. You may want to try a turmeric face mask to help reduce acne and any resulting scars. The anti-inflammatory qualities can target your pores and calm the skin. Turmeric is also known to reduce scarring. This combination of uses may help your face clear up from acne breakouts.
Reply
- Sarita Reynolds
  See Also
  Healthy Chocolate Orange Cake Keto Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Sagey Mushroom Walnut Roast No-Bake Superfood Energy Bars
  June 12, 2020 at 3:28 am
  I read turmeric will remove hair over time… If true, be careful around eyebrows
  Reply
Violet Lomasney
April 23, 2020 at 6:04 am
You’re an extremely helpful website; could not make it without ya!|
https://www.blackplanet.com/nellienilsson80/message/20923427
Reply
Joann Ibarra
April 08, 2020 at 8:03 am
Can I add MANUKA Essential oil to my regular local raw honey. If so how many drops, two or three drops?
Reply
- Sadie
  April 24, 2020 at 10:13 pm
  I’d say yes to adding to to your recipe! Start with 1-2 drops!
  Reply
  - Esther Abel's chalawil
    July 05, 2022 at 9:48 am
    Wao that’s amazing so can I add egg York ,lemon and tumeric to my face
    Reply
Terry carrico
June 27, 2019 at 6:49 am
Thanks for your suggestion!
Reply
CosmoTree
October 25, 2018 at 6:47 am
great post, thanks for sharing with us.
Reply
Joke
July 19, 2018 at 5:36 am
For how long will it last while selling out???
Reply
Stephani
June 15, 2018 at 11:47 pm
I LOVE face and hair masks! I tried this face mask, it works well, love it. I played around with different ingredients adding essential oils and found what worked best for my skin. I use your recipe, no oats though. Add a cpl drops of tea tree and rosemary oil, 1 tbsp of whole milk organic yogurt. Amazing results!! I am highly active and sweat a lot during the day which leaves my skin reddish, clogged pores and oily. This mask totally rejuvenates my skin, the smell of tea tree is calming, like a day at the spa( for 25 minutes). My skin literally transforms from blotchy, oily, uneven tone to healthy radiant glowing picture ready skin. I’ve saved soooooo much $, thanks for leading the way!!!.
Reply
Alexa
April 20, 2018 at 11:14 am
Wearing this at the moment!! Feels fantastic! I’m just using local raw honey, but I’ve always had great results with that. So good to try a new, easy, actually good-for-you mask. I love your site. I will be back! <3
Reply
Annaliese P
March 27, 2018 at 10:03 am
If it is made up beforehand… How long can it be stored?
Reply
- Shannon Leparski
  April 03, 2018 at 12:20 pm
  Hi Annaliese,
  It’s hard to say, possibly 1-2 weeks? The lemon should help to preserve. If it starts to smell or looks off then discard. Hope this helps!
  Reply
Amrit Singh
January 24, 2018 at 4:02 am
Ask a doctor online if you are going through hair loss, online medical counselors will help you find various ways to prevent hair loss. Hair transplant can provide permanent solution to hair loss problem.
Reply
Janet
November 04, 2017 at 6:32 am
How many times need to apply in a week?Thanks
Reply
- Anike
  March 29, 2020 at 12:35 am
  Hi, I have done the mixture but please how often in a week can I use the mask
  Reply
- ashley
  April 21, 2022 at 1:28 pm
  Just tried this and wow I loved it…just wondering if it would be ok to make in a larger batch and how to store?
  Reply
Amanda
October 31, 2017 at 3:28 pm
Would organic honey work as well? The manuka is a bit too expensive for such a small jar.
Reply
Devbabbar
September 01, 2017 at 7:37 am
I tried this turmeric diy face mask , to some extent it worked well. Thank you for sharing it. Hope its result will remain same as it.
Reply
Milcah Akinyi
August 23, 2017 at 4:34 am
I applied Turmeric, lemon and honey combination twice and my face got more acne than it had should i stop or it is a normal reaction for the beginners.
Reply
- Annie
  September 27, 2018 at 1:41 pm
  See Also
  Mean Green Detox Vegetable Soup.
  Yes is normal for beginners.. But would be better if applied once a day.
  Reply
Ifunanya
July 08, 2017 at 6:01 pm
I just applied it, and my skin is peppery. Does it feel like pepper on the face?
Reply
Maggie
June 28, 2017 at 7:01 pm
I tried this today. My skin has been problematic lately (breakouts, incredibly dry skin, any amount of makeup I put on just looks cakey) and this felt gentle enough while still being exfoliating! The recipe was enough for two applications, so I’ll try it again next week. Thanks for your blog. It is really helping me to make holistic lifestyle changes.
Cheers
Reply
Taranie
May 20, 2017 at 6:06 am
I definitely have to try this. Hope this works. Thank you :))
Reply
David Deans
May 18, 2017 at 1:42 am
I have used lots of products but I this product really work. Thank you for sharing such a great skin care tips and products with us!
Reply
Timothee
May 10, 2017 at 5:33 pm
If you have any left after making a batch, is there a way you can store it to use it for next time? Like maybe keep it in the fridge or something? Wrapped?
Reply
- Shannon Leparski
  May 15, 2017 at 1:12 am
  Hi Timothee, yes wrapping it and storing in the fridge should work fine!
  Reply
FINOLA HUDGES
April 21, 2017 at 3:38 am
IM MAKING MY OWN HOMEMADE ORGANIC TURMERIC TAMARIND JUICES IT TASTE GREAT
Reply
Jenny
March 27, 2017 at 5:58 am
Hi Shannon,
Turmeric on a facial mask, now that’s new to me but I would really love to have it a go. I have a very dry skin and I easily get breakouts. Thanks for sharing!
Reply
sean
March 25, 2017 at 12:18 am
Not too understanding what the push and pull issue is with honey. Comes from plants, made by bees, all around good properties to fresh honey out the hive.
As a sugar source I see the controversy yet not one vegan is ever without a sugar of sort through diet.
How can one dispel what nature has provided for you in the simplest form with such great attributes?
Reply
Richard Wolfstein
March 11, 2017 at 9:35 am
Good stuff, and turmeric was actually shown to reduce oily skin by 24.76% in one study. That occurred when applied topically each day for 3 months. So combined with the comments you made, we could have a miracle on our hands for acne and clogged pores.
http://supernaturalacnetreatment.com/topical-turmeric-powder-paste-unstoppable-acne-clearer/
Reply
- Veronica
  May 29, 2017 at 6:48 am
  i hope it workz for me….. i have extremely oily skin
  Reply
  - Olly
    October 12, 2020 at 7:13 am
    Like I hope so too, cause I have oily skin too.
    Reply
Audrey Yap
December 11, 2016 at 9:20 am
I’ve got a great easy DIY face mask thats amazing against acne, blemishes and will give you a bright, glowy skin. Read more here:
http://lifewithaudrey21.blogspot.com/2016/11/DIY-turmeric-mask-for-clear-bright-acne-and-blemish-free-skin.html
Reply
Madalyn
December 07, 2016 at 2:27 pm
Just did this! My skin feels amazing!!!!! Thanks!
Reply
Sheila Nico
October 11, 2016 at 7:34 am
Exfoliation sounds easy enough! I have to really try this! is this not that harsh to the skin? I guess my Solvaderm can fix that but I dont really want to take the risk. Is this sure not to irritate my face that it will actually cause pimples?
Reply
Mphoza
August 03, 2016 at 10:25 pm
Thanks for an advice..I will try …was struggling with blemishes
Reply
Natasha
June 23, 2016 at 12:19 pm
So how do you get the stain off after using turmeric?
Reply
- Shannon Leparski
  June 27, 2016 at 10:41 am
  Hi Natasha, you just wash it off with warm water and your normal face cleanser, you may need to wash it 2 or 3 times but it always comes off. I kind of like the extra glow it gives!
  Reply
- Anil
  April 14, 2017 at 1:01 pm
  Whats up me +917411469015
  Reply
neo
June 05, 2016 at 8:38 am
can is work for men & can i mix olive oil?
Reply
Meraj
May 23, 2016 at 4:22 am
I don’t have manuka honey, so can I use the regular one, thanks
Reply
- mariza
  May 26, 2016 at 5:14 am
  Can I use regular honey my store doesn’t have manuka and how many times a week must I apply the mask
  Reply
  - Shannon Leparski
    May 31, 2016 at 10:29 am
    Hi Mariza,
    Yes you can use regular honey and apply as often as you like! There’s no requirement of how often to apply. I recommend 2 times a week.
    Reply
    - Liz
      September 07, 2016 at 11:08 am
      Hi! You can’t use regular honey. The process that they use to make traditional honey removes the ant-bacterial properties of raw honey
      Reply
      - Sean
        March 25, 2017 at 12:12 am
        The antibacterial majority is in the Time rich.
        Honey is a base that allows the flour to adhere to your skin.
        Oat flour will absorb moisture/oils as well as the tumeric.
        Honey is to make it stick.
        Reply
Danielle
May 03, 2016 at 6:55 am
Can I store this mask in the refrigerator to reuse? And if so for how long?
Reply
- Shannon Leparski
  May 05, 2016 at 4:28 pm
  Hi Danielle! Yes – I don’t see why not! I assume it could stay for up to a week or two if covered 🙂
  Reply
Isabelle
April 18, 2016 at 11:45 am
I just did this and my face is orange. The orange won’t wash off.
Reply
- Natasha
  June 23, 2016 at 12:20 pm
  How did you get it off in the end?
  Reply
  - Dave
    September 08, 2016 at 9:39 am
    In India the ladies use a special kind of turmeric called Kasthuri Manjal, which does not stain the face. Try Indian stores in western countries. They may carry this kind of turmeric. Or try amazon.com for kasturi turmeric herbal powder.
    Reply
    - Vanessa annie Mbeya
      December 13, 2017 at 4:39 pm
      Yes i recommend this thats the one i am using i bought it from this other indian shop it doesnt stain the face and its actually written tumeric for face. Its helping.
      Reply
Angie
April 09, 2016 at 10:25 pm
Thanks for sharing! I will give it a try. Just to make sure how often can you do this mask?
Thanks
Angie
Reply
hira khan
February 08, 2016 at 10:44 am
These are some nice face masks. I like adding turmeric to any face mask I use as it has antiseptic properties.
Reply
Emilie @ Emilie Eats
October 25, 2015 at 7:09 pm
Ooooh I’ll have to try these to keep my skin nice and vibrant during the winter!
Reply
- Shannon Leparski
  October 26, 2015 at 11:27 pm
  Hey Emilie. Yeah I’m right there with ya 🙂 anything to keep our skin vibrant right?!
  xoxo,
  Shannon
  Reply
Lawrence
October 24, 2015 at 1:41 pm
turmeric is really good. I often mask with turmeric and milk. I think your mask is good, too.
Reply
- Shannon Leparski
  October 26, 2015 at 11:31 pm
  Thanks Lawrence! Love all the ways we can use turmeric in a face mask 🙂
  Reply