We're always celebrating all things 'S' - Summer, surf, sand and now, skin. There are many things we leave at home while we travel and as we move from climate to climate it's important to ensure your skin is getting the nutrients it needs to flourish. A few weeks ago we wrote about the benefits of rosewater and this time we're providing tips on how to make simple face masks that can brighten, hydrate and soothe your skin while you're backpacking in Vietnam and camping at a festival ground.

This easy-to-make mask is great for fading dark spots and brightening the skin.

 Ingredients: a tablespoon of honey, 3/4 of a banana and half a lemon. 

Honey has antibacterial properties, bananas contain vitamins C and E which are great for reducing skin dullness and lemon juice can aid in reducing skin discolouration.

Steps:

1. Put all ingredients in a bowl and mash them with a fork until the mixture is a smooth consistency.

2. Apply the moisture liberally to the face.

3. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes, or until almost hard, and wash it off with warm water.

Verdict: We recommend this mask for anyone whose skin needs an extra boost. Meshelle (combination skin), recommends using a rich moisturiser after doing this mask.

Quench your skin's thirst with this moisture rich mask.

 Ingredients: 1/2 a ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons of hot water and 1 teaspoon of honey.

Avocados contain a lot of healthy fats and can help reduce inflammation.

Steps:

1. Put all ingredients in a bowl and mash them with a fork until the mixture is a smooth consistency.

2. Apply the moisture liberally to the face.

3. Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes and wash it off with warm water.

Verdict: We recommend this mask for those whose skin needs a little rejuvenation. Tariro (oily skin) suggests using this mask once or twice a week and as frequently as three to four times in Winter.

Another moisture rich mask that's suitable for all skin types.

 Ingredients: 3 tablespoons of ground oats, 1 table spoon of hot water and 1 teaspoon of honey.

Oats are beneficial for a variety of reasons - they contain saponins which are a cleansing agent, have anti-inflammatory properties and it soothes skin irritation.

Steps:

1. Put all ingredients in a bowl and mash them with the back of a fork until the mixture is a desirable consistency.

2. Apply the moisture liberally to the face.

3. Leave the mask on for approximately 10 minutes and wash it off with warm water.

Verdict: This mask is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitivie skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Danyel (dry skin), suggests using this mask three times a week. She also recommends adding brown sugar for added exfoliation.