Changing seasons not only brings the excitement of new temps and chic trends, but also an unfortunate change in the condition of most people’s skin...

I’m pretty sure we all can’t afford to be like celebrities Madonna, Liv Tyler, and Susan Sarandon who swear by Tracie Martyn’s $460 Resculpting Facial, offered exclusively in New York City (Forbes.com). So usually, when I start freaking out about a pimple in the plain sight of everyone around me, I go to the drugstore as soon as possible and buy a generic face mask, hoping it will become my savior by cleansing my confused complexion.

But are these mass-produced facemasks doing anything to purify the skin? Not necessarily -  the chemical, preservatives, and additives in some facial masks may not suit your skin type, causing irritation and clogged pores. A better, less expensive way for a deeply cleansed face is an organic, homemade facemask. You may even have all the ingredients available to you in your own kitchen!

According to eHow.com, here are the ingredients that you’ll need in order to make your own right at home. An exfoliate which can be any one of the following: brown sugar, oatmeal, or blended almonds. A moisturizer: olive oil, yogurt, cream, honey or avocado. And an ingredient to tighten the skin, a combination or blend of fruits: apples, strawberries, or bananas.

Mix together and apply a generous amount of the mixture onto your face, avoiding eye area, and let sit for 10-15 minutes. This multi-purpose mask should be fairly dry before you remove it, just to make sure the moisture is now soaked up in your skin. Rinse with warm water. Apply the same facemask about 2 times a week to keep your face feeling soft, moisturized, and pimple free. Now you can enjoy the warm weather with a clear, fresh complexion, and some money in your pocket!

-Abby