New Delhi, Sep 11, 2025

Herbal beauty pioneer Shahnaz Husain, widely respected for bringing Ayurveda-inspired skincare to the global stage, believes you don’t need expensive creams or invasive treatments to maintain youthful, glowing skin. Instead, she emphasizes the power of simple kitchen ingredients that can be turned into nourishing face masks.

In a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Husain shared that foods like banana, honey, cocoa, cucumber, turmeric, matcha, avocado, lemon, oatmeal, and yoghurt carry natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that directly replenish the skin. When applied regularly, they can help reduce fine lines, delay premature ageing, and promote collagen production—keeping your skin looking fresh and youthful.

Why Natural Masks Work

According to Shahnaz Husain, DIY masks made with fruits, vegetables, and herbs are highly effective because of their nutritional content. Unlike chemical-based skincare, these ingredients heal and repair the skin gently, while also boosting its natural defense against ageing.

“These masks are safe, rich in antioxidants, and free from harmful additives. They hydrate, repair, and restore elasticity while encouraging collagen production, which is the secret to youthful skin,” she explained.

She also recommends starting an anti-ageing skincare routine in your 30s, as this is the age when early signs of ageing begin to appear. Preventive care, she added, is far more effective than corrective treatments later in life.

The 7 Face Masks for Younger-Looking Skin

Shahnaz Husain suggests using any of these masks twice a week for visible results. Below are her top seven DIY recipes:

1. Honey and Cocoa Mask

A deeply nourishing combination, this mask provides hydration and a quick glow. Honey’s natural humectant properties lock in moisture, while cocoa—packed with antioxidants—helps fight free radicals that cause premature ageing.

How to make:

Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder.

Apply evenly to your face.

Leave on for 15 minutes.

Rinse with water and follow with moisturizer.

This mask instantly refreshes tired skin, leaving it supple and radiant.

2. Cucumber and Matcha Mask

Perfect for hot weather, this mask soothes, cools, and hydrates the skin while also delivering a vitamin boost. Matcha is rich in antioxidants that fight skin damage, while cucumber restores freshness.

How to make:

Blend 1 tablespoon mashed cucumber with 1 teaspoon matcha powder and 1 teaspoon coconut oil.

Apply to the face and relax for 15 minutes.

Wash off with water.

It’s a go-to mask for an instant youthful glow.

3. Turmeric and Oatmeal Mask

A traditional powerhouse, this mask fights inflammation and helps fade blemishes. Turmeric, enriched with Vitamin E, repairs the skin and slows ageing, while oatmeal calms irritation.

How to make:

Mix 1 teaspoon turmeric with a few drops of Vitamin E oil.

Add 1 tablespoon almond oil and oatmeal powder to form a paste.

Apply and keep for 20 minutes.

Rinse gently with water.

It’s ideal for reducing fine lines and evening out skin tone.

4. Avocado and Apricot Mask

Rich in healthy fats and vitamins, avocado improves elasticity while apricot smooths and tightens the skin. Regular use can reduce sagging and enhance skin firmness.

How to make:

Blend 1 ripe avocado and 1 apricot.

Add a few drops of olive oil.

Spread evenly on the face.

Leave for 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

This mask is a natural skin-firming treatment.

5. Yoghurt and Lemon Mask

Known for its gentle exfoliation, this mask brightens dull skin and lightens dark spots. The lactic acid in yoghurt helps remove dead skin cells, while lemon juice adds vitamin C for radiance.

How to make:

Mix 2 tablespoons yoghurt with 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

Apply to the skin and let sit for 10 minutes.

Rinse off with lukewarm water.

The result is smoother, brighter, and refreshed skin.

6. Avocado and Honey Mask

A soothing and deeply moisturizing recipe, this mask combines the hydrating power of avocado with honey’s antibacterial qualities. It’s particularly useful for dry or irritated skin.

How to make:

Mash half an avocado and mix with 1 tablespoon honey.

Apply the paste evenly on the face.

Leave on for 15 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.

This mask leaves the skin plump and soft.

7. Banana and Yoghurt Mask

Banana is packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals, while yoghurt supports collagen production. Together, they form an effective anti-ageing blend that softens wrinkles and fine lines.

How to make:

Blend half a banana with 2 tablespoons yoghurt.

Apply the mixture to your face.

Keep for 10 minutes.

Rinse off with water.

This is one of the easiest yet most effective masks for youthful skin.

When to Start and How to Use

Shahnaz Husain recommends beginning anti-ageing care in your early 30s. By this age, skin begins losing elasticity and showing early fine lines. Using these natural masks twice a week can help maintain skin health, delay visible ageing, and promote a natural glow.

“These masks are simple to prepare, safe, and easily made with ingredients available in every household. Their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are directly absorbed by the skin when applied topically,” she said.

She also reminded readers to always do a patch test before trying any new ingredient to avoid allergic reactions.

Final Word

In today’s fast-paced world, skincare often leans towards expensive treatments and chemical-laden products. Shahnaz Husain’s advice is a reminder that nature has the best remedies, and youthful skin doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With these seven DIY face masks, you can nourish, heal, and rejuvenate your skin naturally—right from your kitchen shelf.

Note: This article is meant for informational purposes only. For specific skin concerns, always consult a dermatologist or skincare 

7 DIY Anti-Ageing Masks Shahnaz Husain Swears By

Looking for younger, glowing skin without splurging on expensive creams? Herbal beauty expert Shahnaz Husain shares her top 7 anti-ageing face masks made with simple kitchen ingredients like banana, honey, cocoa, cucumber, turmeric, matcha, avocado, lemon, oatmeal, and yoghurt. These natural masks hydrate, repair, and boost collagen production, helping reduce fine lines and restore skin elasticity. From banana-yoghurt blends to avocado-honey packs, each recipe is easy to make and safe for regular use. Start your skincare routine early—twice a week is enough to see results. Nature’s secret to youthful skin is already on your shelf.