During the colder months, dry skin is especially common due to the low humidity levels. When the air is cold and dry outside, the moisture and water in your skin evaporates more rapidly, leaving you with dry, tight and flaky skin. In fact, your skin loses over 25 per cent of its moisture in the winter!

To combat the effects of the cold weather, and protect skin from damage, try these mask recipes.

1. Avocado Skin Mask (for dry skin types)

The omega fatty acids that are naturally found in avocado and olive oil help to regain skin moisture. The other ingredients (yoghurt and honey) will help leave your skin soft and plump.

To make this mask you will need:

1 avocado, puréed
2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of honey

2. Lemon Skin Mask (for tired looking skin)

The grit of the sugar, coupled with the lemon work to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Meanwhile, the olive oil works to restore and hydrate the skin.

To make this mask you will need:

1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar

3. Banana Skin Mask (for acne-prone skin):

If you have acne-prone skin, this mask is perfect. In the dryer months, it can be difficult if you find yourself with dry skin and acne. The vitamin A found in bananas helps to both hydrate and clean the skin. Baking soda absorbs any excess oil, and turmeric kills acne-causing bacteria.

To make this mask you will need:

1 banana, mashed
½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
½ teaspoon of baking soda

4. Papaya Skin Mask (for tired, dull skin)
Papaya is packed full of nature enzymes, which act as a natural exfoliator. This helps to rid your face of dead skin cells, whilst while honey and egg will bind and smooth the mask together.

To make this mask you will need:

½ cup mashed papaya
1 teaspoon of honey
1 egg white, whisked

5. Yoghurt Skin Mask (for sensitive skin types)
It can be difficult trying to source or create quality skin care for sensitive skin. For skin that is prone to redness and sensitivity, yoghurt provides the perfect base for a mask. It is rich in skin proteins and probiotics giving it a cooling de-sensitising effect. Cocoa powder is full of flavanols which calm irritation, perfect for sensitive skin!.

To make this mask you will need:

1 teaspoon of honey
1 tablespoon of plain yoghurt
1 tablespoon of cocoa powder

6. Cucumber Skin Mask (for rough skin)
Cucumber has long been used to reduce facial redness. This, coupled with the grittiness of the brown sugar, creates an exfoliating mask that will create softer skin.

To make this mask you will need:

½ cucumber, puréed using a food processor
¼ cup milk
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of honey

7. ­­­­­Oatmeal Skin Mask (for oily skin types)
Oatmeal, when placed on skin, soothes and calms any red patches. The acid found in the lemon juice works by removing any dead skin cells, leaving you with clean, clear skin.

To make this mask you will need:

1 egg, whisked
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
½ cup cooked oatmeal, cooled

To make each of the masks, simply whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth paste. Place the paste onto a freshly washed, towel-dried face and leave for five minutes before rinsing with warm water.