It is time to ditch those beauty therapies, creams and lotions that have been dominating your skincare regimen. If you truly wish to take care of your skin in the long run, switch to the traditional and thousands-of-year-old way of life. We are talking about Ayurveda, also known as ‘science of life’, which goes beyond the chemicalised beauty treatments.
In short, nothing can beat the magic of an Ayurvedic skincare routine that has its life rooted in ancient Vedic culture of India. It involves the use of natural herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables, which are safe, gentle and effective on your skin. Let us have a look at few of the natural face packs that you can make at home for that natural makeover.
#1. Flowers
Flowers are a unique way to get that glowing skin. Blooms like roses, hibiscus, jasmine and marigold contain Vitamins A, D and E, which help iron out lines and wrinkles. Also, the anti-bacterial properties in flowers make your skin firm and youthful.
Method: Put 3 to 4 roses or marigolds. Take out the petals and grind them with milk and honey to form a paste. Apply it on your face and neck area and let it stay for 20 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water. You will find your skin looking fresh and rejuvenated.
#2. Aloe vera
There must be a reason why aloe vera was said to be Cleopatra’s beauty secret and is being considered as the future of medicine. It is fast becoming the rage in Ayurveda, and is the most commonly used plant to tackle cosmetic issues. From removing tan, to treating pimples and hydrating your skin; the wonder herb is doing it all.
Method: Pluck a fresh aloe vera stem from the plant. Peel it off carefully and form a paste adding lemon, honey and water (if required). Apply it on your face for around 20 minutes. In summers you can use ice post the removal. Follow this at least twice a week for that youthful and radiant skin.
#3. Sandalwood
Woody sandalwood is another of nature’s bounty that makes for an effective skin lightener and works wonders on your skin. This Ayurvedic ingredient has anti-ageing properties and fights skin infections to remove spots and blemishes. In fact, the medicinal properties of sandalwood make it the best home remedy for all skin problems.
Method: Mix one spoon of sandalwood powder with a spoon of powdered almond. Add a spoon or two of milk to form a paste and apply it on your face and neck as a pack. This home remedy works like magic to give you soft, fair and glowing skin.
#4. Oil face pack
Using oil in your beauty regimen is the most traditional Ayurvedic technique to detoxify your skin. Oils are commonly used to de-stress and ward off those skin ailments. Besides, oils are chemical-free, which means they are delicate and safe on your skin. You can use jasmine, rose, sesame or lavender oil for beauty purposes because of their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Method: Take one tablespoon olive, almond or flower oil as per your need. Mix it with one egg yolk and honey to form a paste. Apply it on your face for around 15 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Frequent application of this pack will remove the accumulated dirt and pollution from your face leaving you with fair and blemish-free skin.
#5. Honey and lemon
Usage of honey and lemon in healthcare goes back to ages. Ayurveda considers these as one of the best gifts humankind can have. Moreover, they contain Vitamin C, which acts as a boon to tackle problems related to the skin. They are antiseptic and anti-microbial, which fades the scars left by acne, pimples and wrinkles on your face. Daily consumption of honey and lemon with water also makes a huge difference.
Method: Mix lemon and honey with a few drops of almond oil. Apply the mixture as a face pack. Let it remain for maximum 20 minutes and then wash off with normal water. Regular application will lighten your skin tone and reduce the appearance of scars on your face.
#6. Turmeric and besan
The herbal properties of the queen of spices, turmeric and gram flour, is age-old and together they form the most common beauty recipe. Besan and haldi have many nutritional supplements in abundance, and can just rock your beauty world like no other product ever can. They beautify your skin with their antiseptic and medicinal properties.
Method: Take two spoons of gram flour and a pinch or two of turmeric powder in a bowl. You can add milk or cream or even white butter to form a smooth paste. Apply the pack on your face and neck area, and keep it on for 15 minutes before washing off. The process helps remove dead cells and leaves you with nourished and clear skin.
#7. Neem, tulsi and turmeric
Tulsi and neem are replete with medicinal properties. Both the herbs hold a special significance when it comes to skin benefits and healing properties. The application helps delay skin-ageing and lightens the blemishes on the skin.
Method: Take a few leaves of neem and tulsi and add fresh turmeric. Grind or crush the ingredients to form a paste. Apply it all over your face. The herbal pack will have a calming effect on your skin and instantly relieve and heal your skin problems.
#8. Tomatoes and multani mitti
Tomatoes not only add flavour to your food, but also to your beauty regimen. Known as natural sunscreen, tomatoes are one of the best Ayurvedic health food of Indian origin. High concentrations of anti-oxidants in tomatoes prevent cellular damage caused due to free radicals. Hence, it helps slow down the ageing process, making your skin look younger and fresh.
Method: Take two tomatoes and form a puree. Mix it with fuller’s earth (multani mitti). Apply the paste to your face and neck and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash off with cold water. The application of this Ayurvedic face pack will leave your skin hydrated, rejuvenated and glowing.
So girls, if you are looking for some traditional and natural ways to make your skin glow, then look no further than these Ayurvedic techniques. They are not only inexpensive but also natural, safe and versatile, making your skin beautiful and healthy at the same time.