When in doubt, I turn to my grandma. For centuries, hand-me-down remedies for glowing, healthy skin have rescued us from our countless skincare woes. Everything from drinking methi paani in the morning for voluminous hair to scrubbing my face with besan and dahi, I’ve become more accustomed to natural solutions. I’ve logged here some of the most caring and nourishing remedies from my grandma’s diary. Read on to glow like a goddess!
But before we head over to our kitchen preparations, let’s discuss a few benefits of adopting home remedies for glowing skin. First and foremost, DIY solutions with pantry staples are quick and easy to incorporate into your skincare regime. They do not require a doctor’s prescription, are low-cost, and are readily available. On the flip side, they aren’t scientifically backed and may cause an adverse reaction on the skin.
Nevertheless, we all swear by some trusted homemade nuskhas that have been passed down to us by our mothers and grandmothers. As per research, a few randomised, controlled trials have also demonstrated significant results in the use of herbal therapies for the treatment of dermatologic disorders. However, it is important to note that herbal alternatives may have potential side effects; if you’re facing any skin irritation or allergies post-application, consult your dermatologist.
1. Turmeric and Saffron
Let’s start with the classics. We all know about both these ultimate wonder ingredients, and most of us have used them in our skincare. Turmeric fights free radicals, helps revive dull skin, and brings out your best glow, while saffron gently exfoliates the skin and improves blood circulation. A study indicates that turmeric, both oral and topical, can provide therapeutic benefits for skin health, while saffron lends UV-absorbing properties. Essentially, both turmeric and saffron put together are superheroes for glowing skin, especially in winter.
How to use: Whip up a simple concoction of turmeric powder and saffron with milk to create a paste. Use it as a face pack for about 20 minutes and rinse it off! Or you can invest in an efficacious moisturising formula like Mamaearth Ubtan Ultra Light Gel Oil-free Moisturizer With Turmeric & Saffron, AuraVedic Skin Lightening Oil with Saffron Turmeric Winter Cherry, and Joy Revivify Ubtan Face Wash with Saffron Turmeric & Sandalwood
2. Honey and Lemon
We’ve had them in our teas and other soothing beverages often, but my grandma would set aside half a lemon and some honey every now and then for me to use on my face. I researched a bit and they’re actually the perfect combination. Honey hydrates your skin and nourishes it to become stronger, while lemon is enriched with vitamin C and naturally brightens it.
How to use: Churn some honey and lemon juice together for a quick and easy mask. You can also add some almond oil to the mix when you need some extra nourishment. If this is all too much, try something like Nykaa Skin Secrets Lavender + Honey Sheet Mask, The Body Care Lemon Honey Face Pack, and Vaadi Herbals Pure Honey Lemon Face Wash With Jojoba Beads
3. Baking Soda Scrub
This one, I genuinely didn’t know about. My mind has always connected baking soda with either cake or cleaning silver. I never knew how great an exfoliator it is. It removes oil and sebum from your pores, making it a fabulous solution for people who have stubborn blackheads. It also acts as a natural bleach on dark spots or pigmentation.
How to use: Just dampen your face and neck and pat some baking soda on and start gently massaging into your skin. Use it as you would use a scrub and wash with lukewarm water when you’re done. Don’t forget to moisturise after. You can also use Lotus Botanicals Natural Baking Soda Deep Cleansing Face Wash and Lotus Botanicals Natural Baking Soda Deep Cleansing Face Scrub
4. Used Tea Bags
Why throw away something that you can reuse for something as important as dark circles or dull skin? After making tea every morning, my grandma would pack up the residue tea leaves (chai patti) into small linen pouches and use them as eye bags to get rid of dark circles. Not only are they great for puffy eyes and pigmentation, but they actually work as protectors against pollution and UV rays, too!
How to use: Other than using soaked tea bags for your eyes and under-eyes, you can also use tea liquor as the binding agent to your face packs and ubtans. And the best part: you can find various tea-infused products too if you’d like to go the OTC route. Try Plum Chamomile & White Tea Sheer Matte Day Cream, Matra Green Tea Mask Stick, and MCaffeine Naked Detox Green Tea Face Serum
5. Papaya
Hail the fruit that heals just about everything. Papayas! Talk about helping with heart diseases, cholesterol imbalances, diabetes, improving eyesight, and nourishing and brightening the skin. Papayas have rejuvenating properties that allow your skin to look fuller and more vibrant. It even helps avoid breakouts and early ageing signs.
How to use: Just mash some pieces of papaya and apply. It’s easy, handy and works instantly. You can use it at room temperature or cool to your preference. To make it even more effective, add a teaspoon of honey. Instead, you can opt for Aqualogica Glow+ Concentrate Face Serum with Papaya & Vitamin C or Khadi Natural Ayurvedic Papaya Soap, and VLCC Papaya & Apricot Face Scrub Skin Defence
6. Carrots and Ginger
The ultimate herbal skin healer, carrots can work like magic for clear, even-toned, naturally glowing skin. Loaded with vitamin A and beta-carotene, this snackable vegetable can plump up your skin, reduce acne and fight against sun damage. Add ginger to the mix for an extra boost of radiance. Ginger is enriched with curcumin, the same nourishing agent found in turmeric that enhances your skin.
How to use: Whiz one carrot and a few pieces of ginger in a mixer till it’s a paste. Add honey and voila, you have a super-pack for an instant glow. You can also try some carrot and ginger-infused products like Aroma Magic Carrot Sunscreen Lotion, Biotique Bio Carrot Ultra Soothing Face Lotion, and Lotus Botanicals Carrot & Niacinamide Glow and De-Tan Mineral Sunscreen
7. Orange Peel
What smells great, brightens your skin, deeply cleanses it, and eliminates dark spots and dark circles? Orange peel is packed with the goodness of vitamin C and natural AHAs that clear up your skin and give it a stunning, golden glow. I still remember my mother saving orange peels after breakfast and crushing them into a paste for a pre-shower face cleanser!
How to use: Tear up some fresh peels, some honey, and saffron in a mixer and blend them into a paste. Place the paste into an ice cube tray and freeze. Every little cube can be used as a tiny soap-like cleanser. Or you can use Nature's Tattva Herbal Orange Peel Powder, Jovees Orange Peel & Honey Exfoliating Daily Use Soap, and Everyuth Naturals Glow Orange Peel Off Mask
8. Aloe Vera
Bank on aloe vera’s cooling and skin-soothing properties to enhance your natural glow! Fresh aloe vera gel can diminish the appearance of scars and dark spots, improve skin elasticity, and deeply hydrate the epidermis. Better yet, you can grow an aloe plant in your backyard without having to worry about cost or convenience.
How to use: Scrape out fresh aloe gel from an aloe plant and apply it directly to the face. You may choose to leave it on or rinse it off after 15-20 minutes. If growing an aloe plant at home seems like a mammoth task, you can Himalaya Moisturizing Aloe Vera Face Gel, WOW Skin Science 99% Pure Aloe Vera Gel, and Earth Rhythm Calming Aloe Vera Gel
9. Coconut Oil
This skin-rejuvenating oil quenches dry patches, instantly enhancing your inherent glow. A sworn-by home remedy for those with severely dehydrated skin, coconut oil amplifies moisture, soothes skin texture, and accelerates healing. A study has found virgin coconut oil to be successful in treating skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis and eczema.
How to use: Warm some coconut oil and apply a few drops to your face and neck. Using your fingertips, massage the oil into your epidermis in a circular motion. After 5-10 minutes, rinse it off with cold water. You can try Organic Harvest Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, Max Care Virgin Coconut Oil, and Kapiva Kerala Virgin Coconut Oil
10. Cucumber
Known for its cooling properties, cucumber replenishes dull, tired-looking skin in a jiffy. In addition, it enhances your complexion and calms any signs of redness or inflammation. According to research, cucumber also has the power to alleviate sunburn pain and lend a soothing effect to the skin, keeping swelling and irritation at bay.
How to use: Blend an unpeeled cucumber, strain the paste, and apply it directly on your face. Let the cucumber mask sit on the skin for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Alternatively, you can try Biotique Cucumber Pore Tightening Refreshing Toner, TONYMOLY Fresh To Go Cucumber Mask Sheet, and Pores Be Pure Cucumber & Aloe Vera Face Wash
Key Takeaway
Natural remedies are an inexpensive way to achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, these DIY solutions require time and patience, and may cause an adverse reaction on the skin. Hence, you must proceed with caution when incorporating kitchen staples into your skincare routine. In case you notice any redness, swelling or irritation, consult your doctor.
FAQs
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Are homemade remedies effective for the skin?
Home remedies boast natural ingredients including turmeric, saffron, aloe vera, and cucumber, which lend abundant antioxidant properties to the skin. They are an easily accessible, chemical-free, and low-cost alternative to expensive skincare products.
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How to maintain healthy skin at home?
Indulge in a simple, 4-step CSMS routine – cleanser, serum, moisturiser, sunscreen – for healthy, glowing skin. This non-daunting regimen ensures basic skin hygiene sans complicated steps or formulations.
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What is one cardinal skincare rule?
When it comes to skincare, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Opt for a suitable sunscreen boasting SPF 30 or up to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. We recommend the Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen for oily skin and SunScoop’s Hydrating Cream Sunscreen for dry skin.
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How to get glowing skin naturally?
Besides following a structured skincare routine and indulging in home remedies, ensure you get enough sleep, eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet, manage stress, and drink plenty of water for supple, glowing skin.
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Are there any side effects of home remedies for the skin?
While home remedies are generally safe for the skin, you may experience an adverse reaction to a specific ingredient if you are allergic or if your skin is sensitive. If you notice any signs of redness, swelling, or irritation, consult your doctor immediately.
