I've been struggling with skin imperfections for most of my life and I haven't really found the perfect skin products. I've tried some these natural remedies and they really work. The best part is that I have most of these ingredients in my kitchen cabinets!
Get rid of blemishes
Blemishes are usually temporary and can be caused by anything from strong sun and wind to an excess of alcohol. A light dab of either sandalwood or turmeric powder mixed in a little water should clear the problem. Both of these have unique antiseptic properties. Carrots, known for their high vitamin A content, also make a wonderful treatment. Simply grate a carrot, squeeze out a teaspoonful of fresh saffron-coloured juice and then wipe over the blemished areas. Rinse off after half an hour.
Improve the appearance of enlarged pores
Enlarged pores are caused mainly by the over-stretching of pores that then fill with excess oil. Any part of the body that stretches beyond its capacity may refuse to return perfectly to its original shape and size and pores are no exception. The problems can be resolved by temporarily by closing the pores with astringents, so that the skin looks toned. Buttermilk or watered-down yoghurt, a popular drink all over India known as chaas or lassi, works wonders, closing the pores to create the illusion of finely textured, perfect skin. Use it as a daily face wash and splash with cold water afterwards.
Get perfect foundation
If you want your make-up to last, there are two things you can do. First splash ice-cold water on your face and neck after you have applied foundation to set the base. Gently pat dry and continue your routine. Second, seal your look with a fine dusting of loose face powder. Use a soft, fat brush and blow away any excess before you start on your face. Blend well to eliminate any powdery patches.
Treat dark circles with Malti's under-eye remedy
My aunt Malti swears by the juice of mint although she can't explain exactly how it helps. The almond oil has gentle lubricating properties, which help to dispel fine lines and dark patches due to dry skin. Honey is an ideal energising food and according to Ayurveda has a tremendous healing effect on the body.
5 fresh mint leaves
1 tsp almond oil
1/2 tsp honey
Crush the mint with a little water in a mortar. Strain the juice and add to the almond oil and honey. Stir till completely mixed and apply a tiny amount under the eyes before going to bed.
Use a traditional skin polisher
This is used by women all over India. The turmeric acts as a natural cleanser and disinfectant and will not turn your skin yellow. The chickpea flour sloughs off dead skin to give unimagined silkiness and the milk will firm up the entire body. Even the tiniest of babies are massaged with this body polisher, but do be careful if you have a history of allergy to wheat or lentil flour - use rice flour instead.
1 tablespoon chickpea flour
Pinch of turmeric
About 2 tsp of milk
Mix all the ingredients together and rub on to wet skin instead of soap.
Treat skin with masks
For dry skin - This mask conditions dry skin and leaves it supple and radiant.
1 egg white
1 tsp honey
1 tsp full-fat cream
Mix together all the ingredients and pat on to the face and neck. Rinse off after 20 minutes.
For normal skin - The protein in milk powder leaves skin petal-soft and the rosewater tones and refreshes.
2tbsp milk powder
Rosewater to mix
Combine the ingredients into a thick paste and apply to the face and neck.
Excerpted from India’s Beauty Secrets by Monisha Bharadwaj, Kyle Cathie
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