Grandmas have solutions for everything from scraped knees to broken hearts, and they’re no different in India. Since time immemorial, Indian grandmothers have had their own treasure trove of beauty secrets. Name any skin problem – blemishes, tanning, acne, and dry skin – and they have an easy solution.
The best part is that most of these remedies usually use ingredients available around the house, allowing you to ditch all the fancy equipment and chemicals you would use otherwise. This makes it much safer, preventing allergic reactions. So, here are 6 home remedies for common skin problems that have been passed on for generations.
1. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric is an age-old skincare wonder. Its medicinal properties make it an excellent healer due to the presence of the active ingredient curcumin. Turmeric is considered an antiseptic and is hence a popular ingredient in many cosmetic products.1 Applying its paste on the skin imparts a natural glow and makes skin smooth.
How To Use
- Mix turmeric powder and water to form a paste.
- Add some chickpea powder to this paste and then apply it evenly on your skin.
- Wash the paste off after a few minutes.
Remember that turmeric stains the skin yellow, so mixing it with chickpea powder and washing it off in a few minutes works well. Avoid using it before an important day to avoid looking jaundiced.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has for long been considered highly beneficial for skin health. Its topical application is said to make skin smooth and soft. It is also an excellent moisturizer.2 Coconut oil in its pure form without any artificial additives or chemicals is safest for use.
How To Use
- Lubricate your skin with coconut oil evenly and let it stand for a while. Your body will absorb the oil.
- Then, have a warm water bath to rinse the remnants off and reveal smooth skin.
3. Fuller’s Earth
Research suggests that Fuller’s earth is an excellent ingredient for face packs. It removes dead skin cells and other impurities from the skin. It also makes the skin radiant, soothes it, and reduces any inflammation.3 This is why it is used extensively in beauty treatments across the world. It is now being recommended for use in cosmetic preparations.
How To Use
- Mix Fuller’s earth powder with rose water or buttermilk.
- Apply this paste on your skin and allow it to set, but not dry completely.
- Then, wash it off with water to reveal glowing skin.
4. Chickpea Paste
It’s important to exfoliate your skin regularly to prevent it from looking dull and aged. Chickpea paste works quite well as a scrub. It cleanses the skin and removes dead cells as well as any other dirt or impurities.
How To Use
- Add equal quantities of sandalwood powder and black chickpea powder to either milk or rose water.
- Gently massage this slightly thick paste onto your face and body.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes or so and then rinse well with water.
5. Honey
Honey is a natural resource that has many proven medicinal properties, making it a key ingredient in several traditional medicines around the world. It is said to be good for skin use thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Its soothing and conditioning effects keep skin looking young and free of wrinkles and infections. Honey is often used in cosmetic products like skin lotions, shampoos, and cleansing milk because it is natural and non-toxic.4
How To Use
- Take a spoonful of organic honey and apply it gently on your skin.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Then, wash well with warm water for hydrated, younger-looking skin.
6. Tomato Pulp
Although not as popular, tomato pulp has also been used on skin for the longest time. It is believed to be effective against acne and even for removing tan.
How To Use
- Crush a ripe tomato and apply the pulp generously on your skin.
- Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with water.
You could also try milk cream for moisturizing your skin and leaving it supple and soft.
Ditch those chemical-loaded skin products and try these natural remedies for beautiful, glowing skin. Remember to do a patch test first to avoid allergic reactions.
References
| ↑1 | Debjit Bhowmik, Chiranjib, KP Sampath Kumar, Margret Chandira, and B. Jayakar. “Turmeric: a herbal and traditional medicine.” Archives of applied science research 1, no. 2 (2009): 86-108. |
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| ↑2 | Sumit, Kumar, Swarankar Vivek, Sharma Sujata, and Baldi Ashish. “Herbal cosmetics: used for skin and hair.” Inven. J 2012 (2012): 1-7. |
| ↑3 | Yadav, N., and R. Yadav. “Preparation and Evaluation of Herbal Face Pack.” International Journal of Recent Scientific Research 6 (2015): 4334-4337. |
| ↑4 | Burlando, Bruno, and Laura Cornara. “Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology 12, no. 4 (2013): 306-313. |