Naturally beautiful: 5 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin

Healthy, glowing skin is not only about fancy, expensive treatments, it is about taking the right care of your skin and providing it with ample nourishment and love. For centuries, people have relied on simple, natural ingredients for maintaining their skin health. And these have stood the test of time- they work. If you are looking for such effective, effortless, easy skincare routines, here are 5 powerful home remedies for bringing your skin a natural glow:

1.  Turmeric paste: Turmeric has been a common and cherished ingredient in Indian households. Other than having numerous benefits, it is also considered a powerhouse for skincare as it helps in-

·       Brightening skin tone: Curcumin in turmeric helps in reducing hyperpigmentation, dark spots and dullness.

·       Fighting acne: due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, turmeric is very powerful for fighting acne, blemishes and prevent breakouts.

·       Anti-aging: The presence of anti-oxidants in turmeric, it also helps reducing fine lines, wrinkles and sagging of skin over time.

Remedy: Mix 1 teaspoon of Turmeric, 1.5 tablespoons of milk and form a nice paste. Apply evenly on your skin and leave it for 15 minutes. Now, rinse it off nicely and check for any residue. For best results, apply at least twice a week and enjoy your fresh, glowing skin after.

2.    Gram Flour paste: Gram flour (besan) is another very useful ingredient in Indian homes and its usefulness go beyond the kitchen. Some of its benefits are-

·       Natural exfoliator: It acts as a gentle exfoliator for your skin by removing dead skin cells, dirt and excess oil.

·       Controls oil: The oil-absorbing properties of gram flour helps in balancing sebum production, hence ideal for oily skin types.

·       Reduces tan: Besan is also quite a lot beneficial for tanned skin. It reduces pigmentation, absorbs impurities like dirt, oil and sun-damaged skin, and promotes skin cell regeneration.

·       Hydrates and softens: When removed with milk or yogurt, gram flour provides deep hydration and softens the skin.

Remedy: Take 1 tea spoon of gram flour, 2 table spoons of milk or yogurt. Mix them well to make a consistent paste. Apply the mask evenly on your face and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Once done, rinse off thoroughly. For best results, apply it twice every week.

3.    Yogurt and honey: Yogurt is more than just your nutritious breakfast treat, it’s also a beauty secret. Packed with probiotics, lactic acid and other nutrients, yogurt, along with the soothing properties of honey makes a very effective combination for the skin. Some of the benefits are:

·       Soothing affects: Yogurt has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that helps in calming sunburn, redness and skin-irritation. Honey on the other hand, moisturises your skin from within and adds a layer of softness.

·       Exfoliation and brightening: Honey, and the lactic acid content in yogurt gently dissolves dead skin cells, promoting a brighter and even complexion.

·       Controls excess oil: Yogurt and honey prevents the appearance of pores and helps in balancing sebum production, making itself an ideal choice for oily skin types.

·       Healthy glow: Vitamins B2, B12, zinc and other nutrients in yogurt; and the enzymes and anti-oxidants in honey nourishes the skin deeply and gives it a radiant glow.

Remedy: Mix equal parts honey and yogurt in a bowl till it forms a smooth paste. Apply it evenly on your face and leave it for 20-25 minutes. Once done, rinse your face thoroughly and pat dry. Apply twice a week for radiant, soft skin.

4.    Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has been the age old main character of the skincare game. Loaded with many important nutrients, enzymes etc, the list of its benefits goes a little longer-

·       Hydrating: Aloe Vera’s rich water content makes it a powerful moisturiser. It deeply hydrates the skin without any greasiness.

·       Slows down aging: With its high anti-oxidant content, aloe vera fights free radicals that cause premature aging and reduces wrinkles and fine lines.

·       Brightens dull skin: Using aloe vera regularly boosts skin cell turnover and leaves your skin with a fresh, glowing complexion.

·       Soothes sunburn: aloe vera, like yogurt provides instant relief from sunburn and skin irritation from its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help prevent sun irritation.

·       Skin-healing: Aloe vera has healing and skin-regenerating properties. It helps in healing cuts, burns, acne scars by boosting collagen production.

Remedy: Take 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel, 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon lemon juice/rose water. Mix them till you get a smooth paste. Apply the mask on your face and neck, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with water and gently dry. Use it 2-3 times a week for fresh, soft and bright skin.

5.    Tomato and milk: Tomatoes go beyond just being a kitchen staple. It is packed with essential nutrients for glowing skin too. Some of the benefits of tomatoes are-

·       Adds glow: Rich in vitamin C, tomatoes are great in brightening dull skin and boosting radiance.

·       Tan removal: tomatoes are known for their mild bleaching properties that help in evening out your skin tone after reducing sun tan.

·       Controlled oil production: The natural astringent properties of tomatoes help in regulating excess oil production, keeping it fresh and smooth.

·       Tightens pores: The astringent properties of tomatoes tighten pores and reduces the chance of dirt and oil buildup that generally leads to blackheads and acne.

·       Reduces dark spots: Being a natural source of lycopene and vitamin C, tomatoes are great for lightening acne scars, pigmentation and dark spots over time.

Remedy: Take a tomato slice and dip it in milk, then start rubbing the tomato slice all over your face in gentle, circular motion. Leave the juice for 15 minutes and wash it off after. Use 3-4 times a week for best results.

The key to glowing skin is consistency and care. Give these solutions from your kitchen a try and nourish your skin with natural goodness. Remember to maintain a healthy diet, hydration and good sleep for best results. These remedies aren’t just skincare, they are self-care and it can only come from within. Let’s embrace these time-tested traditional remedies and achieve effortlessly radiant skin.