Alternative medicine: 5 Ayurvedic beauty remedies

Have you always wanted better skin and a more even complexion, without having to fuss over which beauty product works the best? We are all for the natural method this summer and to help save your wallet and pores from any imminent damage, we have compiled a list of 5 super facial remedies to help get your skin to where it needs to be this season.

For a brighter complexion:

This age-old remedy has long been a boon for women in India. Being fair has always been something to pride oneself upon but fairness creams aren’t really the way to go about it. But if you want to even out you skin tone we have the perfect solution for you. This remedy requires a couple of ingredients that might not be so easy to find at first but hit the local market and go to the Indian section and you should be able to find all that you need. You will need turmeric (haldi), gram flour (besan), lemon wedges and plain yoghurt (dahi). Mix a tablespoon of each of the powders and the yoghurt and squeeze 2 lemon wedges to get the juice out and mix well until a face mask is formed. The colour should be pale yellow by now. Apply this mask to your face for at least 20 minutes, or until it dries completely. Dab it off gently using a wet cloth. Your skin should look at least one shade lighter and more even.

For combatting blackheads:

Lemon seems to be an important ingredient in most Ayurvedic remedies, because it has an endless amount of benefits. Cinnamon follows closely after. Together, they make a blackhead blasting facemask like no other. Mix a 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and apply it to the affected area (your nose) for up to 15 minutes. Repeat this in the morning and before bed and watch a miracle happen in a few days time.

For reducing dark circles/eyebags and blemishes:

Potato is one of the best foods to use for getting rid of those panda eyes after a night out. It also works wonders on brightening the appearance of dark patches and ridding the skin of blemishes. Cut a slice of raw potato and rub it on your skin until your blemish lightens. For your dark circles, you can immerse them in water for 1-2 minutes and apply circular wedges over your eyes. Keep them there for 10-15 minutes.

For combatting dry skin:  

Another highly reliable Ayurvedic facial remedy – the milk cream facemask is a definite must-try. Boil full-cream milk on high heat for 3 full minutes. Once the milk has cooled slightly, you should be able to make out a film of cream on top of the milk. Carefully separate the film (it doesn’t matter if you do a bad job of it and it turns out messy) and transfer it to a small stainless steel bowl. Apply the cream onto your face like a thin mask or on the affected parts of your skin for up to 20 minutes. Your skin should be smoother and softer after one application. You can repeat this 2-3 times a day for the best benefit.

For getting rid of scars:

Rose water helps rid your skin of blemishes as well as nasty scars caused by acne. Easily available at the Indian section in the supermarket, rose water works as a great toner in addition to its other aforementioned benefits. You can also learn how to make your own rose water if you find it difficult to acquire. Mix 2-3 parts of rose water with 1 part of cucumber juice and 1 part of lime juice. Wash your face with the mixture and let the residue stay on your face. It is refreshing and hydrating for the skin and doing this every day for at least a week will work wonders on your skin.

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Alternative medicine: 5 Ayurvedic home remedies

Diya-Maya Tsering Bhalla