WHEN it comes to skincare, there are no hard and fast rules. Some people have a routine that involves multiple products, while others prefer to keep it clean and simple with just a few basic formulations.
There are also those who take the natural route, staying clear of any products deemed synthetic. For those looking to go down this path, they need not look further than their pantry or garden.
Many kitchen staples have known skincare benefits and can be included in daily cleansing or moisturising routines, and the same applies to common garden herbs and flowers, many of which have been used in beauty routines for years.
Here are some ways to kick-start your natural skincare routine:
Turmeric
A staple in Asian kitchens, turmeric not only lends a rich colour to curries and stews, but is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it ideal for use in face masks, particularly for acne prone skin.
Make a refreshing concoction using yoghurt and honey with a pinch of turmeric for a mask that gives a golden glow to the face. But remember, a little goes a long way where turmeric is concerned, so avoid overloading on this ingredient in your beauty routine or you'll be left with a jaundiced look.
Hibiscus
While it may be commonly found, the humble hibiscus is a powerhouse when it comes to vitamins, antioxidants and especially, AHA or alpha hydroxy acids, a popular ingredient in many skincare products. It is said to be especially good at targeting dark spots and pigmentation besides hydrating skin.
Dried hibiscus flowers can be made into a fine powder and mixed with either yoghurt or Fuller's Earth for a face mask.
For hair, soak fresh hibiscus flowers in a little water until it softens and forms a paste. Leave on hair for 15-20 minutes before washing off and you have a natural conditioner for your hair that leaves it soft and smooth and strengthens the strands as well.
Banana/Papaya
Do not discard over ripe or uneaten bananas or papaya in the fridge. Packed with antioxidants, both these tropical fruits are especially good ingredients for brightening face masks.
Papaya, for example, has papain, an enzyme that is said to effectively address common skin problems like pigmentation or uneven skin tone.
Gram flour, a kitchen staple in Indian households, is often used to make a face mask with mashed papayas, while bananas (both the fruit and the inside of the skin) have skincare properties too.
A banana and yoghurt mask is a favourite of those who want an anti-ageing ritual.
Aloe Vera
Easily grown in most gardens, aloe vera has both hair and skin benefits. Its high water content makes it a soothing and hydrating solution for skin.
Most people simply peel off the skin and apply the gel from the inside of the plant directly onto the face or scalp to gain maximum benefits. Given its soothing qualities, fresh aloe vera gel is particularly good for dry or sunburnt skin.
A mixture of aloe vera gel, honey and some lemon juice is often used as a face mask too.
Edible oils
Both coconut and olive oil are ideal for use on skin and hair. Both these natural oils are a safe way to treat a variety of skin problems.
Coconut oil, for example, is an effective remedy for dry or cracked heels due to its high fatty acid content, while a small amount applied onto the centre of the scalp and allowed to seep into the hair and scalp works to target dry, frizzy hair or split ends, especially if used regularly.
Hair oiling, a traditional Indian beauty ritual, is usually done using slightly warmed up coconut oil because of its nourishing qualities, but those with fine or very thin hair may want to use just a tiny amount of this rich oil to avoid lank, greasy tresses even after a shampoo.
Similarly, olive oil can be used to coat the hair for an intensive, deep treatment in just 15 minutes. Keep hair covered in a shower cap while the oil works its magic. Generally lighter in texture than coconut oil, olive oil has natural emollients to keep hair soft and moisturised and prevents breakage.
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