In today’s fast-paced world, we hardly ever get time to look after our skin. Your skin starts losing its natural appeal due to various environmental and physical factors. Work stress, insufficient hours of sleep, lack of proper diet, excessive consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine and dirt and pollution take a major toll on your skin.
You’re left wondering how to reverse this damage and often turn to expensive products and treatments which usually end up worsening the condition of your skin.
What you don’t realize is that you can get healthy, soft and glowing skin at home using products readily available in your own kitchen! Follow these simple home remedies to get the skin you’ve always dreamed of! This list of remedies includes several combinations of ingredients which benefit the skin in one way or the other. You can follow any remedy that seems most feasible for you.
1. Tomato
Tomatoes contain a substance called “Lycopene” which protects the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun which can result in photodamage and erythema ( 1 , 2 ).
It helps in de-tanning the skin and giving it a natural glow. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory property and its anti-cancer action.
Mash ½ a tomato and extract the pulp and juice. Using your fingers, massage the pulp on your face for about 15 minutes and then wash your face with cold water.
Alternatively, you can mix 1 teaspoon of tomato juice and 1 teaspoon of curd and apply this mixture on your face and neck and leave it on for 30 minutes. Repeat this three to four times a week for best results.
You can also use tomato as a scrub exfoliator. Cut a tomato into half and sprinkle granulated sugar on the inner side of the slice. Rub this slice all over your face gently in circular motions. The granulated sugar will help in de-clogging the pores and the tomato will remove the tan from your skin ( 3 ).
2. Egg
Applying an egg on your skin can be very beneficial. It is known to tighten the skin and prevent any signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It makes your face look fresh and happy. It also helps in getting rid of blackheads. It contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which support healthy and glowing skin ( 4 ).
Mix together the egg white obtained from one egg, ½ a teaspoon of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of sea salt and lastly a few drops of honey. Scrub this mixture on your face with the help of your fingers for about 4 to 5 minutes. Wash your face with water and repeat this two to three times a week. The lemon will help in reducing blemishes and excess oil and the sea salt will act as an exfoliator to remove the dirt and debris from your pores.
You can also prepare an egg mask to remove blackheads and use it on a biweekly basis. Apply the contents of the egg on your face directly around your nose and on the areas you have blackheads. While the egg is wet, place a tissue over it and layer the tissue with more of the egg. Wait for 10 minutes for it to dry and then wash your face with cold water.
An egg can also be used to reverse the signs of aging. If you have dry skin, lightly beat an egg yolk and apply it all over your face. If your skin is oily or is a combination of oily and dry, apply an egg white on your face. Let it dry and then wash it off with water ( 5 ).
3. Gram Flour
Gram flour contains anti-oxidant proportions and hydrates the skin effectively. It helps in treating acne and brightening the skin.
Mix together 2 tablespoons of gram flour, the juice of ½ a lemon, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of yogurt. Apply this paste on your face and let it dry for about 15 minutes. Rinse your face with cold water and then apply a few drops of olive oil all over your face to prevent dryness.
In order to treat acne, mix 2 tablespoons of gram flour and 2 tablespoons of rose water. Apply this mixture on your problem areas at night and leave it overnight. This will shorten the life of your pimples and is suitable for all skin types.
Prepare a face mask using 2 tablespoons of gram flour, 1 tablespoon of milk and a few drops of honey. Wash your face with water and apply the paste to your wet face. Massage your face using your fingers for five minutes and then wash it off. Use a moisturizer after this.
4. Baking soda
Baking soda can be used as an ingredient to remove blackheads and de-clog your open pores.
Mix together 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on your face with your hands and massage your face in an upward direction. Then massage in circular motions and concentrate on the area around your nose to get rid of any blackheads and dead skin cells.
If you have oily skin, instead of coconut oil, mix baking soda with your face wash for this mask.
Wash it off your face using water and repeat this twice a month.
5. Cucumber
Known for its astringent, nourishing and hydrating qualities, cucumber is popularly used in skincare routines. It can improve the appearance of the skin by taking care of the damaged skin cells, getting rid of the dead skin cells and adding a glow to your skin. It produces anti-acne effects and can reduce the production of melanin, the source of pigment in the skin, and whiten the skin ( 6, 7, 8 ).
Cut a cucumber into thin slices and rub it all over your face. Leave the remnants on your face overnight and wash your face with warm water the next morning. Repeat this daily.
You can mix together cucumber juice and lemon juice in equal proportions and apply this to your face. Let it dry and then rinse your face with warm water. Repeat this remedy daily.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins and possesses anti-bacterial (stops the formation of acne), astringent (heals scars) and anti-inflammatory properties (soothes irritated skin). It moisturizes the skin and stimulates the growth of new skin cells ( 9 ).
You can use fresh Aloe Vera gel or buy a bottled source from any drugstore.
Apply the gel all over your face and allow it to dry on its own. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and repeat this daily or several times a week.
Create a face mask at home by mixing together 1 teaspoon of sugar, the juice of half a lemon and 1 teaspoon of rose water and Aloe Vera gel each. Dip a cotton pad in the mixture and dab it all over your face, especially around your blackhead prone spots. Wait for about 15 minutes before washing your face with water.
7. Honey
Honey is gentle on the skin and contains cleansing and purifying agents. It is anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant in nature ( 10 ).
Prepare the simplest mask using raw honey. Just apply a spoonful all over your face, leave it for 20 minutes and then wash your face. Repeat this a few times a week to see results.
You can also make an alternative face mask using 1 tablespoon of honey and the juice of ½ a lemon. Dip a cotton ball in it and apply it on your face, let it dry for 15 minutes and then wash your face with cold water.
Combine 1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel and ½ a teaspoon of honey. Apply the mixture to your face and then wash it off with water. The Aloe Vera will help in hydrating the skin while the honey will remove the dead skin cells from your skin ( 11 ).
8. Milk
Milk helps in cleansing the skin and gives the face a natural glow. Topical application of milk can help in healing eczema spots and makes the skin soft and supple. It contains important nutrients like Vitamins A, B and D, biotin, proteins, calcium, potassium and lactic acid which are required for healthy skin.
Dip a cotton pad in 2 to 3 teaspoons of raw milk and apply it on your skin. Once you’ve applied an even coat, wash your face with water.
Mix 2 tablespoons of wheat flour with 3 teaspoons of raw milk and apply the paste on your face. Massage your face for a good 0 to 15 minutes to get rid of all the dead skin cells. Wipe your face with a wet towel or wash your face with water.
9. Beetroot
Beetroot is a powerful dietary source of health and its oral and topical use is highly recommended. It is rich in Vitamins B and C, potassium and iron. It contains anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties ( 12 ).
Put 3 teaspoons of yogurt in a clean cloth and squeeze out any excess water from it. To this, add ½ a cup of beetroot juice and apply it on your face. Massage your face gently and then wash your face with cold water.
In a bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of wheat flour, a ¼ cup of beet juice, a pinch of turmeric and 2 teaspoons of raw milk. Apply the mixture on your face and let it dry. Wash your face with cold water.
The wheat flour acts as a binding agent for the face mask and the beet juice gives your face a fresh, pink glow. The milk provides moisture and turmeric contains anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties.
10. Banana
Banana is a great source of potassium and moisture. It has the ability to remove excess sebum produced by the skin and retains the skin’s elasticity. It acts as a natural Botox and slows the speed of appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Mix 1 teaspoon of sugar and 2 teaspoons of banana pulp to create an exfoliating scrub. Gently scrub the paste all over your face for about 4 to five minutes and then wash your face. Immediately apply moisturizer to your face.
The sugar contains glycolic acid which is good for exfoliating and removing dead skin cells. It also contains natural humectants which moisturize and hydrate the face and open the pores so that your moisturizers can seep into the skin and work effectively.
Apply a paste made from 1 teaspoon of milk cream and 2 teaspoons of banana pulp on your face. Massage your face for 5 to 6 minutes and then wash your face.
The milk cream will help in reducing puffiness and make your skin soft and supple to touch.
In a bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons of sandalwood powder, 2 teaspoons of banana pulp and 4 teaspoons of beetroot juice. Apply this paste on your face to target acne and dark spots and scaly, dry skin. Let the mask dry and then rinse your face with water.
Sandalwood is known to soothe irritated skin and the beetroot helps in detoxifying the skin.
11. Vitamin E
Topical application of Vitamin E on your skin can help in reducing the appearance of scars and soften the facial skin. It contains natural anti-oxidants, anti-aging agent and treats scars and burns ( 13 , 14 ).
Start off by washing your face. Cut open 2 vitamin E capsules and extract the oil contents from them onto your palm. Apply the oil on your face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes so that it absorbs into your skin. Wash your face again. Then apply toner or rose water using a cotton pad and let that set in its place. Take 2 drops of vitamin E oil and gently dab them all over your face.
Always remember that spotless, bright and white skin does not equal glowing skin. Your skin can be prone to acne and breakouts and can be pigmented. Glowing skin indicates healthy skin, free from any harmful chemicals. Your skin needs to be nourished and hydrated properly so that it radiates all across your face.
Tips for Naturally Healthy and Glowing Skin
Here are some other tips that you will need to follow if you want healthy and glowing skin in the comforts of your own home. These steps are super easy to follow and you just need to be regular and consistent with your skincare regime.
1. Drink water
Drink at least two liters of water in a day. This will help your body flush out any toxic substances and hence clean your face and give it a natural glow. Try to consume herbal teas and stay away from caffeinated beverages.
2. Skin Hydration
It is important to clean your skin internally as well as externally. Clean your face twice a day, once after you wake up and once right before you go off to sleep. Don’t clean your face too often since that can strip your skin of its natural oils needed for nourishment. Use warm water before you use a face wash to open up your pores and get full access to all the dirt and debris present on your skin surface. After you’ve used your face wash, rinse your face with cold water to close the pores you opened earlier. This will prevent excess dirt from accumulating in your skin and will prevent any breakouts. Be gentle while washing your skin. Don’t rub too hard since it can damage your skin.
3. Natural Diet
Eating fresh, clean and juicy food enlivens the skin. It is essential to eat a balanced diet with sufficient nutrients at the right time and in the right quantities. Consume healthy fats rich in Omega 6 to boost the growth of the cell membrane. This will hydrate and radiate your skin. Omega 6 Fatty Acids can be found in Coconut oil, Avocados, Nuts, and Fish.
4. Sweat it out
Cardio exercises will produce sweat, which will help in getting rid of the toxins present in your body. Along with that, you will feel confident and energetic and that will reflect on your skin. Once you’ve performed your workout routine, wash your face with cold water.
5. Less is More
Apply fewer products on your skin. Believe in quality over quantity and stick to the products that work for you. Don’t switch between products every now and then. If you do change any product, you may experience a few breakouts. But don’t worry since these breakouts are just a way for your skin to get rid of the chemicals of the previous product. Your skin will take time to adjust to new products, so don’t disturb its natural process.
6. Acne
Stay away from products that specialize in acne treatment. They contain harsh chemicals that might strip the skin of its natural nutrients and your skin might start being heavily dependent on these products.
Let your existing acne and pimples heal on their own. Don’t touch the spots or try to pop your pimples because you might end up spreading the bacteria all over your face, causing the appearance of more acne.
7. Check Nutritional Deficiencies
Oftentimes your nutrition is lacking some Vitamins which can cause certain skin problems. Lack of Vitamin A may lead to scaly, dry skin. Vitamin D deficiency will result in flaky and irritated skin. If you have skin that’s is easily damaged due to the sun, you may be lacking Vitamin E and insufficient Vitamin C will lead to scaly and rough skin.
Consult a dermatologist or dietician to find out what is missing in your diet and try to recover the nutrient.
It’s essential to treat your skin with care and devote some time to make sure it’s healthy. Follow a set skincare regime and don’t forget to use a sunscreen and moisturizer daily.
You need to remember to own your own skin and be confident with yourself. Having a positive outlook towards yourself and your features will radiate through your skin. A happy mind will result in happy, glowing skin!
