The skin is the largest organ and the outer covering of our body. It guards the underlying muscles, bones and internal organs. Skin performs many functions- It protects our body against pathogens. It regulates our body temperature by through sweating. Skin acts as an insulator so that essential nutrients are not washed away. It synthesizes vitamin D by means of Ultra Violet in the body. Sunlight, water and air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy.
Good skin hygiene is important. Dirty skin can disturb the function of the skin as it support the growth of pathogenic organisms. Sweat mixed with dirt and dead skin is decomposed by bacteria, producing a horrible smell. So the skin needs to be pampered.
Normal Skin
- Rub the inner side of the peel of a papaya or apple on the face. Let it dry. Then, wash the face with cold water. This cleanses the skin and gives it a nice glow.
- Boil the lemon grass in water and cool. . Pour it in the ice tray and freeze. Rub the lemon grass ice cube on the face, Pat dry the skin. This improves blood circulation keeping the skin glowing.
Oily Skin
Oily skin has rough pores and is prone to pimples, blackheads and blemishes.
- Regular cleansing with warm water would reduce clogging of skin pores. Facial steaming with herbal solutions of thyme, Witch hazel, rosebuds and lemongrass at least thrice a week is beneficial. Boil water in the steamer with any of these herbs. Take the steam for about 15 minutes, splash cold water on the face and pat dry. This opens the pores as well as cleanses the skin.
- Mud or clay pack is the safest and the most suitable for oily skin. Blend 1 tsp of green clay powder with 1 tsp of honey. Apply it on the face and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Avoid the eye area. Rinse the face with lukewarm water. Apply a natural skin oil or liquid moisturizer after this. Repeat this at least 2-3 times a week.
- Soak 2 tsp of fenugreek seeds overnight. Grind it in paste. Add 1 tsp of wheat flour and make a paste using water if required. Rub it on the face. Leave to dry. Rinse with cold water and pat dry. Apply a natural skin oil or liquid moisturizer after this. The granular effect of the mixture helps remove excess oil and blackheads from the skin.
- Soaps are a big no as they can be drying. Mix egg yolk with 1 tbsp of honey or yogurt. Add 1 tsp of almond oil and apply it on the body. Let it dry. Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Honey is good for dry skin. It not only removes the dead cells from the skin surface, it also stimulates growth of skin tissues. It also prevents acne. It is healing and moisturizing. Mix 1 tsp of honey with 1 tsp of cottage cheese and 1tsp of almond oil. Apply it on the skin for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Apply moisturizer. It also reduces pigmentation.
- Yogurt is a natural skin cleanser and moisturizer.
- Oatmeal is an effective home remedy to treat dry skin, as its texture removes dead cells and soothes dry skin. Blend oatmeal and egg in the blender. Apply the pack on the face. Let it dry for 10 minutes. Rinse it with lukewarm water followed by moisturizer.
- Make a paste by mixing honey with mashed banana. Apply it on the face. Rinse with lukewarm water when dry. This pack tightens the skin.
- Make a pack by mixing 1 tbsp of malai (clotted cream), a pinch of turmeric and few drops of olive oil. Apply it on the face. Rinse with water when dry. Turmeric and olive oil rejuvenate the skin whereas malai moisturizes the skin.
For Dry Skin
Dry skin is tender and thinner. It is common in the winter as the skin loses moisture and peels. The skin feels tight and painful. Shower in lukewarm water, not hot water as it robs skin of moisture. Moisturize the skin after showers to keep the skin soft and supple.