blogchattera2z – Page 4 – That Madras Mom

April 26, 2021

V’s which help in skincare

I’ve already written a lot about ingredients be it spice, fruits or even condiments. So for V I decided to write about two of my favourite vegetables that help in maintaining good skin. Given that I’ve already stated benefits of tomato and cucumber let’s see what potato and carrot give us. There is also one surprise ingredient for which you will have to read till the end.

POTATO

Potatoes help in brightening and even out the skin. The catacholase enzyme in potato help in lightening the skin.

The above said is the very reason that potatoes help in reducing dark circles.

Potatoes also are beneficial to provide anti ageing effects.

Potatoes help in reducing inflammation.

Potatoes help fight against free radical damage.

Potato when made as juice is a hydrating ingredient for skincare and is best when used by people who have dry skin.

DIYS:

BRIGHTENING: Take two teaspoons of potato juice and mix with a teaspoon of honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

BUGBITE: Take a slice of potato and apply on affected area. After 3-5 minutes remove the slice. Repeat if needed. This would help in lessening itching.

REDUCE PUFFY EYES: Refrigerate potato slices. Apply on the eyes and take off after 10-15 minutes.

FOR ACNE: Mix a tablespoon of potato pulp, tomato pulp and honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

FOR PIGMENTATION: Mix in a teaspoon of potato juice, rice flour, honey and lemon juice. Apply on to face and leave to dry. Gently scrub and wash off.

ANTI AGEING: 1. Blend one potato and two strawberries along with half a teaspoon of honey. Apply on to face and wash off in 15 minutes.
Mix 2/3 grated potato with yogurt. Adjust consistency and apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

SKIN TIGHTENING: Mix one eggs white with juice of half a potato. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

REDUCE SPOTS: Mix one tablespoon of multani mitti to two tablespoons of potato juice. Adjust consistency and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

CARROT

Carrots prove greatly beneficial to skin health. Vitamin C and beta carotene are the best of anti oxidants that can fight ageing skin.

Vitamin C helps protect against free radical damage. Beta carotene helps fight against harmful UV radiation.

Carrots are great for flushing out toxins from body when consumed. Carrots also have abundance of Vitamin A which help in flushing the free radicals.

Beta carotene in carrots also helps in healing scars and blemishes.

Including carrots in diet can help form a protective barrier against harmful UV rays and also help in hydrating dry skin.

Vitamin A in carrots is responsible for firmer and healthy skin. The beta carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body.

The vitamin A that carrot offers helps in dealing with oily skin from inside out.

DIYS:

EXFOLIATION: Mix in equal quantities of carrot juice, egg white and yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

MOISTURE PACK: Mix in a teaspoon of milk cream, honey to two teaspoons of grated carrot and few drops of olive oil. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

FACE MIST: Mix in some orange juice to rose water which is the base. Fill in to spray bottle and use when you need to refresh skin.

OILY SKIN: Mix in a cup of orange juice and a tablespoon of curd, besan and lemon juice. Apply on to face and wash off after 30 minutes.

DRY SKIN: Mix two tablespoons of grated carrot to a teaspoon of honey and milk. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Mix equal parts of carrot juice to aloe vera gel. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

VODKA

This was the secret ingredient I was talking about. Vodka is generally prepared from potatoes, cereals and grapes upon fermentation. Contains 40% methanol and preferred more by women in social gatherings.

WHY VODKA?

Vodka is a great anti ageing serum that helps in skin tightening and reduces wrinkles.

Vodka works as an anti septic. Helps in reducing the acne spots and also reduce dark circles.

Vodka helps in reducing pores due to its astringent properties.

Vodka is a great ingredient to remove odour from feet.

Vodka makes it easy to remove blackheads and whiteheads.

Vodka as a cleansing agent is great for removing makeup.

DIYS

TONER: Mix in two to three teaspoons of vodka to two cups of water. Add lavendar or orange essential oil if needed two to three drops. Transfer to spray bottle.

CLEAR SKIN: Add in a teaspoon of vodka to freshly brewed green tea one cup. Apply this solution with a cotton pad and leave in for 5-10 minutes. Wash off.

MAKEUP REMOVER: Mix in a teaspoon of vodka to two teaspoons of water. Dab a cotton pad in this solution and apply on face. Wash off.

SMOOTH SHAVE: Immersing your razor in vodka helps to keep it rust free and keeps skin smooth after shave.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

April 24, 2021April 24, 2021

U which helps in skincare

Almost all of us dream of flawless,clear and healthy skin. Taking care of skin in best possible manner is what we need to do to achieve. You needn’t shell out extra money from your expenses for it.

Knowing which ingredients works how is of utmost importance. Also you need to check if the ingredient suits your skin. Just because there is a home remedy available you cannot go try everything on your skin.

Your skin is not a laboratory to conduct experiments. Make sure you do patch tests before applying anything over the face.

Let’s take a look at the U ingredients.

Urad dhall

The humble urad dhall not only helps in making fluffy idlis or crispy vadais, it also has benefits for skin.

Urad dhall helps in exfoliation. Helps to remove dirt, impurities and dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin.

The naturally present antiseptic properties helps urad dhall to fight against acne causing bacteria. It helps in controlling excess oil secretion and thereby reduces acne occurrence.

The nutrients help maintaining your skin. It is also a natural bleaching agent that upon continuous usage will yield radiant skin.

Urad dhall has cooling properties that helps in healing sunburn. It also helps in DETAN.

Urad dhall helps in skin regeneration and is a good ingredient for youthful skin. The anti ageing properties present in urad dhall helps in reducing age spots and fine lines.

DIYs

To reduce age spots and fine lines : Grind 1/4 cup overnight soaked urad dhall and mix in 1/2 rice flour and some lemon juice. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Glow pack : Grind 1/4 cup overnight soaked urad dhall and 6-7 soaked almonds. Apply the paste on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Exfoliate : Grind 1/4 cup overnight soaked urad dhall . Add in two teaspoons each of milk and ghee. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Remove tan : Grind 1/4 cup overnight soaked urad dhall . Add in two teaspoons of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

For acne prone skin : Grind 1/4 cup overnight soaked urad dhall. Mix in two teaspoons of rose water and almond oil. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Ubtan for skin

An ancient skincare secret passed down generations and is now being incorporated by skincare brands to their products.

Each family has their own secret recipe. The ubtan is an ancient Ayurvedic mixture of ingredients that help the skin heal, exfoliate, detox and stay clear.

Benefits

Ubtan helps in bringing out the natural glow of skin from within.

It discourages growth of facial hair and ingrown hair.

Ubtan gives you youthful skin. It makes you look younger thanks to the presence of turmeric in ubtan which helps fight signs of ageing.

Ubtan helps in cleansing the skin deeply.

How to use

Oily skin : mix the powder with lemon juice and curd. This helps in controlling excess oil secretion.

Dry skin : mix the powder with milk to cream. This helps in moisturizing and hydrating the skin.

Ubtan recipes

Face: Mix one tablespoon each of sandal powder oats, half a tablespoon of fennel powder neem powder, three tablespoon of besan , a pinch of TURMERIC. Add overnight soaked and peeled grounded almond. Use rose water to make paste for oily skin and milk or cream for dry skin.

Body : mix in overnight soaked and peeled grounded almond powder to a teaspoon of neem powder , half a teaspoon of fennel powder, a cup of besan and half a cup of oats and a pinch of TURMERIC.

Ubtan is easy to make at home and ingredient are readily available doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. You could add more or reduce ingredients as per your convenience.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

April 23, 2021

T’s which help in skincare

Did you know that over usage of chemicals could be harsh on your skin? Do you do patch tests before you try out new products. Be it a product that uses extracts from natural ingredients it is always advisable to do a patch test.
If you have been following my posts or you are someone new reading this, I’d suggest you to do a patch test before you try any of the DIYs. Because what works for me might not work the same way for everyone, because every skin is different and every body is different.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients T which help in skincare.

TOMATO:

Tomatoes cannot be claimed to be sunscreen replacements, but could offer sun protection due to the presence lycopene.

Tomato balances skin pH and also helps fight against acne causing bacteria.

Tomato helps in controlling excessive oil secretion which is a majorly concern for acne occurrence.

Enzymes present in tomatoes help in mild cleansing and exfoliation thereby removing the dirt from skin.
The vitamin B present in tomatoes helps fight signs of ageing.

The anti-inflammatory properties of tomatoes help in soothing skin from irritation and helps in providing cooling effect to skin.

The high potassium and vitamin C content in tomato helps in transforming dull skin to glowing skin.

Tomato helps in tightening the pores and gives skin a firm uplift.

Tomato helps in regulating excessive sebum secretion and helps combat formation of blackheads and whiteheads.

The lycopene in tomatoes help fight against free radical damage.

Tomato is a natural astringent that helps in preventing surface buildup of oils.

Tomatoes are great for detan. It also helps to combat dryness caused by sun tan.

Tomatoes help in collagen stimulation thereby enhancing the texture of the skin and also the elasticity.

DIYS:

TOMATO TONER: Blend one cucumber and tomato. Strain the juice to a spray bottle. Spray on to face when skin feels tired and lifeless.

ACNE SKIN: Mix one tablespoon of multani mutti to puree of one tomato. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

DETAN : Grate one potato and strain the juice. Mix with puree of one tomato. Make sure both these are of equal quantities. Apply on to face. Let it dry. Continue to apply about 3-4 times. Remove with wet cloth.

Mix in a teaspoon of honey to the pulp of one tomato. Apply on to face and wash off after 10 minutes.

GLOWING SKIN: Mix in a tablespoon of honey to puree of one tomato. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

DARK CIRCLE: Mix in a tablespoon of aloe vera gel to puree of one tomato. Blend well and apply over under eye area and wash off after 10 minutes.

OILY SKIN: Mix strained juice 1/2 tomato to 1/4 grated cucumber. Apply on to face and wash off in 15 minutes.

DRY SKIN: Mix a teaspoon of olive oil to puree of one tomato. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

PORE REDUCTION: Mix in two teaspoons of lemon juice to puree of one tomato. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

ANTI AGEING: Mix in pulp of one tomato with 1/3 of mashed avocado.Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Rub half a tomato directly on to skin to fight cellular damage and promote cell regeneration.

YOUTHFUL SKIN: Mix in a tablespoon of yogurt to pulp of one mashed tomato. Apply on to face and wash of 15 minutes.

SKIN RADIANCE: To the juice of one tomato mix in a teaspoon of turmeric and sandalwood powder. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

TOMATO SCRUB: Blend two tomatoes, mint leaves and two lemons including the peels. Add about three tablespoons of sugar and mix well. This scrub works well in terms of exfoliate, rejuvenate, detan and moisturize. Use this only for your body.

REDUCE SUNBURN IRRITATION: Mix in little buttermilk to tomato juice and apply on affected areas.
Wash off post 5 minutes.

TURMERIC

The orange yellow tint stick mostly available as powder for ease of use mainly has anti-inflammatory properties. Passed down by generations as secret to flawless beauty and is easily available for procurement.

The antioxidant properties that it possesses helps in giving the skin, the natural glow.

Turmeric helps in clearing out acne scars and prevent further acne formation.

DIYs:

DETAN: Mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric and two tablespoons of raw milk. Apply on to face and wash of after 15 minutes.

ANTI ACNE: Mix in two tablespoon of sandal powder to pinch of turmeric and milk. Adjust consistency. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

EXFOLIATION: Mix in a tablespoon of oats ,1/2 teaspoon of turmeric , one tablespoon of powdered masoor dal. Mix either with milk or rose water. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

STRETCH MARKS: Mix in a tablespoon of lime juice to a pinch of turmeric and soaked saffron water. Apply on the marks and notice them getting lighter upon each usage.

DRY SKIN: Mix in a tablespoon of coconut oil and a pinch of turmeric. Apply on to affected area. Wash off after 15 minutes.

UNDER EYE BAG: Mix in a tablespoon of curd to two teaspoons of turmeric and some drops of lemon juice. Apply on affected area and remove with wet cloth.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

April 22, 2021April 22, 2021

S’s which help in skincare

Its always believed that smallest things have bigger worth. This is true in case of the ingredients that are being discussed today.

Saffron

Saffron, the tiny red spice originated in Greece but now known worldwide for its benefits in enhancing food flavors, reducing pain and also in cosmetics.
Most expensive ingredient even though small in size has innumerable benefits for skin , health and food flavor enhancing.

Saffron is beneficial for all skin types but in particular has more benefits for sensitive skin.

Since it has to be handpicked and also available for harvest for only two weeks in the entire year, this is the reason that the spice is priced real high.

Saffron is rich in antioxidants like the vitamin C and also possesses anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties due to which it can help in protecting against the harmful UV radiation and free radical damage.

Saffron helps in making the skin tone even. It helps in reducing the production of melanin thereby reducing the darkness and enhancing the radiant glow.

Saffron is enriched with minerals and carotenoids that help in fighting the oxidative stress.

Since it has anti inflammatory properties it helps in calming down skin irritations and works great for sensitive skin.

Due to its healing capabilities it increases cell production that is responsible to heal wounds and cuts.

Because it is rich in antioxidants it also plays a vital role in delaying premature ageing and yes can be confidently mentioned as ingredient that possesses anti ageing properties.

DIYS:

SAFFRON FACE MASK:
Crush three strands of saffron in pestle and mortar. Add in a tablespoon of honey. Mix and apply on to face. Wash off after 10 minutes.of after 15 minutes.

Mix in a tablespoon of sandalwood powder, 2-3 strands of crushed saffron and milk to make a paste. Apply on to face and wash .

Soak saffron strands say 3-4 in milk for about two hours. Dip cotton ball in this milk and dab over face. Let the milk get absorbed. Wash off after 10 minutes to discover glowing skin.

SAFFRON GEL: Crush three strands of saffron in pestle and mortar. Add in a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and a teaspoon of rose water. Apply on to skin and massage until it gets absorbed.

SAFFRON TONER: Add 3-4 strands of crushed saffron to rose water in spray bottle. Let it infuse for a while. Start spraying in place of regular toner .

ANTI ACNE MASK: Blend 3-4 soaked saffron strands with 5-6 basil leaves. Apply the paste on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. Basil helps eliminate acne causing bacteria.

SAFFRON EXFOLIATE MASK: Soak saffron strands overnight in water. To this add milk and coconut or olive oil. Dip a bread in this mixture and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

SUNFLOWER OIL

Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid which is an essential fatty acid that is very much essential to protect the skin barrier.

Its anti inflammatory properties help in making it best suited for sensitive skin.

Epidermal water loss is the main reason for skin drying out and sunflower oil helps in forming a protective barrier thereby reducing the chances for moisture loss.

The vitamin E present in the oil also helps in trapping moisture for the same moisture lock benefit.

Rich in Vitamin A, D, C and E it helps fight acne by helping prevent acne causing bacteria entry. It helps in cell regeneration as well.

Beta carotene that can be converted to vitamin A is present in abundance and helps in maintaining overall appearance of the skin.

The antioxidant vitamin E also helps fight against sun damage and provides protection against harmful UV radiation.

Collagen and elastin in skin are protected by the vitamin E in sunflower oil when applied topically and thereby help in reducing the appearance of ageing signs like dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines.

The anti inflammatory properties helps in healing irritated skin and also provides ability to regenerate new cells.

It has a therapeutic effect on eczema when applied topically on the skin.

The oil is non comedogenic and does not clog the pores when applied topically. It also helps in exfoliation by removing dead skin cells and creates a rejuvenated appearance.

DIY:

ANTI AGEING MASK:Mix in a tablespoon of sunflower oil to three tablespoons of yogurt and few drops of lemon juice. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

UNDER EYE TREATMENT: Its light texture and being less potent makes it a great ingredient to treat under eye pigments and eye bags. Dab a cotton ball into the oil and massage gently.

TONER: Sunflower oil can be used as a toner by dabbing a cotton ball in the oil and applying gently all over the face.

MOISTURIZER FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN: Sunflower oil helps in soothing acne prone skin and helps in preventing further acne formation by fighting against acne causing bacteria. Simply dab a cotton ball with oil and massage gently like a moisturizer .

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

April 21, 2021

R’s which help in skincare

Infused water is really good for skin and is also easily available. Water in general is really helpful in maintaining good skin. It helps to keep you hydrated and flush out toxins so that makes your skin clear and supple.

Rose water and rice water are two easily available or easy to make infused water recipes at home. Trust me they work wonders .

RICE WATER:

Fermented rice water or commonly known as rice wine helps in protecting skin against sun damage. It also helps in collagen build up and helps in preventing wrinkles due to ageing.

It helps to keep the skin supple and also is a good sunscreen.

Rice water works great for dry skin. It helps in soothing irritation caused by using products that contain SLS.
Rice water when applied topically helps in clearing out blemishes and heal irritation caused when having eczema.

Most ancient beauty rituals clearly involve usage of rice water. K-beauty products also predominantly use rice water for its ability to give you flawless skin.

Its an extremely easy DIY at home and brims with skin nutrients though the name looks very humble.

Rice water that is starchy helps in toning and tightening the pores on oily skin.

The starch found in rice water helps in improving and repairing the natural barrier of the skin.Because when this barrier is compromised skin is exposed to various infections.

HOW TO MAKE RICE WATER?

SOAKED RICE WATER:
Take a handful of rice. Rinse in water for about 3-4 times until water runs clear. Soak the rice in water that is of 3 times the quantity of rice. After 30 minutes. Drain the rice and store the water in refrigerator. Use this up to two weeks.

BOILED RICE WATER:
Take a handful of rice. Rinse in water for about 3-4 times until water runs clear. Soak the rice in water that is of 3 times the quantity of rice. Boil the content. Once rice is cooked, collect only the water and store in refrigerator.Use up to two weeks.

FERMENTED RICE WATER:
Take a handful of rice. Rinse in water for about 3-4 times until water runs clear. Soak the rice in water that is of 3 times the quantity of rice. Close and leave it in room temperature for about two days. Drain and collect the water and refrigerate. Use up to two weeks.

HOW TO USE?

Rice water can be used as a cleanser, toner , foot soak and can also be mixed in bath water.

ROSE WATER

Rose water is obtained by steam distilling rose petals. It has anti inflammatory properties that help in soothing skin that is irritated by eczema.
The anti bacterial property helps in reducing acne and the redness caused by it.

It has powerful antioxidants that help in protection of cells from free radical damage.

Rose water has anti ageing properties that help in reducing wrinkles.

Using rose water as toner helps in keeping skin free from extra oil and also prevents acne, blackheads and white heads.
Rose water helps to hydrate and moisturize skin. Since it is mild it can help in reducing puffiness around the eyes.

Rose water when used in combination with natural oil helps remove make up in a gentle way. You could either use coconut oil or almond oil.

Rose water gives a burst of moisture to skin. It can be applied directly or applied when using a face mask.
You could also mix in two drops of rose water to regular moisturizer to get the hydrated effect.

DIYS

OILY SKIN:Mix in a tablespoon of bentonite clay to two tablespoons of cucumber extract and two tablespoons of rose water. Apply on to face and wash off after 10 minutes.

NORMAL SKIN: Mix in a tablespoon of besan to a tablespoon of yogurt and two tablespoons of rose water. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

DRY SKIN:Mix in a tablespoon of aloe vera gel and honey. Add two tablespoons of rose water to the mixture. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

MOISTURIZER: Mix two tablespoons of honey to four tablespoons of rose water. Apply on to face and wash off in 10 minutes.

CLEANSER: Rose water helps remove dirt and impurities which are missed by cleansers. Mix in two tablespoon of water to a tablespoon of multani mutti. Apply on to face and rinse off after 3 minutes.

MAKEUP REMOVER: Mix in a tablespoon of rose water to a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil. Dip a cotton pad in this mixture to wipe off make up.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

April 20, 2021

Q’s which help in skincare

Ageing gracefully is what most of dream about. So maintaining glowing skin is one of the keys to achieve this. But we are under the impression that it can be achieved only with cosmetic tubes, pumps and tubs. Highly priced spa treatments, cosmetic formulations with DHA, Sodium borate make skin dry and irritated and lead to side effects as well. Why undergo all this instead of taking the easier way to glowing skin. Right nutrition also aids good benefits to skin.

Antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamins are key players which help in improving skin texture and appearance.

Quail eggs:

Quail eggs are rich source of omega 3 fatty acids which help in retaining moisture through generation of healthy skin membranes. This makes skin look plump , firm and young. Vitamin B is essential to release energy from food to give you smoother and soft skin that is nourished and well hydrated. Quail eggs are rich sources of vitamin B.

High iron content in quail eggs help in boosting skin pigment.The antioxidants and vitamin E from quail eggs provide moisture which helps in protecting against free radical damage.

Quail eggs not only protect against free radical damage but also help in neutralizing the skin pH.

The eggs are rich in collagen boosting proteins that are vital to maintain skin’s elasticity.

Quail eggs can also be used as cleanser as they remove impurities and help in keeping pores clog free.

Quail eggs helps soothe and provide cooling effect to acne and irritated skin.

Quail eggs help in regulating excess oil secretion from glands and helps keeping acne at bay.

Chinese and Japanese face masks contain quail eggs as one of the ingredients cause of its ability to provide glowing clear skin , tighten and skin lifting abilities. It helps in clearing scars left behind by acne.

Regular consumption and topical help in moisturization of skin.

DIY:

NOURISHING SKIN:Beat one quail egg with two drops of lemon juice. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

SKIN TIGHTENING: Separate the yolk and white from quail egg. Beat the white and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

SOOTH SKINBURN: Apply beaten quail egg on to affected area. Wash off once dry.

COMBINATION SKIN & OILY SKIN: Mix in one beaten quail egg, one teaspoon of lemon juice and honey, 2-3 drops of almond or olive oil. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

DRY SKIN: Use the same mask as above except eliminating lemon juice.
For sensitive skin, eliminate honey from the ingredients and use the same mask.

QUINOA

Quinoa is a superfood and is an excellent storehouse of proteins.
Dating back to the Mayan period, quinoa was considered to be sacred and known as ‘mother of all grains’ due to its health benefits above all the grains.
Did you know that NASA even regarded Quinoa as the best food for astronauts.

Quinoa is rich in Vitamin B which helps in treatment of pigmentation an dark spots which cause ageing.

Quinoa is rich in vitamin B12 which helps in reducing production of melanin, thereby improving complexion.

The vitamin B3 also known as niacinamide helps in effective treatment of acne. It helps in treating acne breakouts by providing relief to irritated and red skin. It is also an antidepressant and hence keeps your skin and you happy.

Vitamin B2 known as riboflavin helps in improving skin elasticity and also regulates production of sebum.

DIY:

SKIN NOURISHING:Cook 1/4 cup of quinoa in soy milk and cool. Add in three teaspoons of yogurt , yolks of two eggs and two drops of lemon or orange essential oil. Blend and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

QUINOA EXFOLIATOR: Mix cooked quinoa with one or two drops of almond or olive oil to achieve desired consistency. Apply on face and gently massage. Wash off after 5-10 minutes.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

April 19, 2021

P’s which help in skincare

The ultimate fruit that could help make your skin clear as glass. Ever heard of natural blush? That comes from within if you take care of your health. Pomegranate is one such fruit that makes you feel good inside out.

Pomegranate

The fruit that lifts up your dahi bhallas, papdi chaats and chutneys is also a winder ingredient for skin health. Rich in antioxidants due to presence of vitamin C, pomegranate helps prevent premature ageing.

The arils or the tiny seeds are packed with minerals, antioxidants,fibres, folic acid and vitamin A, B and C. The antioxidant levels in pomegranate is said to be three times to that present in green tea and wine together.

It helps in neutralizing the effect of free radicals in the body. The anti ageing properties helps stimulate the skin cells and help in skin regeneration. This in turn keeps wrinkles , fine lines and sagging skin at bay.

Pomegranate is a vital ingredient to treat dry and rough skin. It shows much improvement when applied on regular basis on dull skin. The high water content also helps keep skin hydrated.
Pomegranate is also known for its anti inflammatory properties and is helpful in curing acne and zits.

The polyphenols in pomegranates help cure oxidative damage like age spots and wrinkles. These are cause by prolonged exposure to sun.

Pomegranates promote collagen and elastin production thereby making skin smooth and soft.

Let alone the fruit the peel has some benefits too. It helps in preventing breakdown of collagen. It helps to lighten pimple scars when applied topically.

It is most beneficial for people with oily skin and for those who have congested skin.

DIYS

TO HYDRATE SKIN: Blend three tablespoon of pomegranate seeds with a cup of oatmeal cooked, two tablespoons of olive oil and a tablespoon of honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Pomegranate juice can be a great ingredient to prepare face masks and scrubs. Its hydrating property works wonder on skin.

TONER: Mix in a tablespoon of pomegranate juice to 1/3 tablespoon of diluted ACV as toner.

EXFOLIATION: Grind pomegranate seeds to fine powder. Add rose water to adjust consistency. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

COMBINATION SKIN: Grind a tablespoon of pomegranate seeds and mix with one tablespoon of rice flour and olive oil. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

DRY AND DULL SKIN: Mix a tablespoon of pomegranate peel powder to a tablespoon of besan and milk cream. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Mix a tablespoon of pomegranate peel powder to a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and rose water. Apply on to face and wash off with water.

BLEMISH FREE SKIN: Grind a tablespoon of pomegranate pearls and add in a tablespoon of honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Grind a tablespoon of pomegranate pearls and add in a tablespoon of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

POPPY SEEDS OR KHUS KHUS

Rich in antioxidants, poppy seeds is a powerhouse of essential skin nutrients that help in maintaining good skin.

Linoleic acid is present in abundance in poppy seeds which help in curing eczema and acne .It helps reduce skin itching, redness and inflammation.

Poppy seeds aid as good moisturizer when used the right way. It helps keep skin supple by providing necessary hydration.

Poppy seeds are rich in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids which make it beneficial for skin.

DIYS:

MOISTURIZED SKIN:
Grind soaked poppy seeds with milk and apply the paste on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

EXFOLIATION:
Grind soaked poppy seeds with yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

RELIEF FROM INFLAMMATION AND :
Grind soaked poppy seeds with lemon juice. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Papaya

One other fruit that aids good skincare is papaya. The bright yellow flesh has numerous benefits that make it one of the most sought ingredients in skincare.

High presence of antioxidants and vitamin C can definitely do wonders to your skin in terms of delaying premature ageing. It helps removing dead skin cells and regenerate skin .

Helps in providing moisture to dry and dull skin.

Papain in papaya helps remove tan in combination with presence of vitamin A and C.

Papaya benefits in fighting against acne and also prevent dark circles.
It helps in reducing inflammation due to presence of anti inflammation properties.

DIYs:

OILY SKIN:Blend few pieces of papaya, two to three orange pieces and a tablespoon of aloevera gel. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

DRY SKIN : Blend few pieces of papaya with milk.Add in a tablespoon of honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

PORE REDUCTION: Beat one egg white until its fluffy. Add in mashed papaya and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

TAN REMOVAL: Mix two tablespoons of mashed papaya to pulp of one tomato. Apply this on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

April 17, 2021

O’s which help in skincare

While we discuss about the ingredients that are available at home that can help in skincare, we also need to understand these are not just the ingredients itself that provide you the benefits but also some of their residues.
Like the coffee grounds for skincare, pomegranate seeds for their health benefits or the peels that are beneficial to make compost.
One other important ingredient that belongs to being neglected but mightily useful category would be the orange peel.

ORANGE PEEL:

The bright and shiny peel has more amounts of vitamin C than the fruit pulp in itself. The presence of abundance of vitamin C helps fight against free radical damage

The antioxidants present in peel, help in making you achieve clearer and brighter skin.

Its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties plays an essential role in fighting against acne causing bacteria.
Its skin brightening properties help in lightening the dark spots and pigmentation.

The exfoliating nature of the peel helps in removal of blackheads.

Since it is rich in calcium it helps in cell regeneration.

This is because of the presence of citric acid that helps in bleaching and exfoliation of skin.
The anti inflammatory property helps in soothing sunburns and irritation.

DIYS:

SKIN RADIANCE
Mix two tablespoons of orange peel powder to two tablespoons of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off in 15 minutes.

Mix two tablespoons of orange peel powder to two tablespoons of cooked rice and a tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Mix one tablespoon of orange peel powder to one tablespoon of honey and a pinch of turmeric. Wash off after 15 minutes.

Mix one tablespoon of orange peel powder to one tablespoon each of sandalwood powder and walnut powder. Add in rose water to adjust consistency. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Mix one tablespoon to orange peel powder to a tablespoon of multani mitti and a tablespoon of rose water. Adjust rose water quantity according to consistency. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

REDUCE PORE AND PIMPLE
Mix a tablespoon of orange peel powder to two tablespoons of yogurt and a tablespoon of oatmeal. Apply on to face and massage in circular motion post drying. Wash off after 15 minutes.

SMOOTHER SKIN:
Mix two tablespoons of orange peel powder to two tablespoons each of milk and honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

SCRUB:
Mix in one tablespoon of orange peel powder to two tablespoons of sugar and two tablespoons of coconut/olive oil. Adjust consistency to be thick and not runny. Store in air tight container or use immediately.
You could also use fresh orange peels as an alternate.

CLEANSER: Mix in a teaspoon of milk and coconut oil to two teaspoons of orange peel powder. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

LIP BALM: Mix in equal quantities of sugar and orange peel powder. Now add in almond oil to adjust consistency.

OATS:

More than just a cereal that forms the most important meal of the day, it also is a super food for your skin. Yes, I’m talking about oats. Your skin would enjoy a bowl of this super food and thank you in the future.

Oats is suited for all skin but in particularly it is much more beneficial to people with oily skin because of its capability to soak up excess oil from skin.

The zinc present in oats helps in reduction of inflammation and battles against acne causing bacteria.

Oats is an excellent exfoliating agent and helps provide moisture to skin naturally. It helps in soothing skin damage because of its mild pH.

The saponins present in oats are known for their cleansing abilities, hence using oats helps unclog pores which are the main reason for blackheads.

DIYS

DETAN:
Powder 2 almonds and add two tablespoons of milk. Add in a teaspoon of oatmeal. Apply on to face and wash off in 15 minutes.

Mix in two tablespoons of buttermilk to a tablespoon of oats and honey. Apply on to face and wash off in 15 minutes.

Mix in a teaspoon of oats to one pureed tomato. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

REDUCING PORES:

Mix in one tablespoon of oats to two tablespoons of curd. Apply on to face and wash off in 15 minutes.

ACNE CLEARING:

OILY SKIN
Mix in two tablespoons of oats to water enough for cooking. Once done , cool to lukewarm and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

DRY/NORMAL SKIN:
Mix in two tablespoons of oats to milk enough for cooking. Once done , cool to lukewarm and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

April 16, 2021

N’s which help in skincare

Neem

A tree that is found in every nook and corner of the country and has abundance of benefits for health, skin and hair is the neem tree. Deemed as nature’s drugstore for the innumerable benefits of all its parts like leaves, bark and flowers. It is used in making medicines, cosmetics and a number of personal care products due to its antibacterial and anti fungal properties.

It is a natural blood purifier which helps in flushing out toxins from the body which naturally paves the way for glowing skin.

It can be incorporated in the form of oil,paste,powder and juice to gain the various benefits.
Neem is suited for all skin types and keeps your beauty game going strong.

The antibacterial properties of neem help in fighting against acne causing bacteria and also helps in getting rid of pimples.

Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E neem helps in fighting signs of aging like dark spots and wrinkles.

Fatty acids and the vitamin E help nourish the skin thereby making it a good moisturizer.
Helps in reducing dark spots and blemishes.
Helps in healing irritated skin because of anti-inflammatory properties.
Neem oil boosts collagen production so it helps in delaying fine lines.

DIYS

Boil some neem leaves and orange peels. Once the peels soften grind them and mix in a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice. Apply on to face and wash off in 15 minutes. This helps in treating acne.Mix in a teaspoon of neem powder to water to make a paste. Add a pinch of turmeric and apply on to face. Wash off in 15 minutes. This helps to tackle blackheads and whiteheads.
Take 3 tablespoons of neem leaves crushed and grind with water. Add in two tablespoons of turmeric. Mix and apply on to face . Wash off after 15 minutes for even skin tone on regular usage. Can be used daily.
Taking bath in neem infused water helps keep skin infections at bay.
Mix in 2-3 drops of neem oil to coconut oil. Massage the mixture on to face during nights to blur out the fine lines. Neem has rich omega fatty acid which helps in anti-aging.
Chewing 3-4 neem leaves on empty stomach helps in purifying blood which also paves way for glowing skin.

NUTMEG

Nutmeg is a spice that is known for its sweet aroma. It not only makes dishes exotic but also helps in giving you the skin of your dreams.

The spice from Indonesia not only elevates dishes with a small pinch, it paves way for perfect health and body because of its use in personal care products.

Nutmeg mainly helps in decreasing hyperpigmentation, calms irritated skin and helps in balancing oily skin.

Nutmeg is a strong antioxidant that helps fight against free radical damage and delays signs of aging.

Its antibacterial nature helps fight against acne causing bacteria.

DIYS

Mix in one tablespoon of honey, lemon juice, clove oil and baking soda each with a pinch of nutmeg. Apply on to face and wash off after 10 minutes using gentle circular motions. This is a perfect pack for skin exfoliation.

Grind 2 nutmegs , 5 almonds and one tablespoon cumin to powder form. Add in a tablespoon of orange peel powder and two mashed camphor tablets and store in air tight container. To apply mix in a tablespoon of yogurt to a tablespoon of this powder.
Grind equal parts of cinnamon and nutmeg. To this add equal parts of honey and lemon juice. Apply on acne spots overnight to remove the scars.
Mix in a pinch of nutmeg to two tablespoons of coconut milk. Massage gently on face to reduce signs of aging and visibly radiant skin post washing after 10 minutes.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

April 15, 2021

M’s which help in skincare

The kitchen has a number of ingredients that help in skincare if only you know of how to use them the right way. These are not something new but been followed generations before.

Masoor Dal

Masoor dal or red lentils help in internal cleansing but also works great on your skin. This tiny lentil not only can give you tasty dishes but also good skin. Consuming the dal helps in cleansing the body from the inside, applying it topically benefits your skin to a greater extent.

This dry lentil can be powdered and stored to be used later in face packs that suits your skin.

Masoor dal has antioxidants that helps fight against free radical damage. The antioxidants also fight against signs of ageing like fine lines, dark spots and wrinkle.

Masoor dal helps in making the skin tone even. It works on dark spots and patches and gradually makes them vanish.
The vitamin B present in masoor dal helps boost production of red blood cells which supply more oxygen to cells thereby giving the natural glow to skin.
Masoor dal serves as an excellent exfoliator and helps remove dead cells, impurities.

Masool dal hydrates skin and also improves the texture.
Masoor dal helps in clarifying skin by fighting against acne and blackheads.

Most importantly its cost effective, easily available and used in many ways. It has a longer shelf life when ground post drying and stored in air tight container.

DIYs

DRY SKIN: Soak masoor dal of two tablespoons in two tablespoons of raw milk overnight and grind in the morning. Apply on to face and wash off after 20 minutes.
SKIN TIGHTENING: Mix one tablespoon of masoor dal powder to one tablespoon of raw milk and one egg white. Apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.
ANTI AGING AND TAN REMOVAL: Mix masoor dal powder of one tablespoon to one table spoon of dry fruit powder preferably walnut. Mix in some rose water to adjust consistency. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Mix masoor dal powder with coconut oil and a pinch of turmeric and raw milk. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Mix in masoor dal powder with honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes to get well nourished and hydrated skin.

SOFT AND SMOOTH SKIN: Grind overnight soaked masoor dal and mix in one tablespoon of multani mitti and one tablespoon of honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.
Mix in one tablespoon of masoor dal , a pinch of turmeric and lemon juice to make a paste. Apply on face and wash off after 15 minutes. This helps in removing tan.
REMOVE DARK SPOTS: Grind a handful of overnight soaked masoor dal into paste. Add raw milk and almond oil of one tablespoon each. Mix and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.
FACIAL HAIR REMOVAL : Soak masoor dal, sandal powder and orange peel powder in milk overnight. Grind the ingredients in the morning apply on to face. Use mild circular motions to scrub off the pack post 15 minutes. Alternatively you could use olive oil to remove it as well.
BRIGHT SKIN: Soak 2 crushed marigold flowers with one tablespoon of masoor dal and rose water. Grind the ingredients in the morning and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

Matcha

The green powder is not only a health elixir but also a widely used skincare ingredient around the world. In a world that is oversaturated with Chemical products or ones that are tested on animals this green powder is one of the safest ingredients in your pantry that could work wonders.

Matcha helps in gentle exfoliation. It makes it easier for the pores to function by removing dead skin cells and other impurities.

Matcha is antibacterial and hence helps remove excess oil in skin and also helps protect against acne causing bacteria.
It makes skin plump and does this by shrinking the pores thereby also reducing wrinkle and fine lines.
Matcha gives a refreshed look by reducing the eye bags and dark circles because of the presence of caffeine and tannin.

The anti-inflammatory properties of matcha helps in healing redness, itching and swelling due to skin irritations.

DIYs

Mix one tablespoon of matcha to one tablespoon of water to make a paste. Apply on to face and wash off after 10 minutes.

Mix one tablespoon of matcha to one tablespoon of honey to make a paste. Apply on to face and wash off after 10 minutes.

SKIN DETOX AND ANTI ACNE: Mix one tablespoon of matcha to few drops of lemongrass essential oil. Apply onto face and wash off after 30 minutes.
Mix 1/3 cup of coconut oil to 3/4 cup sugar and a tablespoon of matcha to make your own scrub to exfoliate your skin.
Mix two teaspoons of matcha to one teaspoon of coffee grounds and yogurt to form a paste. Aplly on to face and use gentle circular motions to scrub and remove dead skin cells.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.