DIY Beauty Regimes & Desi ‘Nushkas’ we Swear By
7 minuteRead
DIY Beauty – The Natural Way
Being born and brought up in India, my mother always encouraged me to take the natural route when it came to skincare. She always told me that flawless, glowing and radiant skin is something that can be achieved with basic ingredients found in a kitchen. Is this something your mother has told you too?
When it comes to great skin and hair, grandmothers and mothers know it all. They have an arsenal of beauty recipes and secrets that have been passed down through generations. In an era where millennials are choosing K-beauty and harsh skin care products, I am a firm-believer in home remedies and DIY beauty routines. They may be ancient but they’re super-effective and it’s all the TLC (tender loving care) your skin needs. The best part about natural skincare recipes is that they suit all skin types, unlike chemical-laden, off-the-shelf beauty products.
Whether you’re looking to whip up a DIY body scrub, homemade facial cream, or serum, we have you sorted with time-tested recipes and concoctions, and desi ‘nushkas’ our grandmothers swear by. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the ingredients, they work like a charm and are super-easy on the pocket too.
Let’s get started!
Disclaimer: Though homemade beauty recipes suit all skin types, sometimes they may not be the best fit for those with extra sensitive or acne-prone skin. Before you try any of the below DIY home remedies, we recommend you perform a patch test behind your ear or the side of your neck. After 24 hours, check for any signs of redness, itchiness or swelling. If the product doesn’t have an allergic reaction on your skin, it’s safe to use.
7 Natural Beauty Ingredients to Include in your Skincare Regimen ASAP
1.Turmeric
If you thought turmeric is just for curry, you’re mistaken. The most prized condiment on your spice rack has been proven scientifically for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. There’s a pretty good reason why Indian brides are dipped in “haldi” from head-to-toe, a day before their weddings. It’s a beautifying herb that has an array of healing properties. Applying a DIY turmeric face pack regularly can reduce dullness, fight acne, dark spots and wrinkles to a certain extent.
You’ll need:
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp yogurt
- Few drops of rose water
Directions:
- Mix the ingredients together in a bowl
- Apply evenly all over the face and neck
- Keep it on for 10 to 15 minutes
- Wash off with warm water and pat dry skin
- For best results, apply this pack once in two weeks
2. Gram Flour
Talking about “desi nushkas”, we cannot possibly miss besan or gram flour. Grandmothers in India are obsessed with this wonder ingredient that can give your face and body a radiant glow. The best part? It’s readily available on every kitchen shelf. Right from acne and tanning to cleansing, exfoliating, blemishes and dull skin, besan can treat numerous skin concerns. Here’s the best DIY body scrub that you can make at home using simple ingredients. Regular use will help you get rid of dry skin cells, dirt, grime and oiliness.
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp gram flour
- 1 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp ground oats
- ½ tsp honey
Directions:
- To prepare this scrub, mix the dry ingredients together
- Add milk and honey, and stir well. If it is too thick, add some milk to give it the consistency of a face pack.
- Wet your face, arms and legs, and apply generously
- Gently massage and leave it on for 15 minutes
- Wash off with warm water
- This homemade body scrub can be used for de-tanning too
3. Coconut Oil
If you still haven’t incorporated coconut oil in your skincare and haircare routine, do so ASAP. It’s no stranger to Indian beauty shelves. Remember the good old ‘champi’ from your childhood days? Your grandma massaging this elixir into your scalp was seriously an experience that was second-to-none. However today, coconut oil is not just restricted to the hair. Owing to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it is widely being used in DIY skincare products too. From moisturisers to serums to makeup removers, you’ll find coconut oil used as a base ingredient. In winter, it’s a great remedy for chapped lips too. If you’re looking for an easy-peasy DIY for glowing skin, think coconut oil. It’s widely available and super-affordable too. Believe us, you’re going to be obsessed with this face mask.
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 pinch turmeric
Directions:
- Mix coconut oil and turmeric in a bowl
- Apply it to a clean, dry face and leave it on for 20 minutes
- Rinse your face with cold water and pat dry. Do not rub your skin with a towel or face napkin
- We recommend you use this face pack twice a week in the morning as you wake up. It treats skin discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. It also hydrates and moisturises the skin.
4. Neem
Do you know what makes our grandparents’ skin glow even today? It’s their uncomplicated beauty regime. If there’s one superfood with a host of pharmaceutical virtues, it has to be neem. Often referred to as the ‘king of herbal skin cures’, if you’re on the lookout for a recipe for homemade face care, tap this natural herb. Even Bollywood actor, Anushka Sharma, swears by this natural ingredient for skincare. Studies reveal that it can minimise acne, balance the skin’s oil production, treat hyperpigmentation and heal wounds caused due to sun damage. Here’s a quick-fix we vouch for especially for those who don’t have time to go through a lengthy skincare routine. It’s the best face scrub at home for dry skin.
You’ll need:
- Few neem leaves
- 1 tsp honey
Directions:
- Wash and dry a handful of neem leaves
- Make a paste of the leaves by adding it to a food processor
- Add a spoonful of honey and mix
- Apply it to a clean, dry face and leave it on for 15 minutes
- Wash off with cold water
- This neem face pack is known to moisturise your skin from within and make it supple and smooth
5. Curd
Curd is a common skincare ingredient used by women. Since it is packed with the goodness of protein, calcium and various vitamins, it provides a host of benefits when applied directly to the skin. It is also rich in lactic acid which helps in dissolving dead skin cells. You can literally create the best homemade skin care routine using curd. Whether you want to exfoliate, nourish or simply hydrate your skin, you’ll be surprised to know that curd is indeed a wonderful beauty product. If you’re back from a beach vacay and want to get rid of a stubborn tan and redness, try this DIY body scrub for whitening.
You’ll need:
- 2 tbsp curd/yogurt
- 1 tbsp besan/gram flour
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Directions:
- Mix the curd, besan and lemon to prepare a thick paste
- Apply on your face, arms, legs, back, or any other area which is inflamed
- Let is sit for 10 minutes before you wash it off with cold water
- Use at least three times a week to lighten your skin tone considerably
6. Cucumber
You’ve come across the phrase “as cool as a cucumber”, right? Now imagine the cooling effect a cucumber can have on your skin. Since 96% of a cucumber is just water, it soothes and refreshes your skin instantly. It also cools down the temperature of the blood and reduces swelling. This is exactly why it is used in facials too. We assume that most of you may have just used cucumber slices to calm puffy eyes. However, this staple veggie also works as a great DIY anti-aging face mask. It’s no biggie and it’s super-simple to put together since you don’t need any complex or expensive ingredients.
You’ll need:
- Half a cucumber
Directions:
- Grate and puree the cucumber to make a watery paste
- Apply on a clean, dry face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes
- Wash off with cold water
- Pat dry and you’ll find your skin looking refreshed and super-supple
7. Coffee
Millennials love coffee. Be it in their diet or on their skin, suddenly coffee skincare recipes seem to be in the limelight. While it makes a great exfoliating scrub, it is also scientifically proven to minimise cellulite. Regular application of coffee on your skin can make it look healthier and fresh. Since it is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, it is recognised to reduce redness, inflammation and acne. There’s a reason why coffee is making an appearance on every beauty blog. If you’re confused about adding coffee to your DIY beauty regime, don’t be. Start with this super-simple face pack and your skin will thank you later.
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp ground coffee
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Few drops of coconut oil
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, add ground coffee and coconut oil and stir well
- Once it reaches a consistency you prefer, add the granulated sugar
- Massage it onto your face and body, and rub in a circular motion
- Rinse with warm water
- Seal the deal with a good moisturiser to give your skin a radiant glow
We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again. Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all deal. Before trying any DIY beauty regime, understand the requirements of your skin. Owing to the COVID-induced lockdown last year, a lot of people treated their skin to DIY homemade skincare products and were extremely satisfied with the results. It’s never too late to make homemade skincare remedies a part of your beauty regimen. Once you start, there’s no looking back. The results are promising and they can be put together in just a few minutes using ingredients you have at hand.
Two-three Ingredient Face Masks for Every Skin Type
Dry Skin
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
Oily Skin
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Acne-Prone Skin
- 1 tbsp ground coffee
- 1 tsp honey
Combination Skin
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp gram flour
Sensitive Skin
- Grated potato
- 1 tsp Honey
Dull Skin
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Do you have any other natural beauty product recipes that you would like to share with us? Let us know in the comments section below.
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