Problem: Dry skin
Solution: Petroleum jelly
If you’re dealing with hands and feet that are super rough or peeling (very common in both, the summer as well as the winter) rub generous amounts of Vaseline petroleum jelly on them just before you go to bed. Then cover them with gloves and socks for the duration of the night. We assure you, the next morning you’ll wake up with hands and feet that are as soft as a baby’s.
You can even replace the petroleum jelly with almond or jojoba oil.
Problem: Dead skin and impurities
Solution: Walnuts
Did you know that apart from consuming walnuts you can even use them in quick beauty treatments at home? If you’re dealing with dead skin and deep-set impurities that even the best cleansers cannot get rid of, try mixing two teaspoons of finely ground (paste consistency) walnuts with two tablespoons of fresh yogurt (dahi). Wet your skin, apply the paste and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water. You’ll notice that your skin looks like it’s got a thorough scrubbing and looks radiantly fresh.
Problem: Fine lines and wrinkles
Solution: Fenugreek (methi)
There’s a very good reason why fenugreek seemed to very popular with our grandparents. Turns out, apart from a high healthy value, it’s also got great beauty benefits. Mix two tablespoons of crushed fenugreek leaves with two tablespoons of boiled milk and apply the paste on your face. This natural mask is an excellent way to delay the onset of wrinkles and fine lines.
Problem: Pigmentation and scars
Solution: Aloe vera and rose water
If scars from childhood, a nasty pimple that left its mark and a much too prominent dark spot have suddenly got back into the spotlight and are attracting too much attention, arm yourself with aloe vera and rose water. Make a paste using the extract of the aloe vera plant with a few tablespoons of rose water and gently massage it into your skin. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water. This mask will help you deal with pigmentation as well as work as a fairness pack.
Problem: Acne
Solution: Neem
One of Ayurveda’s favourite herbs, neem can work wonders on skin that’s prone to pimples. If you’re dealing with a bout of acne, wash some neem leaves, grind them into a fine paste and apply it on your zits. Let the paste sit there for a few minutes before rinsing it off. The anti-bacterial properties in the neem fight the acne causing bacteria. However, to see the results, you need to be quite regular with this treatment.
Written by Girija Naiksatam on Jul 31, 2014