Category Archives: Home Remedies

Home Remedies For Glowing Skin, Indian Skincare blog, Indian beauty blog

Home Remedies For Glowing Skin

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HOME REMEDIES FOR GLOWING SKIN

By Rashmi

Hello peeps,

I am back with another DIY solution for your skin. Glowing skin is what everybody desires. People spend so much money by going to parlours. Though the effect of parlour treatment is almost immediate,is it long lasting? I don’t think so. I prefer using ingredients from the kitchen which are readily available.These are absolutely natural ingredients and are safe. And these things give a glow to your face like no other parlour treatment can give. And guess what? The results are permanent. When at first my mother asked me to use homemade face masks instead of going to the parlour i laughed at that but now after using all these homemade masks I am sure I am not going to the parlour for facials.

And I am sure these home remedies for glowing skin are going to work for you guys as well.

Happy reading ☺

1. Honey and lemon juice –

In a bowl take 2tbsp honey and mix in it 1tbsp lemon. Mix it well. Apply it on your face and leave it for 20 minutes.Wash it off with cold water. Lemon works as a natural bleach and honey gives instant radiance. One could also try applying just honey on the face. Honey and Lemon is perfect for removing your tan too.

2. Banana face mask-

In a bowl take half a banana(ripe),mix 1tbsp yogurt to it along with 1tbsp honey. Mix it well until the banana is mashed completely. You could add 2-3 drops of rosewater too. Now apply this face mask and leave it for 20-25 minutes before washing it off with water.Banana is best for getting glowing skin.

3. Tomato juice –

Simply mix tomato juice along with lemon and apply it on your face. Let it sit for 20minutes and then wash it off with plain water.Follow up with a good oil free moisturiser.

4. Olive oil or coconut oil-

People have this misconception that if they apply oil on their face, they will get pimples .This isn’t true. In fact either olive oil or coconut oil should be applied on the face for at least 10minutes before taking a shower. This is a really effective method to get that glow that you have always longed for.I follow this routine daily and this has worked effectively for me.

5. Potato and lemon juice-

Take the juice of half potato and mix in it about 1tbsp lemon juice. Apply this on your face daily for a week and you will be able to notice a beautiful glow on your face. Rub this mixture on your elbows too to get rid of dark elbows. This mix when used continuously for a week, will help get rid of all that stubborn tan.

6. Papaya face mask-

In a bowl take papaya and mash it well. Mix in it about 1tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp turmeric (you don’t want to be left with a yellow face instead of a glowing one) and 1tsp honey. Mix all the ingredients well and apply this on your face for 20 minutes and then wash it off. Apply rosewater on your face after that.

7. Milk and lemon-

Mix milk and lemon together. The milk should be unboiled. Apply this and you would get a radiant skin within a week. Milk helps to moisturise your skin and lemon helps in bleaching the skin naturally thus causing no side effect.

Additional tips-

1. For people with dry skin mix glycerine and rosewater and apply it on your face daily.

2. For people with oily skin mix gram flour(besan) with rosewater and apply daily. Alternatively fuller’s earth could also be used.

3. Apply aloe vera on your face daily .

4. Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week to get rid off the dead skin cells.

5. Always keep your skin hydrated and moisturised.

6. Always remove your makeup before going to sleep and apply your night cream.

7. Rub an ice cube on your face for an instant glow.

See more skincare tips/DIY HERE

Editor’s Note: These are easy and perfect everyday tips Rashmi. Glycerine and Rose water, I swear by. Even Fuller’s Earth, especially for summers.

Do you use these quick home remedies for that glowing skin? If not, do so now.

P.S: Images from Google.

How To Get Rid of Acne Naturally

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How To Get Rid of Acne Naturally

By Rashmi

Hello girlies,

This is my first article in this space and i do hope that you all llike it . This being my first article I wanted to write about something that has troubled myself for years.Happy reading ☺

The most irritating thing about growing up is probably pimples.This had troubled me for years until i found a natural and permanent solution to cure it. Though natural remedies have a slower effect but they are permanent cures.I have been using these natural remedies for years and have a clear skin since then. So i thought of sharing these remedies with you all.

All you need to have is a bit of patience. I hope all these remedies works for you all as well. ☺

1. Fuller’s earth- In a bowl take about 4 tbsp of fuller’s earth. Mix 2tbsp of sandalwood powder and mix 1tbsp of turmeric powder into it. Add some rosewater and mix well. Apply this on the face and wash after half an hour. Continue using this face pack for 2 weeks to notice a difference.

2. Coriander leaves- Make a paste of coriander leaves and apply it on the effected area and leave it for 20-25minutes and then wash it off.Coriander leaves works effectively in curing acne.

3. Lemon- Mix lemon with honey and apply it on your face and leave it for half an hour and rinse off with cold water to get a clear skin.Lemon works great as a skin lightener too and is most effective in curing acne.

4. Garlic juice – Garlic juice is probably the most effective natural ingredient to cure acne, the only problem being that it stings really bad. Apply it for 15 mins and then rinse off with cold water and apply rosewater.

5. Black pepper – Mix crushed black pepper with rosewater. Apply on face and leave overnight. Wash it with lukewarm water in the morning.

6. Neem – Mix 2tbsp of neem powder, 1tbsp sandalwood powder and add a few drops of rosewater. Mix it well and apply it on your face. Let it dry and then wash it off.

7. Camphor – Camphor is known to cure acne.It reduces redness and itching. Mix 1–2 cubes of camphor (depending upon the size) and rose water and spray it on your face.This works as a great toner. This is the elixir for people with oily skin. Spray it on your face daily to get rid of acne.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely loved the tips Rashmi, never tried black pepper and camphor. Will surely give them a try

Have you tried these tips? What do you do to keep acne at bay?

P.S: Images from Google

Top 5 Natural DIY Hair Conditioning Treatments

Conditioners, DIY, Hair Care, Hair Mask, Home Remedies, How To, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top 5 Natural DIY Hair Conditioning Treatments

By Somreeta

The dry and cold weather during the winter months tend to strip your hair of moisture. As a result, your tresses look dull, frizzy, and lifeless. Dry hair is more prone to breakage and develops split ends. Hence, it is important to nourish and condition your hair. The right kind of conditioning treatments during the winters would help to lock in moisture content in the hair shafts, thereby making your hair soft and manageable. Check out the top 5 natural hair conditioning treatments that are not only simple but also effective.

1. BANANA NOURISHING HAIR TREATMENT: Put a ripe banana, 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of honey in a blender. Blend well and apply this rich concoction on your hair shafts. Olive oil is one of the best known natural moisturizers while honey is a natural humectant. Banana helps minimize contraction while nourishing your hair thoroughly. After 30 minutes, wash it off. Be patient while washing, as banana tends to stick to your hair. Do it once a week for best results.

2. WHOLESOME EGG TREATMENT: Whisk an egg, 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise and a cup of plain yogurt in a bowl and apply the mixture liberally on your hair strands. The natural proteins and vitamins present in egg works wonders in strengthening the hair follicles and bringing about significant reduction in dryness. Yogurt makes hair soft while mayonnaise moisturises your hair. Wait for 45 minutes post application and rinse thoroughly with trepid water and shampoo. This homemade hair treatment can be done twice every week.

3. AVOCADO PROTEIN HAIR TREATMENT: Avocado is a rich storehouse of natural proteins and oils. Mash an avocado and add 5 to 6 drops of peppermint oil. Shampoo your hair, squeeze the water out and apply this mask. Wait for about 20 minutes and rinse well. Hair feels soft, smooth and hydrated.

4. CLASSIC MILK AND HONEY TREATMENT: It is pretty easy to prepare this classic hair mask. Mix two tablespoons of honey to a cup of whole milk and apply this natural hair potion along the length of your hair. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and rinse well. This mask strengthens your hair, moisturises it and rejuvenates dry hair. Do this treatment twice every week to see amazing results.

5. HOT OIL TREATMENT: The homemade hot oil treatment has stood the test of time. Warm up any natural oil of your choice and massage your hair and scalp well. You could use olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil. You may even love to blend two oils in equal amounts and then, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for extra benefits. Follow up with turban therapy and then shampoo. Hair feels soft, moisturized and well-nourished.

Isn’t t easy to attain gorgeous locks just by following a few homemade hair care treatments? Opt for these DIY conditioners and get beautiful and nourished hair, naturally!

Editor’s Note: I so agree with Hot Oil one. I am going to try a few of these for sure, especially milk and honey 🙂 Nice post Somreeta

P.S: Images from Google

Do you follow these at home DIY’s for Deep Conditioning your hair?

DIY Anti-Tan Face Pack For Oily Skin

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DIY Anti-Tan Face Pack For Oily Skin

By Sanchita

Hello everyone. I am back with a DIY this time which, I am sure, would be very useful to all the oily skin types in the upcoming scorch summer. The thing is, when we go out in the sun, our skin produces extra melanin to protect the internal layers of the skin and thus we end up with deeper complexions i.e. tan. The tan is unescapable and no matter what product we apply or the protection we take – we always end up with a discolored complexion after a day’s turmoil. With sun tan comes the pigmentation and early signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles that contributes to the dullness of our whole outlook. Due to my acne prone oily skin, I always stay away from chemical laden face pack and instead make my own with the help of certain ingredients easily available anywhere. This face pack has helped to restore my skin’s complexion and texture for all these years and I cannot simply live without it. So, here’s the ingredients and steps listed below to make the Anti-Tan face pack for oily skin.

INGREDIENTS

Besan (Bengal Gram)
Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) (BUY HERE)
Sandalwood Powder (even sandalwood paste would work) (BUY HERE)
Rose Water
Clean bowl and spoon.

STEPS

1. In a clean bowl, add 1tbsp. of Besan.

2. Add, 1tbsp. of Multani Mitti to the mixture.

3. Next, add ½ tbsp. of sandalwood powder (or 1tbsp. of sandalwood paste).

4. With the help of a spoon, add all these dry ingredients thoroughly.

5. Pour the rose water, 1tbsp. at a time to get the medium consistency of a face pack.

6. Leave the face pack for about 30-40mins and rinse with cold water. Pat the skin dry.

BENEFITS

Besan (Bengal Gram) – A common household ingredient that contributes to the healthy texture of the skin. It has the ability to naturally cleanse the skin and remove every layer of impurities from the pores and also tightening them to a large extent. It is also a very gentle exfoliator for oily skin which can’t resist harsh scrubs. Most importantly, it helps is removing the tan, brightening the skin and also helps in eliminating acne and sudden breakouts.

Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti) – This is the Holy Grail for every girl with oily skin. Apply any face pack with multani mitti will not only make your skin oil free but also prevents the acne as well. It diminishes every layer of discolorations, pigmentation, scars and blemishes on the face with regular usage. It is further known to improve the elasticity of the skin, thereby reducing the signs like fine lines, wrinkles, etc.

Sandalwood Powder – This is one gorgeous ingredient that contributes to skin lightening by removing every ounce of impurities from the skin. I am not saying it will make you ‘fairer’ (because that never happens) but it will make you fall in love with your complexion. It enhances the skin’s texture to a large extent. The ant-tan properties soothes sun burns and removes it and also the antibacterial properties works on acne prone skin like a miracle. It tightens the drooping skin tissues with the intention of providing a youthful appearance to the skin.

Rose Water – when nothing works on your skin, rose water is the best astringent to go for. The product revitalizes aging skin and keeps fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Maintaining the skin’s pH balance, it hydrates, refreshes and moisturizes the skin, thereby making it smooth. The antioxidant properties of rose water help to strengthen skin cells and restore skin tissues.
So, definitely try this out and let me know how this worked for your stubborn acne prone oily skin.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely swear by multani mitti and sandalwood powder, loved this DIY Sanchita.

Have you tried this at home DIY to remove your tan yet?

How To Unclog Facial Pores Naturally

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How To Unclog Facial Pores Naturally

By Somreeta

If you wish to keep pimples, blackheads and acne at bay, it is important for you to clear the clogged pores in your skin. Deep cleansing and exfoliation at regular intervals help in doing away with the dead skin cells, oil, dirt and impurities that clog the pores. Keep reading for the best tips and tricks to unclog facial skin pores naturally.

How To Unclog Facial Pores Naturally: Top 3 Tips

1. STEAMING: Steaming is one of the cheapest yet most effective natural treatments that help remove the dirt and grease that have accumulated in the pores of the skin. Heat water in a pot and cover it with a lid. As soon as the water starts producing steam, remove it from the source of heat and lean over the pot of steaming water, while covering your head with a towel. Make sure that the steam touches your face. For added benefits, add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to the water. Steam your face for about 5 to 7 minutes. Whenever you feel that the steam is too hot for you to put up with, take a short break. After you are done with steaming your face, pat your skin dry and follow up with a toner and a mild non-comedogenic moisturizer. Steaming your face once a week is indeed a great practice.

2. EXFOLIATION: Exfoliate your skin to chuck out the impurities off the pores of your facial skin. Mix baking soda (2 tablespoons) with cinnamon powder (1 tablespoon) and honey (4 tablespoons). Add the juice of half-a-lemon to the mixture and apply the concoction on your face. Rinse with water after 5 minutes. Baking soda is an excellent exfoliating agent that is gentle on the skin and helps unplug clogged pores. If you are not comfortable using baking soda and lemon juice on skin, you can try out the honey-sugar scrub recipe. Mix 4 tablespoons of green tea with honey and sugar, a tablespoon each. Scrub your face with this homemade scrub and wash off with water. Follow up with a mild moisturizer.

3. APPLICATION OF CLAY MASKS: Clay masks are known to draw out the oil and grease from the skin pores efficiently. Mix bentonite clay, oatmeal powder and water, one tablespoon each. Apply this clay mask on your face. Once it dries up, rinse thoroughly with water. Follow up with a good quality moisturizer to prevent dryness.

A weekly skincare regimen, consisting of steaming, cleansing, scrubbing, toning and moisturizing could go a long way in preventing clogged pores. Unclog your facial pores naturally and keep your skin smooth and glowing, always!

Editor’s Note: Totally believe in all three, while steaming doesn’t happen always. Even a warm muslin cloth works at times. And clay masks are so amazing to pull out the dirt and perfect for oily skin to keep oil at bay.

Do you follow these tips regularly?

Image Source: 1,2,3

DIY Facial Serum for Night

Anti Acne, DIY, Home Remedies, How To, Serums, Skin care, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DIY Facial Serum for Night

By Sanchita

To begin with, I have extremely sensitive, acne prone, oily skin that is always on the verge of breakouts. Due to this reason, I avoid moisturizers (except for aloe vera gel) all my life. However, as I am approaching towards late 20s, I have been noticing that the texture of the skin looks very unhealthy and that natural glow is missing somewhere. Hence, I wanted something to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. After searching high and low for all the ingredients that works on acne prone skin without giving much trouble, I made this night serum for myself and to my surprise, I did work! I have been using it past a month and thankfully I observed some good changes in my skin. Firstly, it never broke me out and also nourished the skin. Secondly, it hydrates the skin throughout the night with getting oily or greasy. So, here goes the night elixir for acne prone skin.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Aloe Vera Gel – you can either take it directly from the plants and blend it smooth to have the gel consistency or simple buy one!
  • Jojoba Oil – Works wonder for oily acne prone skin. You can also substitute it for Avocado OR Almond Oil for preference.
  • Rose Water – either homemade or store-bought will work.
  • Vitamin E Capsule – easily available across the counter otherwise you can also opt for Vitamin E oil.
  • Sanitized Bowl – since it is a face product, it is better to have a sanitized place to start with and then transfer it to a dropper bottle or any container.

STEPS

Step 1
  • Add 1 tbsp. of rose water in the bowl.
Step 2
  • Next, add 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel. Mix it thoroughly as both the ingredients have different consistencies and takes effort to blend well. You can also add 1 tbsp. if you want a runny consistency but I wanted sort of a slightly thicker one, so I added 2 tbsp.
Step 3
  • Add 2-3 drops of Jojoba Oil and again blend it in.
Step 4
  • Lastly, take out 1-2 Vitamin E Capsules and poke them to take out the oil. Add the mixture very comprehensively unless you see a uniform consistency without any lumps.
Final outcome
  • And Voila! You night serum is ready!

TIP: Do not make it in a large quantity because it is handmade and hence, the preservatives are missing. Make it enough for a week or two at the most.

FOR DRY SKIN – Since dry skin or mature skin needs more than just aloe vera gel, they can use shea butter or cocoa butter instead of aloe vera gel. They can also incorporate the essential oils like Almond, Rosehip, Grapeseed, etc. as per their own preference.

BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS –

  • Vitamin E – Vitamin E is the main ingredient I would vouch for. It has excellent properties to revive and renew the skin cells at night. It treats the scars and marks on the skin due to ageing or acne. Being a great moisturizer, it nourishes the skin well without making it greasy or clog the pores when applied. It soothes and treats the sun burns and regular tanning of the skin. Most prominently, it make collagen that decreases the rate of aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, etc.
  • Aloe Vera Gel – this is the HG for every oily skin. Seldom moisturizers suit us and we always find our way back to this. Aloe Vera, known as “plant of immortality”, it has numerous benefits for skin. It moisturizes the skin, heals the scars and soothes the skin from acne and nourishes without any greasy layer which gets absorbed in a jiffy. It also lightens skin pigmentation and slows down the ageing sign.
  • Jojoba Oil – it is known to fight wrinkles, stretch marks and cellulite. With high amount of ceramides which cover skin cells, it hydrates and nourishes the skin like no other. Oily skin doesn’t go well with other oils but this is an exception. It is so light weight and gets blended very easily. It also has anti-bacterial properties that treats acne and allergies.
  • Rose Water – the beauty of rose water in indefinite. From toner to face packs, makeup setting spray to hydration – it can do everything. It treats acne, soothes the skin from sun burns, refreshes and invigorates and has many anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties for sensitive skin.

Do let me know how you liked the DIY.

Editor’s Note: I swear by Vitamin E capsules, but they are so sticky and messy while applying. I guess the mix of rose water and aloe vera gel will make applying Vitamin E easier. Also I am all for essential oils, I love using them. Definitely trying this Sanchita.

How to Make your Hair Stronger & Thicker Naturally

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How to Make your Hair Stronger & Thicker Naturally

Do you want a stronger, thicker mane? Well, who doesn’t. One of the main causes for weak hair is thinning, which makes it more prone to hair fall, and inversely overall thinner density and fine hair. Many of you have always asked for my hair care routine, now I don’t follow particular brands all the time, but these tips are something I follow in general always.

This is my natural hair which is curled..no extensions
Straight Hair

Read on to know how you can get stronger & thicker hair naturally.

1. Washing hair on alternate days

If you are washing hair every day, then you are washing off the natural oils from the scalp, which keep the scalp healthy. On the contrary, if you are washing it just once a week, you are letting dirt and dandruff settle on your scalp making it more prone to hair fall. The frequency of washing hair should be moderate, preferably once every two-three days.

2. Never brush wet hair

Never ever do that. This is a strict NO-NO. Wet hair is prone to breakage. It may come off from the roots or even split in parts. Invest in a wide tooth comb, preferably made of wood, to comb through wet hair with a very gentle hand. Take a firm grip of your hair in small bunches, while combing through the roots, so that the roots are not succumbed to unnecessary pulls.

3. Well Balanced Diet

Your hair may be thin because the roots are unable to get the nutrients it needs, from your diet. Proteins and Vitamins are an absolute necessity for your hair. Include fish, daal, pulses, and soybeans (for proteins) And nuts, fruits and veggies (for Vitamin B, Biotin and Omega 3 Fatty Acids). Flax seeds, Avocado deserve special mention as a rich source of Vitamins. Also, Vitamin C helps promote hair growth, so a lot of citrus based fruits and Amla must also be included. As a last resort, you can also take supplements which usually contain biotin, fish oil, protein, multi-vitamins, etc. Also, drink lots of water as mentioned always.

4. Massage your scalp

Massage your scalp daily with your fingertips with a gentle hand for better blood circulation of the head and scalp. You can also go for an overnight oil treatment or a one hour massage just before you shampoo, with warm coconut or olive oil or a mix of both. I also add Evian Vitamin E capsule oil at times.

5. Avoid hot tools

Use hot tools only during special occasions (read once in a blue moon). Avoid it as much as you can. Air dry your hair instead of a blow dryer and use frizz-fighting products. If you still have to use hot tools, always use a heat protectant.

6. Protect your hair

Protect your hair from direct sunlight by using hats, scarves, etc. Go for regular trimming to get rid of split ends and breakage.

7. Do not color your hair

I know if someone has grey hair and wants to cover that, coloring is necessary but if want to color your hair just for the fun of it, you are going to damage your hair, especially if you go for lighter colors like a blonde which requires bleaching of the hair. It thins your hair to 1/4th of the original size! I have pictures and would find them and add them maybe. I had just gone for highlights on a few strands a year ago and that too a darker color but I literally saw the size difference in the colored strand of hair and my normal strand of hair! I am never coloring my hair again, unless I have way too many greys. Also would prefer using something natural first like henna or sesame oil if that can help. But of course if you want to color anyway, always take good care of your hair by regular oiling, deep conditioning, etc. coz color does thin and dry out your hair!

All the above tips when followed religiously would help reduce hair loss and promote new hair growth which will help your hair become stronger and thicker.

I follow all of these and try to follow the diet one as much as a I can. I rarely use a blow dryer or straighter, I prefer natural, air dried hair and let my hair be. I always use a conditioner post shampoo and also a leave-in serum or cream, I like MoroccanOil and Kerastase for that.

Read another similar hair concerns post HERE and more hair care posts HERE.

I have gone shorter this year coz I wanted a change but I am sure my hair will grow back again quickly 🙂

Do you follow these tips? What do you do for stronger, thicker hair?

Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies

Anti Acne, DIY, Home Remedies, How To, Skin care, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies

By Archana

Hi all,

After many product reviews, I am back with an informative post today. Acne is one common skin condition that many people suffer from. Though it mostly occurs in teenagers, many adults too face it. In today’s post, I will explain the common causes for acne, prevention measures and some home remedies to cure acne scars.

What causes acne?

The four main reasons for acne are:

* Excessive oil production
* Dead skin cells
* Clogged pores
* Bacteria

When our body secretes excess sebum/oil, they build up in the hair follicles and form a soft plug, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive in. This bacterial infection causes inflammation eventually leading to pimples. Whiteheads and blackheads too are actually clogged pores with bacteria and oil.

Some factors like hormonal imbalance, certain foods, stress, etc can trigger or aggravate the acne conditions.

How to prevent the occurrence of acne?

It’s always better to prevent the occurrence of acne in the first place with some good skin care routine.

* Keep your face clean by washing your face atleast twice a day to remove impurities, dead skin cells and extra oil.
* Use a separate towel for your face.
* Change your pillow covers and bedsheets weekly.
* Avoid or limit the intake of deep-fried foods, dairy products, sugar, salty snacks and junk food.
* Avoid using oils, gels and fragrances on your hair.
* Wash your hair often as oily hair can add to the oil on your face.

Home remedies for acne scars:

When a pimple occurs, it can leave behind marks and scars. Though there are many pigmentation creams and anti-acne gels available in the market, home remedies are always more effective and with no side effects. Only thing, they need to be followed diligently for atleast two weeks to see improvement. Here is a list of easy remedies at home to cure acne scars:

Lemon mask for acne scars:

* Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
* Honey – 1tbsp
* Milk – 2 tbsp
* Rose water – 1 tbsp

Mix all the above together and using a cotton wool apply on the acne scars. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent which helps lighten the scars. The rose water helps to soothe the tingling sensation caused due to lemon.

Aloe vera gel for acne scars:

Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the plant and apply on face. You can leave it overnight. Do it regularly for two weeks for the acne scars to fade. Aloe vera not only soothes inflammation but also helps in regenerating damaged tissues and speeds up the healing process.

Cucumber and gram flour face pack for acne scars:

* Half a cucumber
* Gram flour – 2 tbsp
* Turmeric powder – 1 tbsp

Blend the cucumber into a smooth paste. Add the gram flour and turmeric powder and apply as a face pack. Leave for 20-25 minutes and then wash off. This treatment is good for sensitive skin also to get rid of acne scars.

Potato and tomato mask for acne scars:

* Half a potato
* Half a tomato
* Honey – 1 tbsp

Grate the potato and extract the juice from it. Blend the tomato into a fine paste. Add the potato juice and a teaspoon of honey. Apply this mix all over your face and wash off after 15 minutes. Tomatoes contain the enzyme lycopene which help to lighten pimple marks. Potatoes also have skin lightening and bleaching properties.

Cinnamon and honey mask for acne scars:

Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to one teaspoon of honey and apply on your acne scars. Leave it for an hour and then wash off. This mixture has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which is effective in treating the acne.

Tea tree oil for acne scars:

This is a proven remedy for reducing acne scars. Tea tree oil is an excellent antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral essential oil. Just dilute some tea tree essential oil in water and apply this solution on your acne scars everyday. Leave it overnight. Follow it regularly to see visible reduction in scars and blemishes.

Apple cider vinegar for acne scars:

ACV is a natural astringent and balances the pH level of your skin. It is effective in the treatment of acne too. Mix 1 part of apple cider vinegar with 1 part of water and 1 teaspoon of honey. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply on scars. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off. Do this once daily.

Sandalwood and orange face pack for acne scars:

* Sandalwood powder – 2 tbsp
* Orange peel powder – 2 tbsp
* Rose water – 2 tbsp

Mix all the above into a fine paste and apply as a face pack. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash off. According to Ayurveda, sandalwood is a effective soothing and cooling agent to treat skin inflammations. Orange peel powder helps to lighten the marks.

So these are some of the home remedies you can follow to cure acne scars, pimple marks and blemishes.

Editor’s Note: This was a really well written post Archana and the remedies are fab. I think I always stick to Aloe Vera Gel and the fuller’s earth, sandalwood mix. I will surely try the other home remedies mentioned by you.

Which ones have you tried? Share your experiences below.

P.S: Pics from Google

How To Get Rid of a Tan ?

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How To Get Rid of a Tan ?
It is common for the hands and the legs to become darker than most of the body parts, this is because they are overexposed to sun rays in daily life. It may be unappealing if only the hands and legs are tanned, leaving rest of the body in lighter shade. The best way is to avoid getting tanned in the first place, by taking preventive measures…like wearing covered clothes and proper sunscreen, etc..UV radiation from sun rays and tanning beds increase the production of melanin (a skin pigment). As a result the skin gets tanned. Even though there is no safe method to lighten the skin cells that are tanned, you can surely boost the renewal process of skin cells that are beneath the layer of tanned skin cells.
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There are after sun products too..which can be used immediately after coming from outside..they have anti tan skin soothing ingredients..that might control the tan to a certain extent..

But do not worry; even if it is too late, here are some of the remedies that can give an even complexion with a glowing skin.

Make a paste of one almond, 5 drops of lemon and a teaspoon of milk. Apply on face and leave it on overnight and wash with warm water the next morning. This helps even out complexion and will give you a healthy summer glow! You could also try coconut milk. Leave this too on all night. If you breakout often, then rub on tomato juice all over your face and leave for ten minutes. Do this a few times during the week to get rid of tan.

Potato: one of the natural remedy to remove tan from the hands and legs is use of peeled potato skin. Simply rub the peeled skin of potato on the tanned area of hands and legs as a daily routine. You can also apply raw potato juice instead of peeled skin.

A paste made from turmeric powder, curd and gram flour is effective in changing the darker complexion after tanning. Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with two teaspoon of curd and two teaspoon of gram flour. Add one to two teaspoon of water and prepare a paste. Now apply it on your hands and legs half hour before you take bath. Do it regularly and you can see the difference within a week.

Lime juice is a natural beach. Prepare a mixture of lime juice and honey with a pinch of turmeric powder perfectly dissolved in it. Apply it on the darkened hands and legs.

Raw milk: apply milk on the tanned area of your hand regularly. You should apply it half hour before bathing. Slowly but surely, after few days the tanned skin surface of hands will fade out.

Aloe vera gel: Apply aloe vera gel on your hands at least two to three times in a day.

A popular natural remedy for removing tanning is the use of sunflower oil, lemon juice and sugar. Mix all the products equally to make a smooth paste. Apply the paste on your hands and let it remain for 30 minutes before you rinse it off with cold water.

Make fine powder of dried orange peels. Now mix it in a cup of yogurt. Apply the prepared mixture on the hands and rub it gently with your hands. Let it remain for 10 to 20 minutes, after which you wash your hands with normal tap water. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Mix salt (or sugar) and essential oil in a small bowl. Now add a teaspoon of honey and blend till you get a smooth texture. Finally add lemon juice and blend with spoon. Use this scrub with special concentration on the darkest areas of the face. Gently scrub in circular motion to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. Do this twice a week to remove tan from the face.

Mix gram flour with water and rub it all over your skin. When you wash it off, tan gets lightened.

Another way to remove sun tan from face is to apply curd as a face pack.

Lemon Glycerine Pack: Mix glycerine and lemon juice in equal ratio. Apply the mixture on the affected area and wash when it dries. This mixture can also be used as night cream to remove tan and get supple skin

Sandal Wood Turmeric Pack: Sandalwood and turmeric are essential part of many beauty enhancement treatments which includes the treatment for removing sun tan. Mix sandal wood and pure turmeric powder in a ration of 1:1. Add rose water to form a paste. Leave for half an hour or till it is dry and the wash using cold water.

Prepare a mixture of oats and buttermilk. This mixture should be rubbed onto the tanned area as the oats will help in exfoliating the skin and on the other hand the butter milk is known to be extremely soothing for the skin.

A regular use of fresh coconut water on the hands and face is known to be very effective in getting rid of a tan as well as making the skin supple and soft.

A cream with equal parts of milk powder, lemon juice, honey and almond oil can be applied and left on for 20 minutes. This will help lighten your tan. You can store this for about a week and use it thrice daily for best results.

Mash the papaya pulp and massage the sun tanned area. Papaya is excellent for the skin and also helps in anti-aging.

Combining ash gourd juice (Petha or Safed Kaddu as it is called) with multan mitti and applying it all over the face helps reduce the tan considerably.

Nature’s Essence Lacto Tan Clear Soap and Mask are also very helpful to get rid of tan.

So here I gave you so many at home remedies to get rid of your tan…enjoy the summers but use a sunscreen..and if you get tanned then use these remedies 😉

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Do share your remedies or products if any, to get rid of tan..