Whether you’re camouflaging dark spots with a concealer or covering up wrinkles and fine lines with a primer, take heart. All of us have skin issues that we want to treat or hide, don’t we?
As the body’s protective outer covering, our skin puts up with a lot. Pollution, chemicals, infections, cuts, scrapes, and sunlight keep the skin under constant assault. In addition to that, we have our sweaty gym sessions, late-night parties, stress, etc. further taking a toll on our skin.
What should we do? When it comes to skincare, going back to that nature is the best solution. Does your grandmother’s ever-glowing healthy skin make you aspire for a lasting natural beauty just like hers? We’ve uncovered their secret for you.
Whether it is to cure a suntan, fade dark spots, treat acne, dry skin, or oily skin, our old ladies always have the perfect recipes for all-natural homemade face packs to treat them. This ancient wisdom is passed over generations and has its roots in the oldest science, Ayurveda, that emphasizes the use of natural face packs for healthy glowing skin.
Why Is It Important To Use A Face Pack?
Why do you use a face pack? Well, to some extent, we are all aware that a face pack helps in reducing blemishes and maintaining healthy, youthful skin. But, have you ever tried to find out the exact reason why it’s recommended to use face packs on our face?
Read on to know some of the benefits of making face pack a part of your skincare routine.
- It helps in deep cleansing the skin
No matter what your skin type is, a face pack can instantly brighten up our face by cleansing it from within. Using a face pack daily can help your skin in getting rid of the excess oil and dirt accumulated not only on the surface of the skin but also from the endodermis.
Most importantly, a face pack helps in unclogging your pores. It penetrates deep inside the pores and pushes out the dirt to the surface, along with the dead skin cells.
- It helps in relaxing the skin
A face pack can give you a spa-like treatment as it can relax the skin and keep it calm, just like a good hair oil massage relaxes your mind. Application of the face pack is a healing process that re-energizes and revitalizes the skin while making it look younger.
- It hydrates the skin
We all are well aware that we need to stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain radiant and youthful-looking skin. But did you know a face pack that contains cucumber, potato, strawberry, banana, or the leaves of rosemary or mint can keep your skin hydrated throughout the entire day?
- It slows down the ageing of the skin
Skin suffers the most damage among all the body organs as it comes in direct contact with the burning sun, pollution, and the harsh weather. These factors not only steal away the shine from your skin but also can deeply damage it. When left untreated, your skin will start to sag and develop wrinkles. A face pack that contains a lot of antioxidants helps in fighting the free radicals and dilating blood vessels. By promoting the oxygenated blood circulation, such a face pack enhances your skin health and makes it soft and supple.
- It fights acne and fades blemishes
A face pack prepared from ingredients like Neem leaves or Turmeric can keep acne and blemishes at bay. It fades away acne scars, dark spots and can also even out the skin tone. It helps in treating hyperpigmentation and sunburns as well.
All face packs are effective in reducing the size of enlarged pores, thereby preventing acne caused by dirt, oil, and chemicals getting accumulated inside the enlarged pores.
- It increases the effectiveness of other skincare products
Did you know that a face pack applied regularly can help you get the most of the other skincare products that you use? They help in washing away the dirt, excess oil, and grime, making it ready for the skincare products that follow. It reduces the size of enlarged pores and prevents makeup and other products from clogging the pores.
Face Packs Based On The Skin Types
We all have different skin types. The product which works wonders on your friend’s skin may not give you the same results. Even Ayurveda recommends using products that are suitable for our skin type.
Here are three different face packs based on the skin type - dry, oily and normal skin
1. Curd and Gram Flour Face Pack For Dry Skin
Using the Curd and Besan face pack is a fantastic way to nourish your dry skin. The Besan helps in removing all of your dead cells while the Curd deeply moisturizes the skin.
What You Will Need:
- Two tablespoons of Besan
- One tablespoon of Curd
- One teaspoon of Honey
- A dash of Turmeric
What You Have To Do?
Take a glass bowl and mix all the four ingredients to make a smooth paste. Apply evenly all over the face and neck and leave for about 10 minutes. Now rinse it off with cold water.
Besan and Honey deeply cleanse your skin, Curd helps in moisturizing and turmeric works as an antiseptic which maintains the pH levels of your skin. Therefore, all the ingredients put together can do wonders on dry skin.
Our recommendation - You can also use Kama Ayurveda’s Haldi Chandan Face Pack for dry skin. You can use Pure Rose Water/Pure Mogra Water to prepare the pack. The pack already has turmeric and oatmeal (which works as well as besan for your skin). You can simply add Yogurt as well as Honey to make this pack more beneficial for dry skin.
2. Lemon And Honey Face Pack For Oily Skin
Lemon is a great ingredient to clean the skin, reduce oil secretion, and eliminate dead skin cells. Honey, with all of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, helps you avoid pimples and acne by reducing oil secretion. Use this face pack to relieve your skin from excess oil secretion and make it look soft and supple.
What You Will Need:
- Two tablespoons of Lemon juice
- One tablespoon of Honey
What You Have To Do?
Mix Lemon juice and Honey in a bowl and apply the mixture all over the face. Let it dry and rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Our recommendation - You can also use Kama Ayurveda’s Nimrah Anti-Acne Face Pack to treat excessive oiliness in skin. Use Pure Rose Water to prepare the pack. It is a 100% natural, Ayurvedic treatment for acne, inflammation, scarring, and excess oil. You can use it every day for the best results.
Turmeric And Besan For Normal Skin/Sensitive Skin
As we all know, Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties; it helps in fighting the bacteria and sunburns for sensitive skin (1). Besan is an excellent exfoliant that helps in removing dead cells and deep cleansing the skin. It also helps in maintaining the pH balance of your skin.
What You Will Need:
- One tablespoon Besan
- Half a tablespoon Turmeric powder
- One tablespoon Rose Water
What You Have To Do?
Mix all the three ingredients and make a thick paste. Next, apply it all over the face and neck and leave it for about 15 minutes. Now, rinse it off thoroughly.
Face Packs Based On The Skin Conditions
The list of skin concerns is long! We need to protect our skin from problems ranging from dullness, aging, acne, dark spots, blemishes, etc. But, will you believe us if we tell you that there is a homemade face pack for almost every skin issue that you face? Read on to discover some of the most effective face packs made from natural ingredients.
1. Face Packs For Acne
- Aloe Vera And Turmeric Or Green Tea Face Pack
Aloe vera is excellent for naturally calming the skin and works well to soothe the skin when the acne is very irritated and inflamed. The naturally occurring salicylic acid and sulfur in Aloe Vera is ideal for fighting back acne especially for the folks with oily skin. The Turmeric and Green Tea helps in controlling oily and sensitive skin.
What You Will Need:
- Two spoons of Aloe Vera gel
- One spoon of Turmeric or Green Tea
What You Have To Do?
Blend Aloe Vera and Turmeric or Green Tea to make a smooth paste. Apply it all over the face and rinse it off after 15 to 20 minutes.
- Fenugreek Face Pack
Fenugreek seeds are a popular cooking ingredient with cooling and inflammatory properties. Its antiseptic and antibiotic properties help in healing pimples and skin infections. The fine granules of the seed get deeper into the pores and clear out the excess oil and dirt thus giving you a fresh and clean skin. Fenugreek also helps in getting rid of dark spots and blemishes caused by acne.
What You Will Need:
- Few Fenugreek seeds
What Do You Need To Do?
Soak the seeds overnight and grind them to make a paste. Apply all over the face and rinse after dry.
Our recommended Face Pack For Acne - We recommend Kama Ayurveda’s Nimrah Anti Acne Face Pack. It’s a 100% natural face pack prepared from powerful ingredients like Vetiver, Ashwagandha, Red Sandalwood, Coriander, Lodhra and Liquorice. All these ingredients make this face pack a perfect anti-acne treatment that heals pimples and blackheads, reduces scars, improves skin tone, and repairs inflammation.
Face Packs For Blackheads
Do you find it very painful to remove the blackheads from your skin? We can remove them easily using some homemade DIY face packs. Here are the top two face pack recipes that can lift your blackheads instantly.
- Honey And Milk Mask
Honey and Milk are great lubricants. They pull away dirt from the pores and cleanse the blackheads. The antiseptic, antibacterial, and antioxidant elements of Honey will peel out the blackhead naturally and soothe the affected area. The face pack also adds moisture and shine to the skin.
What You Will Need:
- ¼ cup of Milk
- Two tablespoons of Honey
- Cotton balls
What You Have To Do?
Take a bowl and mix Milk and Honey to get a runny liquid. Apply all over the face using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse it off with warm water.
- Coriander Leaves and Turmeric Powder Face Pack
Both Coriander Leaves and Turmeric are great for removing blackheads on the skin, especially on the nose. While Coriander is caustic to clean dirt, turmeric pulls out the excess oil in your skin pores. Therefore, this pack helps in shrinking large pores.
What You Will Need:
- Few Coriander leaves
- Two teaspoons of Turmeric Powder
What You Have To Do?
Blend coriander leaves and turmeric to make a smooth paste. Apply this on your face and leave it on for overnight. Rinse it off the next morning with cold water. You can repeat this twice a week for best results.
Our recommended face pack for blackheads - We suggest Nimrah Anti Acne Face Pack blended with Red Sandalwood, Vetiver & Coriander to treat pigmented skin & blackheads. Make a paste with Pure Rose Water and apply to cleansed skin for fifteen minutes.
Face Packs For Suntan
If you have tanned skin that has gone too far, don’t worry, here are the two best face packs that can remove the suntan.
- Multani Mitti Face Pack
Multani Mitti, also known as Fuller's Earth, is a cosmetic clay that can absorb all the impurities from the pores and enhance the capillary circulation to the skin. It also is a great ingredient to remove all the dead skin cells and tan on the skin. Also, the Tomato juice that we add in this face pack helps in lightening the skin by interrupting the Melanin formation process.
What You Will Need:
- Two tablespoons of Multani Mitti
- Half the teaspoon of Sandalwood Powder
- One tablespoon Tomato juice
- Rosewater
What You Have To Do?
Mix all the above ingredients by adding a little bit of Rose Water to make a fine smooth paste with medium consistency. Now apply the paste all over the face and wash it off after drying. You can also replace tomato juice with Coconut Water. It is recommended to repeat this once or twice a week.
Our recommendation - You can use Kama Ayurveda’s Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack. It is a 100% natural face pack and is a combination of Multani Mitti with powerful Ayurvedic ingredients like Turmeric, Sandalwood, Orange Peel Powder, Oatmeal, and Rose. Combine it with Lavender Water/Vetiver Water or Aloe Vera for oily skin.
- Orange Or Lemon Peel And Milk Face Pack
Orange Peel or Lemon Peel is rich in Vitamin C and Citric Acid that lighten the skin tone and reduce tanning Milk is best known for moisturizing the skin and making it supple and soft. The lactic acid in it helps in exfoliating the darkened layer of skin cells.
What You Will Need:
- One tablespoon Orange or Lemon Peel Powder
- One tablespoon of Raw Milk
What You Have To Do?
Take the powder of your choice and mix it with milk. Make a smooth paste and apply all over the face. Let it dry for about 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. We recommend a patch test on your hand and check if it reacts to any allergic conditions.Also, do not apply on irritated skin as it can aggravate the condition. You can use this face pack twice or thrice a week.
Face Packs For Scars and Black Spots
We all know treating acne is difficult, but what’s even harder is treating the scars and dark spots it leaves behind. Well, don’t fret! Here are the two best face pack recipes that help you in fading the dark spots and scars at home quickly.
- Neem Face Pack
Neem is best known for its antiseptic properties. These properties are very effective in removing acne scars and dark spots Neem is a natural alternative to heal your skin from within and reduce hyperpigmentation and scars. Neem oil also helps in reducing acne and breakouts.
What You Will Need:
- Two teaspoons of Neem Powder or Neem Oil
- One tablespoon of Honey
- One teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
What You Have To Do?
Make a paste out of the ingredients and keep it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Now, when the face pack is cold enough, apply it all over the face. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water. For best results, use it twice a week.
- Aloe Vera Face Pack
Aloe Vera is best known for its medicinal values and healing properties. The aloin, which inhibits the overproduction of melanin in Aloe Vera works wonders for removing dark spots and old scars
What You Will Need:
- Fresh Aloe Vera Gel
- Few drops of Rose Water
What You Have To Do?
Extract fresh Aloe Vera gel and add Rose Water to it. Mix well and apply all over the face. Let it dry and before washing massage for 2 to 3 minutes and then wash it off with water. You can use this every day or at least 3 to 4 times a week.
Face Packs For a Glowing Skin
Glowing skin that too without any makeup sounds a bit impossible, right? Though it seems far fetched, it is possible to have a naturally glowing skin. Try using the following homemade DIY face packs
- Papaya Face Pack
If you are looking for a face pack that gives you an instant glow, then you should try Papaya face pack. The Papain in Papaya helps in removing dullness, dryness, and removing the excess oil from the face. It also helps in lightening the skin.
What You Need:
- 1/3rd bowl of Papaya
- ½ teaspoon of Sandalwood Powder or Chandan powder
- Rosewater
- ½ teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel
What You Have To Do?
Mash Papaya into a bowl and then add all the other ingredients to it. Now, mix them well and apply the paste all over the face. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes and wash it off with normal water. For best results, use this face pack twice or thrice a week
- Lavender Oil Face Pack
A study proved that the application of lavender oil promotes collagen synthesis and wound healing. Therefore, the Lavender oil face pack can help you in making your skin plump and healthy by boosting collagen production.
What You Will Need:
- 3 to 4 drops of Lavender Essential oil
- One teaspoon of Avocado or Jojoba oil
What You Have To Do?
Mix the two ingredients and massage the blend on your face. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, wash your face with lukewarm water. You can apply this three times a week. As oxidized essential oil can cause skin irritation in some people, it is better to do some patch test before using it.
Face Packs For Anti-Ageing
We are all paranoid about premature aging. Once we hit the later 20’s we start looking for products that are available in the market to diminish the signs of aging. But, have you ever tried using a simple homemade face mask? Here are the two best DIY face packs that can help in reducing those fine lines and wrinkles of yours.
- Coconut Oil Face Mask
Coconut oil face masks help in making the skin firm by reducing the fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps in protecting the skin from sun tanning and revives it.
What You Will Need:
- One tablespoon of Coconut oil
- ½ tablespoon of Pomegranate seed oil
What To Have To Do?
Mix both the oils together in a bowl and apply it all over the face and neck. Leave it on for about an hour and wash it off with water. It is recommended to use this mask every day.
- Moringa Oil Face Mask
We all know Moringa oil is known for treating almost every skin issue we have, especially premature aging. The nutrients in it help in sustaining the production of collagen and skin cells as well as elastin (the building blocks of youthful skin). Moringa oil can also treat acne and irritated skin.
What You Will Need:
- A few drops of Moringa Oil
What You Have To Do?
After cleansing your face, take a few drops of Moringa oil and massage gently on the face and neck. You can also use it as a night application.
- Pineapple Face Pack
Pineapple is rich in phytochemicals and micronutrients, which help you in diminishing the first signs of aging. Since it is also rich in Vitamin C, it promotes the optimum production of collagen in the skin, thus reducing the fine lines and wrinkles
What You Will Need:
- A slice of ripe Pineapple
What You Have To Do?
Gently rub Pineapple on the face and leave it on until it dries. Then rinse it off with water. For better results, use it 2 to 3 times a week.
Face Packs for Summers
Summers can get irritating and annoying at times as the skin gets dull due to the scorching heatwaves around. Therefore it is essential to keep our skin hydrated and healthy during summers. Here are two quick, easy, and best summer face packs to try out.
- Watermelon And Cucumber Face Mask
Watermelon face masks are one of the most popular face masks for summer as watermelons and cucumbers are best known for their cooling properties. Given the heavy intensity of heat all around, these ingredients help in bringing back the glow and freshness in your face.
What You Will Need:
- Two tablespoons of Watermelon juice
- Two tablespoons of Cucumber juice
- One teaspoon of Milk powder
- One teaspoon of Yoghurt
What You Have To Do?
Blend all the ingredients into a smooth paste and apply on the face and neck. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.
- Banana Face Mask
While most people complain about having oily skin during summers, some people may have dry patches. If you are one among them, then this face pack is just for you. Bananas make your skin look smoother and hydrated. Honey is best known for its moisturizing properties.
What You Will Need:
- ½ Banana
- One tablespoon of Honey
- 1 ½ tablespoon of Sour Cream
What You Have To Do?
Mash the banana and add the other two ingredients in a bowl. Mix them well to make a smooth paste. Now, apply the paste evenly on your skin and let it dry. Once dried, wash it off with lukewarm water.
Important Note -
Even though all these recipes involve natural ingredients, it doesn’t mean they are entirely safe for you as you can be allergic to any ingredient. So, it is always best to do a patch test on your hand before actually using them. If at all any ingredient is showing any kind of allergic reactions, immediately stop using it and consult a doctor if it gets serious.
Conclusion -
Going for a facial every time you think your face needs treatment is not only costly but also unhealthy as most salons use chemical products. But now, you know that there’s a better alternative to treat your skin from time to time - using natural face packs.
Flawless skin of your dreams is possible, but it is not an overnight miracle. You will have to pamper yourself with proper skin care and healthy lifestyle choices. Speaking of which, let us conclude with some additional no-nonsense tips that will help you have clear, glowing skin.
- Always wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 21 no matter what the climate conditions are.
- Don’t smoke. If you smoke, the best way to protect the skin is to quit.
- Eat healthily! Try eating lots and lots of fruits, raw vegetables by avoiding packaged, oily and fast foods.
- Manage your stress levels. Always have a minimum of eight-hour sleep, scale back your to-do list, set reasonable limits and give time for the things you enjoy.
- Treat your skin gently. Don’t forget the CTM (cleansing, toning, and moisturizing). Give yourself small beauty treatments like applying natural face packs.
References:
- In-House Preparation and Standardization of Herbal Face Pack - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320900643_In-House_Preparation_and_Standardization_of_Herbal_Face_Pack
- In-House Preparation and Standardization of Herbal Face Pack - https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1ca2/5c17343fd28d0dfa868e2abd0919f8e986dd.pdf
- Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yogurt - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22152494
- Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey – A review - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611628/
- Lemon: A Versatile Fruit of Multiple Uses - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318360553_Lemon_A_Versatile_Fruit_of_Multiple_Uses
- Effects of Turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence: Effects of Curcuma longa on Skin Health
- ALOE VERA: A short review - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
- Fuller's earth skin benefits - Aromatherapy for Holistic Therapists.
- Tomato pulp skin lightening - Advanced Materials and Structural Engineering
- Orange peel face scrub - 28-day Skin Plan: For Clear and Glowing Skin
- Lemon peel lightens skin - Pharmacognosy: An Indian perspective
- Milk skin benefits - Health Benefits: From Foods and Spices
- Milk cream for dry skin - Dinner with Friends
- Neem on the face - Face to Face with Shiva: Scientific Perspective of a Spiritual Experience
- Pineapple on the skin - Clear Skin Detox: A Revolutionary Diet to Heal Your Skin from the Inside Out