The time for enjoying ice lollies, juicy melons and sweet cold drinks have already arrived! However, it has also brought along skin woes for dry skin. The high moisture and humidity levels in the air might prevent peeling or cracking of the skin, unlike winters, but the dirt, grime, pollution and stronger exposure to UV rays pose a risk of tanning, dullness, age spots, wrinkles and fine lines for dry skin during summers. But, here’s the good news! You can combat these problems with ingredients in your kitchen. Here are 5 amazing face packs that, alone with a high SPF sunscreen, will let you flaunt a healthy and happy skin throughout the summers.
1. Papaya Face Pack
Papaya is truly the best gift of nature for skin care. This delicious pulpy fruit contains high amounts of Vitamins A, B and C. Papaya is a great cure for sunburns or soothing irritated skin. It is also used as a home remedy for reducing dark spots and defects to improve skin tone. Papaya can also help combat topical fungal infections with proteolytic enzymes like papain that has anti-fungal and antiviral properties. Here are 3 ways in which you can use Papaya as face pack for 3 different purposes.
To Exfoliate: Blend 1/4th cup of papaya, add 2 teaspoons of organic honey, and 3 teaspoons of whole oatmeal. Leave it on for 20 minutes. Rub gently in a circular motion and rinse with cold water.
To Tighten Skin: Mash 1/4th cup of papaya and add 1 ½ teaspoon fresh pineapple juice. Wash off with plain water after 15 minutes.
For Skin Lightening:Whip 1/4th cup papaya with raw 2 teaspoon honey and 2 teaspoon of yoghurt. Leave for 30 minutes and rinse off with plain water.
2. Yoghurt Face Mask
Yoghurt is an excellent moisturising agent and miraculously beneficial for all skin types. It fights acne, cures blemishes, hyperpigmentation, dark circles, skin infections and imperfections, sunburn, tanning and fights free radicals, brightens skin, regenerate skin cells, and cellular fats. Yoghurt or Dahi is rich in zinc, calcium, Vitamin B12, B5, B2. In the nutshell, yoghurt face pack should definitely be a part of your skin care routine. Here’s how you can make a great face pack that you can use twice a week to reap all the benefits.
For acne: Blend 2-3 fresh strawberries in half cup of yoghurt and apply on the face using a brush. Wash off with lukewarm water after it’s completely dry.
For exfoliation: In 3 tablespoons yoghurt, add 1 teaspoon of gram flour and a pinch of turmeric. Mix well and apply on the skin. Rub in gentle circular motions when half dry and rinse with cold water.
For intense moisturisation: Combine half teaspoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of yoghurt. Apply on face, focusing on fine lines and wrinkles. Wash off with plain water after 30 minutes.
3. Almond and Rose Water Face Pack
This luxurious face mask actually pampers your skin, making it look royally glowing and youthful. Almonds have Vitamin E that prevents dryness and antioxidants that improve skin luster. Rose water has an anti-inflammatory property that relaxes irritated skin, acne, dermatitis and eczema. It is a fantastic cleanser and freshener that enliven tired skin by removing oil and dirt accumulated in clogged pores. Here’s how to make this mask.
Soak 10 almonds overnight and peel them off. You can save the peels, dry them, and use them as a coarse powder exfoliator with curd. Grind the peeled almonds into a fine paste and add rose water to get a non-runny consistency. You can also replace the almonds with sweet almond oil. Apply and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
4. Egg Yolk Mask
This amazing protein powerhouse has everything for everyone. While the egg whites are beneficial to get rid of excess oils, the yellow yolk is great for treating dry skin. An egg yolk is a composition of fats and water. This gives it an amazing water holding capacity that prevents skin dryness and makes your skin appear healthy and plump. Here are some simple mask recipes. Try them out!
For hydration: Whisk together one egg yolk and a teaspoon of raw honey. Apply and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with plain water.
For glow: Blend smooth 1 avocado, 1 teaspoon yoghurt, and 1 egg yolk. Apply and rinse off with after 15 minutes.
For acne: Combine together 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon almond oil. Apply the mix and leave it for 20 minutes without much movement. Remove with cold water.
5. Banana Face Mask
Try this and you will go bananas! This amazing fruit is jam-packed with Vitamin C and E, potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese. Lutein and carotenoids help soothe acne and inflammation. It helps to reduce wrinkles, puffiness, acne scars, itch and even claims to remove warts. It has strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants. Here an easy recipe.
Stir a mashed banana, ½ teaspoon turmeric and 3 tablespoon yoghurt. Apply on skin and wash off after 15 minutes for problem free skin.
Make sure that you use these masks at least one a week. With consistent usage, you will find all of them much more effective than any dry skin cream. Also, try to stick to organic and raw products for maximum benefits from these masks. Skin care at home can never be this easy!
