SECRET BEHIND GLOWING SKIN

1.Take one piece of fresh pineapple sliced half an inch thick, four tablespoons cornmeal, two tablespoons organic plain yoghurt and mix it well. Apply on the face and wash after a while to get rid of dryness.

2.Take half a cup of chopped spinach leaves, two tablespoons pure honey, two teaspoons lemon juice and mix it well to make a fine paste. Apply it on the face and wash off after a few minutes to remove tan.

3.Make a paste with a few fenugreek leaves and use it as a face mask. You can also take some fenugreek seeds and boil them in water. Use the solution on acne scars after it cools down.

4.Mash four strawberries and add half a teaspoon of curd. Use this mixture to scrub your face and wash off after 15 minutes for glowing skin.

5.Massage your face with one fourth teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in two teaspoon of raw milk using circular upward strokes. Wash when dry. Skip the salt if you have acne.

6.Mix a teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of gram flour. Add a dash of rose water for a creamy texture. Apply this pack on your face and neck area and wash off after 15 minutes. This helps in fighting dry skin.

7.This is a great pack for a glowing skin. Make a paste with a pinch of turmeric, one tea-spoon of honey, one teaspoon of milk and a few drops of rose water. Add aloe vera gel to the paste, mix it well and apply. Wash if off with water and pat dry.

8.Grind some freshly grated coconut or some coconut milk and khuskhus or poppy seeds to form a smooth paste. Apply on face and neck and wash after 20 minutes. This helps in fighting dry skin.

9.Take one ripen tomato, cut it half and impose each half to 5 minutes. Thereafter clean your face with cold water. This helps in cleaning ur skin and helps you to acquire good skin tone.

10.Take one spoon of ghee and message your lips with it for five minutes in a day before you sleep. It moisturizes your lips. 

These are all the secondary care for your body, but the first and best way is to drink liquids (juices, water etc.) to keep on hydrating your body and regain inner glow of your skin.

Skincare for the Summer

1. Stay hydrated. 

Your body tends to lose a lot of moisture in the summer, so it’s important to regularly replenish the H2O. Drink a lot of water and liquids and your skin will stay soft and moisturized as well.

2. Sun protection.

 If you can, try and stay indoors between 11am and 3pm. That’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest and can have an adverse effect on your skin. Also, don’t forget to apply that all-important sunscreen 30 minutes before you step out. If you’ve been out in the sun for a few hours, touch it up again so you’re well protected.

3. Use a toner. 

It’s important to keep your pores closed and skin cool by using a toner. Look for a brand that suits you or try rose water. Its natural cooling properties make it an excellent toner for the hot season.

4. Go for a water-based moisturizer. 

Don’t make the mistake of skipping the moisturizing routine altogether as it’s essential for your skin to remain hydrated. However, if you find your regular moisturizer too oily, go for a water-based one.

5. Ditch those aerated drinks. 

Most people have the tendency to reach out for an ice cold aerated drink to quench their thirst on a really hot day. However, it’s important to remember that these drinks are full of sugar that is not good for your skin or your figure. Instead drink some water, fresh lime, fresh fruit juices, aam panna (green mango drink) or coconut water to stay hydrated. It’s also best to minimize the intake of diuretics like alcohol and caffeine as they reduce the water from your system.

6. Cleanse your face twice a day. 

At least! This is important to do even if you’ve been home all day and feel like your skin is clean. Cleansing and moisturizing your skin before sleeping is an absolute must.

7. Exfoliate. 

More than the rest of the year, it’s really important to exfoliate your skin in the summer to remove dead skin and improve blood circulation to the face. Choose from any of the cosmetic scrubs available in the market or make one at home. Try this simple one using 4 to 5 tbsps of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric, 5 – 6 drops of rose water and milk or yoghurt. Mix it into a paste and use it to exfoliate your face. Follow it up with a facemask and moisturizer.

8. Don’t like your tan? 

Gram flour can also be used as a facemask to get rid of an uneven tan. Mix it with curd and a few drops of lemon and apply and leave it on your face till it’s dry. The citrus properties of the lemon are very effective in removing the tan.

9. Get that warm, summer glow.

 Papaya is full of natural goodness and you can even use it as a homemade pack. Just mash 2 tbsp of papaya with a tsp of honey and 1 egg white. Leave the mixture on your face for about 15 minutes and enjoy the glow you get afterwards.

10. Cool your skin. 

Blending half a cucumber and 1 tbsp of curd in the mixer can make another simple and effective homemade face pack. Apply this to your face for 15 minutes and feel completely pampered.

Bonus tip. Eat healthy, exercise and sleep well!

The holy trinity of good health and glowing skin holds true for the whole year. So along with all the tips above, don’t forget to eat a balanced diet, work out for at least 45 minutes every day and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

FOOD FOR BETTER SKIN

Seafood:

The benefits of seafood are that it leaves skin smooth, clear and glowing. Fish is believed to be high in protein content and is a staple diet in the Mediterranean. Certain fishes like shellfish, salmon and oysters are brilliant for the skin. 

Fish contains zinc, omega-3 fatty acids that are very beneficial for the skin; they reduce dryness and inflammation. The zinc also helps reduction in sebum production which is the cause of acne. It also assists cell production and removal of dead skin, which leaves the skin glowing.

Citrus Fruits:

The vitamin C in citrus fruits results in smooth and firm skin. It is a vital ingredient in the facial creams that we use. Consumption of vitamin-c-rich foods can tighten skin and prevent wrinkles.  It can also reduce inflammation. Sprouts are also rich in vitamin C.

Red and Green Vegetables:

Vitamin A present in red and green vegetables result in bright and smooth skin. Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach etc are a good source of Vitamin A and hence, are very good for the skin. It reduces cell damage and also reduces premature ageing. Mangoes too are rich in Vitamin A.

Nuts:

Being rich in Vitamin E, nuts help skin look young and soft. Almonds in particular are very beneficial as antioxidants. It protects the skin from being damaged owing to UV-sunlight. Nuts help skin hold moisture and prevent it from getting dry. 

Almonds, pistachios and walnuts also provide a nice supply of omega-3 fatty acids, another great skin nutrient.

Whole Grains:

Rutin and B-vitamins leave you with clear and moisturized skin. Whole grain is a source of antioxidant rutin, and thus helps combat inflammation and skin damage. Wheat germ has the B-vitamin biotin, helping cells in processing fats, the lack of which could cause skin to become scaly and dry.

TIPS FOR GLOWING SKIN

1.Take one piece of fresh pineapple sliced half an inch thick, four tablespoons cornmeal, two tablespoons organic plain yoghurt and mix it well. Apply on the face and wash after a while to get rid of dryness.

2.Take half a cup of chopped spinach leaves, two tablespoons pure honey, two teaspoons lemon juice and mix it well to make a fine paste. Apply it on the face and wash off after a few minutes to remove tan.

3.Make a paste with a few fenugreek leaves and use it as a face mask. You can also take some fenugreek seeds and boil them in water. Use the solution on acne scars after it cools down.

.4.Mash four strawberries and add half a teaspoon of curd. Use this mixture to scrub your face and wash off after 15 minutes for glowing skin.

5.Massage your face with one fourth teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in two teaspoon of raw milk using circular upward strokes. Wash when dry. Skip the salt if you have acne.

6.Mix a teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of gram flour. Add a dash of rose water for a creamy texture. Apply this pack on your face and neck area and wash off after 15 minutes. This helps in fighting dry skin.

7.Make a paste with a pinch of turmeric, one tea-spoon of honey, one teaspoon of milk and a few drops of rose water. Add aloe vera gel to the paste, mix it well and apply. Wash if off with water and pat dry.

8.Grind some freshly grated coconut or some coconut milk and khuskhus or poppy seeds to form a smooth paste. Apply on face and neck and wash after 20 minutes. This helps in fighting dry skin.

9.Take one ripen tomato, cut it half and impose each half to 5 minutes. Thereafter clean your face with cold water. This helps in cleaning ur skin and helps you to acquire good skin tone.

10.Take one spoon of ghee and message your lips with it for five minutes in a day before you sleep. It moisturizes your lips. 

FRUITS FOR GLOWING SKIN

Banana: This is one fruit that's abundantly available in India all through the year. We know it's a good source of iron, magnesium and potassium and helps reduce menstrual cramps. The effect of banana on skin too is not something that can be ignored. Bananas are rich in vitamin A, B and E and hence works as an anti-aging agent. A fresh mashed banana facial can do wonders for your skin.

Lemon: Lemon juice is an important ingredient in most Indian recipes. This is also a fruit of all seasons and almost always finds place on your kitchen shelf or refrigerator. With its vitamin C content, its juice will keep your skin beautiful. A glass of warm water with a tsp of honey and a dash of lemon juice on an empty stomach every morning is a great skin cleanser. With its astringent properties, it can be used to lighten the skin tone and also diminish acne scars. Rub the inside of a lemon peel on your elbow remove dark spots. Mix lemon and honey and use it as a natural bleach on your skin.Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away is cliched, but its health benefits are undisputable. Apple's antioxidant property prevents cell and tissue damage. Studies by nutritionists have shown that apples contain abundant amounts of elastin and collagen that help keep the skin young. Applying a mixture of mashed apple, honey, rose water and oatmeal can act as a great exfoliating mask on your skin.

Orange: Rich in vitamin C that improves skin texture. Like apple, orange too contains collagen that slows skin aging process. Rub the insides of orange on your skin to tighten the skin. Oranges can be dried and powdered and used as a natural scrub. Like lemon, oranges too help clear skin blemishes.

Papaya: The benefits of this fruit on skin have perhaps been talked about since the time of our ancestors. Papaya is rich in antioxidants and contain a special enzyme called papain that can kill dead cells and cure skin impurities. A glass of papaya milk or just applying the flesh of papaya on your skin can do wonders to your skin.

Mango: Rightly called the king of fruits for not just its taste but also for health benefits. The soft pulpy fruit has an amazing effect on skin too. Rich in vitamin-A and rich antioxidants, it fights against skin aging, regenerates skin cells and restores the elasticity of skin.