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We are deep in the midst of a 2020 throwback – wake up, work, sleep, and repeat. With the city under siege courtesy of lockdown 2.0, we are shuttering ourselves indoors, save the occasional neighbourhood kirana run. Just as we work from home, workout at home, and dine at home, we will also be carrying out our grooming and skincare routines at home. With no or limited visits to the salon, dermats, and skin clinics, it is safe to say that we will be doing this DIY style.
So, what better time than now to revive old-school techniques and make use of pantry-staples that our grandmothers vouch for and vehemently recommend? Simple, safe, and skin-effective, these can be done at no added cost and will result in squeaky clean and naturally radiant skin – you will be the star of every Zoom call.
Back when skincare methods weren't as technologically evolved as they are today, skin steaming was the humble go-to treatment that our moms and grandmothers swore by for naturally-radiant and flushed skin.
Circa now, skin steaming is making a comeback. Having gained popularity over the past year spent at home, it is simple, and the results are consistent. Steaming makes your pores malleable and helps to melt the debris (a result of dirt, product remnants, and pollution) hidden in your pores to prevent acne-inducing build-up. The heat from the steam will also increase microcirculation to boost the production of elastin and collagen for a dewy glow. Furthermore, the steam boosts hydration, strengthens your skin’s barrier, plumps your skin, and makes fine lines smoother. It is a one-step skincare regime to hydrate, clarify, and detox.
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While the Western world has now co-opted turmeric (Golden milk lattes, anyone?), we have been using this all-star ingredient in our food and for topical application for centuries. A household staple in most Indian homes, turmeric is a power player owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial qualities which can benefit our skin and health in myriad ways. It aids in treating skin ailments such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis and is used to heal wounds and scars. Containing antioxidant curcumin, it also lightens pigmentation along with slowing the skin-ageing process to reduce wrinkles and improve your skin’s elasticity.
With turmeric being readily available, make this easy DIY mask at home combined with other superfoods.
Turmeric also has immunity boosting properties which is especially vital at a time like this – mix turmeric in warm milk or take a turmeric shot to make the most of powerful antioxidant properties. Here’s how we take it:
You drizzle it on french toast, you add a dash of it to your oatmeal, you sweeten your tea with it, and now you can slather it on your face. A pantry-essential, honey is a natural humectant – it draws moisture into your skin from the air, moisturising and nourishing it. For this reason, it's an elixir for dry skin that is in need of some TLC.
Ideal for all skin types, it’s antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties heal breakouts and soothe sensitive skin – a winner for acne-prone skin. A quintessential multitasker, it also helps to cleanse your pores, exfoliate your skin, and to reduce hyperpigmentation and stubborn acne scars that refuse to fade.
The best way to incorporate honey into your routine is to use it as a gentle cleanser. Stick with raw organic honey for safe and best results.
Using honey as a cleanser will ensure supple and well-moisturised skin that will cleanse gently without stripping the skin’s natural oils. It’s a great way to ensure naturally glowing, fresh, and soft skin, especially for those of you with dry and sensitive skin.
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