Shahnaz Husain
Turmeric is actually a part of our traditional beauty aids and has been in use since the ancient times. In fact, due to its extensive usage, it has also become a part of Indian wedding ceremonies and other rituals. During the ancient times, turmeric used to be added to body packs or “ubtan” due to its skin beautifying properties. Turmeric has antiseptic and germicidal properties. It also helps to soften and brighten the skin. Used over a period of time, it also helps to remove tan and lighten skin colour.
Turmeric can easily be used for home beauty care:
To remove tan: Add a pinch of turmeric to yogurt and apply daily on the face. Wash it off after 20 minutes
As a body pack: Mix besan (gram flour) with yogurt and a pinch of turmeric into a paste. Apply on the arms and legs three times a week. Wash it off after half an hour.
For facial hair: Apply a paste of turmeric powder and milk and rub this on the skin with a circular motion. It is said to discourage facial hair over a period of time, but it may leave a slight yellowish colour on the skin.
To minimize stretchmarks: First apply olive oil and massage it on the areas. Then mix besan, yogurt and turmeric (body pack given above) and apply on the area. Wash it off after half an hour.
Lemon:
The lemon packs quite a bit of punch in its small form. Most of us know that it is a rich source of Vitamin C and have taken it at some time or other. The lemon increases the body’s resistance to disease. Its content of glucose and minerals help to replace what the body loses through sweat, especially during the summer months. It has been found that taking lemon regularly can help to relieve headaches, soothe digestive problems and even help people suffering from anxiety. It stimulates blood circulation, reduces arterial pressure, activates bile and intestinal secretions. In other words, it can promote a general feeling of well being too.
What we have to remember is that the lemon is best taken diluted, adding it to water. You can start your day with the juice of a lemon in a glass of warm water. This combination can help to keep the system flushed and aid the removal of toxins and wastes. This will also reflect on the skin, keeping it clear and glowing.
As a cosmetic ingredient, lemon can be used in various ways. The only thing to remember is not to use it undiluted, as it can be harsh on the skin. On areas where the skin is thicker, lemon can be used by itself. For example, for dark elbows, rub lemon halves and then wash off with water. Over a period of time, it will cleanse the skin and lighten its colour.
Lemon can also be used as a hand lotion. Mix it with rose water and rub it into the skin of the hands. For rough hands, rub granulated sugar and the juice of a lemon together with the hands, till the sugar dissolves. Then rinse off with water. Done regularly, it will help to improve the skin texture.
Honey mixed with lemon juice can be applied on the face daily. While honey moisturizes the skin, lemon juice restores the normal balance and lightens skin colour over a period of time of regular use. For oily skin use one part of honey with two parts lemon juice. For normal and dry skin, use honey and lemon juice in equal quantities.
Lemon can also be used as a hair rinse. You can add lemon juice to a mug of water and use it as a last rinse, after your shampoo. You can even add it to “tea water”. Boil used tea leaves in enough water and cool the liquid. Add the juice of one lemon and use it as a last rinse. This helps to add shine to the hair.
We have formulated Shadew, a pre-bath cream for body care, containing lemon and turmeric. It protects the skin from the drying effects of chlorinated water. The skin becomes softer, smoother and brighter.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
