skincare

For that ‘glow’

Want clear and healthy skin? All you have to do is look around your kitchen...

very woman wants flawless skin. Unfortunately, this has become a difficult task to achieve due to the pollution we are exposed to everyday and the kind of food we consume. So what can one do to achieve flawless skin nowadays; spend thousands on dermatologists and beauty spas? The answer is no. According to Singapore-based Pakistani herbal cure expert and homeopath doctor Dr Siddiq Patni, the solution to your problem exists in your kitchen. All you need is guidance. Read on to find out how you can get clear skin at home.

According to Dr Siddiq Patni, your skin care regimen and lifestyle are the predictors of your skin’s health. “Some of the leading factors that take a toll on your skin are stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, pollution, sun’s ultraviolet rays, excessive smoking etc,” says Dr Patni.

“Even though, there are thousands of expensive skin and beauty care products that promise to make your skin clear and glowing, you shouldn’t completely rely on them as some products may have side effects. Instead, you can try some simple and easy home remedies that can improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.”

Here are a few natural ingredients that can do wonders for your skin straight from the doctor’s desk...

Lemon

For clear skin, lemon is one of the best ingredients that you can use. The citric acid present in lemon helps keep the skin clear by removing dead cells, and its vitamin C content helps reduce dark spots by increasing the cell renewal process. Lemon also has bleaching properties that will help improve your overall complexion.

How to use: Squeeze the juice of one-half lemon and mix one to two tablespoons of raw honey in it. Apply it on your face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

To exfoliate your skin, mix two teaspoons each of lemon juice and sugar. Apply the mixture on your face, neck and hands. Scrub in a circular motion and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy once a week to enjoy glowing skin.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an excellent antiseptic and skin-lightening agent that helps minimize scars and other marks. Plus, turmeric can alleviate allergic, inflammatory and infectious skin disorders that make your skin look dull and lifeless.

How to use: Mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with enough pineapple juice to make a paste. Apply the paste to your face and neck. Leave it on until the paste dries completely. Then wash it off with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy two or three times a week to reduce the appearance of spots on skin.

Dr. Siddiq Patn

Honey

Honey is a great moisturizer and also has antibacterial properties that help in warding off any infection. The water content in honey will deeply moisturize the skin, making it soft and supple.

How to use: Apply raw honey directly on your skin. Let it dry naturally and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this simple remedy once daily or every other day.

Alternatively, mix two teaspoons of milk and one teaspoon of honey. Then add one teaspoon of gram flour and mix it in well. Apply it all over your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Use this face mask once a week to enjoy radiant and clear skin.

Baking soda

Baking soda balances pH levels of the skin, which is very important to maintain clear skin. Plus, its mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties help deal with problems like acne, pimples and spots. It also works as an excellent exfoliating agent to keep the skin free from dirt, impurities and dead skin cells.

How to use: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of water or lemon juice to make a paste. Cleanse your face and use the paste to gently exfoliate the skin. Finally rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a towel. Follow this remedy two or three times a week.

Alternatively, mix one teaspoon each of baking soda and raw honey. Apply this mixture on damp skin and massage gently for just one minute. Then wash with lukewarm water. Finally, splash some cold water on your face to close the pores. Follow this remedy once a week.

Cucumber

Cucumbers contain hydrating, nourishing and astringent properties that are very good for skin. They can improve the overall appearance of your skin by repairing damaged skin cells, removing dead skin cells and adding a fresh glow.

How to use: Cut a fresh cucumber into thick slices, and rub them thoroughly all over your face. Leave it on overnight and rinse with warm water in the morning. Do this daily before going to bed.

Also, you can make a mixture with equal amounts of cucumber juice and lemon juice. Apply this mixture to your skin, allow it to dry completely, and then wash it off with warm water. Do this daily.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera has antibacterial properties that help kill acne causing bacteria and also has astringent properties that help heal scars. Plus, aloe vera moisturizes the skin and stimulates new skin cell growth.

How to use: Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf. Apply the gel on your face using a cotton ball. Allow it to dry on its own for about half an hour, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Follow this remedy daily or several times per week.