There are as many home remedies for glowing skin and healthy hair as there are lab tested beauty products on the shelves. They have often been dismissed as unscientific but in reality, there is strong science to defend some favourite home remedies that have been a part of our families for years. From bananas to milk, here’s why these kitchen staples make for amazing beauty products.
Multani mitti or Fuller’s Earth as a mask
Last year, the Archaeological Society of India decided to use multani mitti face packs to clean the Taj Mahal. It sounded like some misplaced beauty hack, but scientists and archaeologists know what they’re doing. Multani mitti is a clay that has powerful cleansing properties and the ability to render marble luminous white. Multani mitti is also called Fuller’s Earth because it’s ability to absorb grease and grime was used in fulling, a process of cleaning sheared wool. The clay we know—and one of the most popular home remedies in our country—originated in Multan, Pakistan. It contains minerals and volcanic ash, which leave skin fresh and porcelain textured. Combined with rose water for the perfect face mask—cooling in summer, it lifts off dirt and tightens skin leaving it cleansed and pores tight. When using this face pack, wash off when just dry but don’t let it crack as this can over-dry your skin.
Besan, haldi and malai
Ubtans or exfoliating scrubs are part of the Indian DNA, but the gram flour, cream and turmeric combo has special status in the book of home remedies for glowing skin. This could be because the ingredients are easily available in every Indian kitchen or because it does really work. Besan has astringent qualities and is especially good for oily skin. When combined with the milk, lipids of cream or yoghurt, it becomes non-abrasive and leaves behind a soft shine. Turmeric completes this trifecta. It has the bioactive curcumin which is chock full of healing abilities—it is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and the list can go on. This is one of the most potent tried-and-tested home remedies for exfoliation, texturising and gentle toning.
Banana as hair conditioner
In the late nineties, The Body Shop launched a banana conditioner that smelt and feel like a ripe mashed up banana and it worked wonders on dry hair. They still have it, replicating what people in Asia and South America have known for centuries. Bananas are rich in the mineral potassium, and vitamins C and A. They have natural oils that coat hair and relax stressed cuticles that cause the appearance of split ends and frizziness. When combined with almond oil (for extra dry hair) you get the added emollience of vitamin E. Consistency is important—pulp a ripe banana to a smooth thick liquid and then apply it to hair. Leave on for fifteen minutes but experts warn against letting it dry out. Wash off—shining, healthy hair guaranteed; one of the simplest home remedies there is. It does have a ripe banana smell, though.
Potato skin for dark circles
If you thought cucumber slices were the answer, think again. Chilled potato slices have starch, which tightens and soothes under-eye puffiness. Dark circles under eyes are usually caused by blood coagulating beneath the thin under-eye skin. Potatoes have an enzyme called catecholase that has mild bleaching properties to lighten dark circles naturally. They are also moisture-rich and have loads of vitamin C so this carb is definitely good for you.
Multani mitti or Fuller’s Earth as a mask
Last year, the Archaeological Society of India decided to use multani mitti face packs to clean the Taj Mahal. It sounded like some misplaced beauty hack, but scientists and archaeologists know what they’re doing. Multani mitti is a clay that has powerful cleansing properties and the ability to render marble luminous white. Multani mitti is also called Fuller’s Earth because it’s ability to absorb grease and grime was used in fulling, a process of cleaning sheared wool. The clay we know—and one of the most popular home remedies in our country—originated in Multan, Pakistan. It contains minerals and volcanic ash, which leave skin fresh and porcelain textured. Combined with rose water for the perfect face mask—cooling in summer, it lifts off dirt and tightens skin leaving it cleansed and pores tight. When using this face pack, wash off when just dry but don’t let it crack as this can over-dry your skin.
Besan, haldi and malai
Ubtans or exfoliating scrubs are part of the Indian DNA, but the gram flour, cream and turmeric combo has special status in the book of home remedies for glowing skin. This could be because the ingredients are easily available in every Indian kitchen or because it does really work. Besan has astringent qualities and is especially good for oily skin. When combined with the milk, lipids of cream or yoghurt, it becomes non-abrasive and leaves behind a soft shine. Turmeric completes this trifecta. It has the bioactive curcumin which is chock full of healing abilities—it is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and the list can go on. This is one of the most potent tried-and-tested home remedies for exfoliation, texturising and gentle toning.
Banana as hair conditioner
In the late nineties, The Body Shop launched a banana conditioner that smelt and feel like a ripe mashed up banana and it worked wonders on dry hair. They still have it, replicating what people in Asia and South America have known for centuries. Bananas are rich in the mineral potassium, and vitamins C and A. They have natural oils that coat hair and relax stressed cuticles that cause the appearance of split ends and frizziness. When combined with almond oil (for extra dry hair) you get the added emollience of vitamin E. Consistency is important—pulp a ripe banana to a smooth thick liquid and then apply it to hair. Leave on for fifteen minutes but experts warn against letting it dry out. Wash off—shining, healthy hair guaranteed; one of the simplest home remedies there is. It does have a ripe banana smell, though.
Potato skin for dark circles
If you thought cucumber slices were the answer, think again. Chilled potato slices have starch, which tightens and soothes under-eye puffiness. Dark circles under eyes are usually caused by blood coagulating beneath the thin under-eye skin. Potatoes have an enzyme called catecholase that has mild bleaching properties to lighten dark circles naturally. They are also moisture-rich and have loads of vitamin C so this carb is definitely good for you.
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