How to Create a Natural Skincare Routine at Home

Introduction

In the fast-paced world that we live in and the bare minimum time that we get to relax and spend on ourselves, it is very important to take a breather, surround ourselves with positive energy and creatively visualize for better peace of mind, body and soul. Beauty and skin care products are available in abundance today but many don’t use organically sourced ingredients. Sometimes, we as individuals, don’t have the time and don’t really make the effort to do a market recce to assess and look at brands that are kinder to the environment — and the planet.

What is natural skincare Routine?

Natural skin care at home includes using beauty methodologies that have been passed down by our elders from generations before, which can be used onto the skin without having to worry about their side effects. Remember your grandmother’s Nushke (Recipes)? How during your childhood she used these Nushkes to treat a lot of concerns that you might have – be it a rash, dry skin, acne or even chapped lips? The list can go on. 

In this blog, we have come up with some DIY natural skin care routines and methodologies that will help cleanse and nourish your skin – enabling it to breathe, while being hydrated. And the most exciting and interesting part about this regimen is the fact that almost all of these ingredients are available right in your kitchen making this a hassle-free experience!

So if you’ve always wondered how to get naturally glowing skin, these natural and sustainable remedies will be your go-to answer:

#1: Transformative Turmeric

The Turmeric spice, also known as Haldi in India, has been used since time immemorial as food and medicine — and is a classic ingredient for building immunity. During Indian weddings, especially the pre-wedding ceremony — ‘Haldi’, ‘Tel Baan’ or ‘Manjha’ — Turmeric is used on the couples’ faces as it is believed to be auspicious and bestows exceptional radiance to the skin. It also contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

• How to use: Mix one teaspoon of Turmeric powder and four teaspoons of full fat Cow’s (pasteurized) Milk to form a smooth paste. Apply all over the face and neck using a beauty brush and leave it on for 8-10 minutes. Then rinse off with plain water. Repeat this process at least twice a week. As an alternative, use an Ubtan with a high level of Turmeric – the Forest Essentials Narangi and Nagkesar Ubtan can be the ideal choice.
• Benefits: Turmeric’s highly beneficial properties are due to the presence of Curcumin, a bioactive component that eliminates harmful radicals which damage the skin – bringing out a natural glow to the complexion. (1)

#2: Multani Mitti to the rescue

Multani Mitti or Fuller’s Earth is one of the most widely used ingredients to treat oily, acne-prone and blemished skin. Considered to be an eminent exfoliating agent, it has active ingredients that absorb oil, dirt, dust and impurities to purify and calm the skin.

Since organically-made Multani Mitti might be a little tricky to find, we at Forest Essentials have perfected the formula and bottled it in a jar so that you don’t have to worry about making it on your own! Our Multani Mitti Facial Ubtan is made by sun-drying and hand-pounding fresh herbs including Neem, Fenugreek, Turmeric, Lodhra Bark, Sweet Almond Seed and Banyan Bark — and its alkaline content helps correct imbalances and neutralizes the skin tone.

• How to use: Take a teaspoon of Multani Mitti and mix it with Yoghurt to form a creamy paste. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Then apply onto the face and leave it on for 7-8 minutes, until it’s semi-dried. Wash off with warm water. Alternatively, soak 1-2 Neem leaves in water and let them rest overnight. You can then use that water in the Ubtan as well as it’s a great alternative for oily and open-pored skin. Alternative to plain Multani Mitti is the Forest Essentials Multani Mitti Ubtan.
• Benefits: As it has the power to absorb dirt and impurities from your skin, Multani Mitti is an excellent option to prevent blackheads, whiteheads and breakouts. A fun fact that you might not know is that Multani Mitti, mixed with water, was used by soldiers during World War II on their feet to minimize inflammation! (2)

#3: Rosewater and its novel applications

Known to act as an astringent that hydrates and tightens the face’s pores, Rosewater or Gulaab Jal is an ideal naturally-derived ingredient that is known to calm irritated and blotchy skin. Known in the tenets of Ayurveda to balance Sadhaka Pitta, which in turn controls our emotions and makes us happier, Rosewater brings out the skin’s natural glow. Though there are several ways to create Rosewater at home, we recommend using pure Rosewater prepared via the process of steam distillation. 

The Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist Rosewater is an ideal option that refreshes, hydrates and tones the skin, leaving it lightly fragranced with the luxurious scent of Roses. It is made from the roses of Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh – a region in North India, which is rich in white soil that acts as a perfect conductor for the growth of these roses.

How to use:

• As a makeup remover: Mix equal amounts of Rosewater and Aloe Vera Juice and 2-3 drops of Lemon in a wooden bowl. Soak a cotton ball and use it to remove makeup. Follow with a cleanser.
• As a face pack: Take 2 tablespoons of organic gram flour, along with 1 tablespoon of natural Yoghurt, and mix with Rosewater. Make a thick paste and apply it liberally on the face and neck, keeping it on for 8-10 minutes. Gently massage the paste on your face in circular motions so that the gram flour exfoliates it. Finally, rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Alternative to plain Multani Mitti is the Forest Essentials Multani Mitti Ubtan.

• Benefits: The regular usage of Rosewater minimizes enlarged pores, regulates sebum production, diminishes fine lines and hydrates the skin. (3)

#4: Sandalwood and its antiseptic properties

Sandalwood, known as Chandan in India, is renowned for its aromatic and skin-benefiting properties and thereby, is considered to be sacred and kept in high regard in the Vedic texts. The Sandalwood paste and oil have been used as beauty enhancers as they act as wonderful anti-oxidants and provide a radiant glow.

How to use: Mix two teaspoons of pure sandalwood powder with two tablespoons of Rosewater in a bowl to make a fine paste. Apply the paste using a beauty brush on the face and neck and let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Repeat this process at least twice a week.

• Benefits: The regular usage of Sandalwood is known to act as an antiseptic; retain moisture levels; is toning, purifying, and soothing for the skin. As Sandalwood oil contains anti-oxidants, it is also known to reduce pigmentation and dark spots. Alternative is the Forest Essentials Soundarya Ubtan with a high level of Sandalwood and Saffron. (4)

#5: Gentle exfoliation of the lips using Lemon and Sugar

Lips are an important area of the face to be taken care of as they do get chapped and dry due to the external, environmental damage caused by pollution or even the harsh UV radiation of the sun. So, exfoliating them with a Lemon and Sugar scrub every week is a must to remove any surface dead cells — and give them an even tone.

• How to use: Mix two teaspoons of organic, granulated Brown Sugar with 4-5 drops of Lemon and Honey in a bowl. Apply the mixture on your lips and gently massage in circular motions for a minute. Wash it off with warm water. Follow with a lip balm of your choice for an extra dose of moisture. Should be ideally done at night before going to bed. Alternatively, use the Forest Essentials Cane Sugar Lip Scrub to get the desired results.

  

• Benefits: The Lemon in the lip scrub, an excellent source of Vitamin C, will help remove the tan from the lips. Honey, a natural humectant, will lock in the desired moisture. And the Sugar granules help remove surface dead cells to reveal healthy glowing skin. (5) (6)

#6: The magic of Honey

• How to use: Apply raw Honey evenly on moist face and neck. Massage and then leave it on for about 10 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this process 3-4 times a week.
• Benefits: The regular usage of Honey on your face will reduce blotches and blemishes due to its antimicrobial and humectant-rich properties. A prime ingredient for boosting collagen, Honey is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory – boosting your skin with a natural, dewy glow. When applied directly to your face, it also opens up your skin’s pores to gently cleanse and rehydrate them. (6)

#7: A drink of Bitter Gourd juice for clear skin

Bitter gourd, commonly known as Karela in India, is a household ingredient found in almost every person’s refrigerator. Self-explanatory from its name, it tastes bitter and pungent when taken wholly in the form of a savoury dish or even chickpea flour-battered, fried chips. But as unappealing as it may sound, Bitter Gourd is a very healthy food option for all of us.

• How to use: Take 3-4 Bitter Gourds, peel and de-seed them, and wash thoroughly with warm water. Now chop them finely into thin pieces, put them in a juicer to extract the juice. Pour it in a glass to drink and mix it with a few drops of Lemon juice. Add Salt and Pepper according to your taste and liking. Should be ideally taken daily with breakfast.
  
• Benefits: Bitter Gourd improves digestion and boosts your immune system. It lowers undesirable cholesterol levels and gives the skin a natural glow by internally purifying the blood — and the system. (7)

Conclusion

To conclude, we recommend following these at-home beauty hacks along with using the best products that will help you maintain clear and radiant skin. If you have any questions or suggestions, go to www.forestessentialsindia.com and chat with our Ayurvedic experts, Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

FAQs

What is the best homemade skincare routine?

A homemade, natural skin care routine involves taking ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen, mixing them with organic products available in the market, and making a concoction that’s best suited to all skin types. 

How can I take care of my skin naturally?

Drink plenty of water (preferably kept in a copper jar), incorporate a balanced diet — with fresh vegetables and lightly cooked meals — in your day-to-day lives, and exercise daily for at least an hour.

What should I apply on the face at night naturally?

Apply a moisturiser or Cream of Milk and a DIY lip scrub before going to bed (for maximum potency) because once you sleep, that’s when your skin repairs itself naturally. 

Referenced Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/fullers-earth
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4737971/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6536050/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7020168/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189/
7. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=yGDoCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT67&dq=bitter+gourd+juice+for+skin&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwilkqK4mMjOAhXDo48KHYmTB2sQ6AEIGzAA#v=onepage&q=bitter%20gourd%20juice%20for%20skin&f=false