5 home remedies that will make you snub your cosmetics

Who says only cosmetic products can fix skin problems! Whether it`s acne, dark circles, dull skin or sun tan- your kitchen has a solution for all. Here are some easy and effective home remedies that won`t be hefty on your pocket, and are free from harsh chemicals.

Dark circles

These annoying rings around your eyes can make you look tired and dull even though you are having a blast. But instead of opting for a special cream to treat them, try looking for natural alternatives. For instance, almond oil is rich in Vitamin E and massaging your under eye area regularly with it can work wonders for you.

Potato juice acts as natural bleach and is also a great option to work on this problem. Cucumber slices, and cold green tea bags are again helpful in lightening the darkness under eyes and puffiness. And if you had a super tiring day, just dab a few drops of rose water on cotton pads, and keep them on your eyes for about 15 minutes. It will help to rejuvenate and soothe your skin. Plus, it has mild astringent properties, and makes a great toner.

Dull skin

Pollution, stress and hectic lifestyle are one of the core reasons behind drab skin today. But you always do not need a facial or cosmetic treatment to get that glow back. Start with a DIY exfoliator. Mash two ripe bananas with a tablespoon each of brown sugar and honey. Massage this pulp on your face for about five minutes and rinse it off with cool water. This scrub will gently remove the dead cells, and hydrate your skin.

Or, you can opt for orange-honey scrub. Start with mixing two tablespoons each of orange peel powder and oats. Add a tablespoon of honey to this paste and scrub it in circular motion for a couple of minutes. Let it sit on your face for three to four minutes, and wash it off. Your skin will thank you for this!

Once you are done with scrubbing, it is the time to pamper your skin with a face mask. If you have an oily skin , mix an egg white with a tablespoon of honey. Apply this paste for about five minutes or until it dries. Rinse your face with lukewarm water, and get set to flaunt moisturised, supple skin. And yes, this mask helps to fight acne as well.

If your skin type is dry , mix a ripe banana with a tablespoon each of olive oil and honey. Apply it for about 10 minutes and wash it off with water. Olive oil contains anti-oxidants that help to regenerate skin, and Vitamin A, E, K to provide your skin the much needed TLC.

For those with normal or combination skin , mix an egg white with three tablespoons of yoghurt. Apply this paste for about ten minutes and rinse it with lukewarm water. Egg white is loaded with protein, and helps to regenerate and tighten skin. Yoghurt helps to cleanse and moisturise skin, and even fights premature aging due to its high content of lactic acid.

Sun tan

Even if you step out in sunlight for ten minutes, you skin is vulnerable to tan. And considering the soaring mercury levels this season, here is a simple remedy to remove the tan. Mix equal quantities of yoghurt and tomato, and put this mixture for about fifteen minutes on the affected areas. Wash it off with water, and your complexion is back to normal. Wondering how? Tomatoes are loaded with anti-oxidants that take sun tan head on, and also reduce dark spots. It also acts as natural astringent that helps to clean pores, and is also helpful in reducing acne. On the other hand, yoghurt provides you`re the protein boost and hydrates it.

Acne scars

Acne is painful, and the scars it leaves behind are even more painful. Here`s how you can work on them naturally. Mix a few drops of lemon juice with a tablespoon of honey. Apply this mixture for about five minutes every day, followed by a rinse off with cold water. This mask starts showing results within a span of 15 days. Honey has anti-bacterial properties that help in treating acne and revitalising skin. Lemon`s acidic nature also helps in killing bacteria and lightening the skin.

Or, simply mix a tablespoon each of sandalwood powder and rose water. Keep this mixture overnight and wash it with cold water the next morning. It will lighten your scars and leave your skin glowing. It is because sandalwood helps to cool your skin, reduce inflammation, and lighten the scars. Rosewater helps to kill the acne causing bacteria and nourishes the skin.

Lip scrub

Chapped lips have never comforted anyone! Just mix your regular lip balm with some granulated sugar and coconut oil. Scrub it gently on your lips and your lips are all set for a smooth, sexy pout!

You can also try scrubbing your lips with a tablespoon of honey, little bit brown sugar and a few drops of coconut oil (or vanilla). Your lips will be smooth, and supple like never before.

Source: The Times of India