Come August the beautiful cocktail blue sky begins to darken into gravel gry. The moisture-laden clouds get heavy and a downpour sweeps across the country. The pitter-patter of raindrops on the windowpanes and the petrichor emanating from the earth fills the heart with joy. Monsoons are magical! The taste buds crave all things spicy and we want to reach out for steaming hot pakoras, savoury samosas and a plate of tangy chaat. While fried and spicy foods are strongly associated with monsoons, they may play havoc with our skin. For people with oily skin, the humidity in the air leads to the eruption of acne and rashes. Hence, it is imperative to have a skincare routine to maintain healthy-looking skin and keep those evil devils at bay. Enlisted below are the simplest homemade masks that will retain your glow and keep your skin blemish and breakout free during the rainy weather and all it takes is a few minutes (and ingredients!):
1. Papaya Face Mask
The enzyme papain in papaya helps prevent acne breakouts by regulating the skin pH, unclogging pores and cleansing the skin while multani mitti (fuller’s earth) aids in removing excess oil making this face mask an ideal pack for people with oily skin.
All that you need:
Fuller’s earth: 1 teaspoon
Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon
Honey: 1 teaspoon
Ripe papaya: ½ cup
What you have to do:
- Add lemon juice and honey to chopped papaya pieces and mash them till smooth.
- Add fuller’s earth to this mixture and blend it well.
- Apply evenly on face and neck and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cold water.
- For effective results, use this mask twice in a week during the season.
2. Sandalwood Face Mask
Ayurveda lists sandalwood as one of the best solutions to skin problems. It is antibacterial and has a cooling effect that soothes sunburns and removes suntan. Combining it with milk and turmeric powder adds radiance to the face. Some people also believe consuming pumpkin spice can add radiance to your face.
All that you need:
Turmeric powder: ¼ teaspoon
Milk: 1 teaspoon
Sandalwood powder: 1 tablespoon
What you have to do:
- Mix all the three ingredients well till it becomes a smooth thick paste.
- Apply all over the face and leave for a half-hour or till it dries up.
- Wash off with cold water.
3. Banana Honey Face Mask
Bananas are a rich source of Vitamin C and nutrients that enrich the skin. Not only does it hydrate and exfoliate the skin, but it also retards the ageing process. Mixed with honey which is replete with anti-bacterial properties, the mask prevents acne outburst while keeping the skin supple.
All that you need:
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
Honey: 1 tablespoon
Ripe banana: 1
What you have to do:
- Mash the banana well.
- Add lemon juice and honey to the mashed banana.
- Apply well all over your face and leave on for 15 minutes.
- Wash with lukewarm water and say hello to glowing skin.
Tip: After eating a banana do not throw away the banana peel. Chop into small pieces and rub the inner part of the peel on acne gently for five minutes. Wash your face with warm water. Repeat three times a day for maximum results.
4. Oatmeal Egg Mask
An excellent exfoliator, oats naturally cleanse and add radiance to the skin. Replete with protein, calcium and vitamin D, curd improves the complexion by providing it with nourishment, while the astringent properties of egg whites tighten pores with this wondrous pack.
All that you need:
Egg white: 1
Curd: 1 teaspoon
Honey: 1 teaspoon
Oatmeal: 3 teaspoon
- What you have to do:
- Combine with four ingredients and refrigerate for an hour.
- Wash your face before application.
- Apply the paste and let it dry for 15 minutes.
- Rinse well with cold water.
A Few Pointers to Retain the Glow During Monsoons
Besides the homemade masks that will help you adding the gleam to your skin, the following points should help you in handling the skin well during the rains:
1. Avoid bleaching your face or getting facials during this season as it can irritate your skin and lead to rashes.
2. Step up your skincare routine. Use a soap-free cleanser such as Sebamed or Cetaphil which will remove all the impurities from the skin. The Clinique Liquid Face Soap is soft and removes dirt, debris and makeup while keeping the skin supple. The Himalaya Herbal Neem and Turmeric soap is antibacterial and clears up skin rashes and acne.
3. After cleaning your face, do not forget to use an alcohol-free toner to even out the skin’s pH balance. Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner is excellent and won’t strip off its natural moisture.
4. Even though it may seem cloudy yet it doesn’t stop the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays of the sun. hence, wear a reliable sunscreen with a good SPF every time you step out. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun is non-greasy and refines pores. To guard against long UVA rays, use Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense with SPF 50.
5. Spray rose water over your face for an instant lift up. A handy recommendation is Dabur Gulabari Rose Face Cleanser that can be sprayed directly on your face and gently wiped with a cotton pad/ball. It can be used after every face mask to lock the nutrients in.
6. Drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated at all times. Add slices of lemon for the added dose of Vitamin C in your aqua.
7. Wear makeup to the minimum. Brighten your eyes with Christian Dior’s Diorshow Pump N Volume Waterproof Mascara.
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