According to Ayurveda, your face should carry a pinkish glow if all the bodily energies, such as vata, kapha, and pitta, are balanced. However, at times, the largest organ of your body, which is your skin, needs a little extra to bring that glow.
The upper layer of your body goes through a lot in the heat, sweat, friction and amidst polluted environments. Every now and then, it needs a little extra to receive that proper care. Ayurveda-approved natural face packs can be an easy way to nourish the skin. The best part is that most of them are DIY face packs, which you can prepare at home.
Are these natural packs the saviour your skin needs? Which pack would suit your skin? Are there any cautions that you need to keep in mind? Read on to find out the answers to these questions.
How to choose face pack for skin type?
Choosing the right face pack for different skin types depends on your skin's biological health and needs. It is important to understand what your skin type is and what specific active ingredients should be added to your face pack for the best results. Let us explore a few skin types in detail:
Oily skin: If you find your skin shiny, a bit greasy and observe enlarged pores, then you have oily skin. Oily skin is usually acne prone. People with this skin type should choose masks or face packs that absorb oil. Ingredients like Multani mitti, neem or sandalwood can help remove excess oil and keep the skin fresh.
Dry skin: People with dry skin usually experience dry, flaky and dullness. It needs hydration and refreshment. This can easily be done by adding a few ingredients to your face pack, like honey, aloe vera or yoghurt. These will help restore moisture and makes the skin soft and smooth.
Combination skin: This skin type is usually known for having both dry and oily areas. Oily areas are especially on the T-zone, and dry ones are around the cheeks. You can choose a face mask that fulfils both dry and oily needs. You may try to apply a different face mask on the T-zone and on the cheeks to balance out the skin's needs.
Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin easily reacts when exposed to harsh and rough ingredients. Ingredients like lemon or harsh scrub can lead to redness, rashes and irritation. Thus, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, rosewater, or cucumber can be used for a soft and gentle feel.
Best homemade face packs for beginners?
Homemade face packs are the most natural way of care you can provide to your skin. The required ingredients can be easily found in your kitchen. Let us know the process of making a face pack, its uses and benefits in detail:
1. Add 1 tablespoon of honey with a pinch of turmeric and make a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer of the paste and let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Turmeric has antibacterial properties, and honey is great for restoring moisture. Thus, helps in calming skin, resisting breakouts and brightening dull skin.
2. 1 tablespoon of Multani mitti is to be added with rosewater to form a smooth paste. Apply it over the face and rinse it off after 15 mins. This face pack helps in absorbing excess oil resulting in soft and refreshed skin.
3. Mix 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and apply it to the face for 10 minutes, then rinse it with water. This helps in gently exfoliating dead skin cells and improves skin texture. It also supports tan removal and overall radiance.
4. If you have dry skin, then you may mash a banana and add 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply the paste throughout the face and wash it with lukewarm water after 10-15 minutes. Banana and honey contain natural oils, vitamins and moisturising properties that improve skin texture.
5. Take 1 tablespoon of gram flour(besan) with 2 tablespoons of milk and rose water. Let it rest on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing. You may find improved skin texture as it removes tanning and gives a natural glow.
How often should you use face packs?
Using face packs as a part of skin care is the most basic and simple care one can take. But the frequency of usage depends on the skin type and the type of face pack you are using on the skin.
- Generally, it is advised to try a face pack for 1-2 times a week. This regular use of face packs helps in improving skin texture, removing impurities and keeping the skin balanced naturally.
- For oily acne-prone skin, it is advised to use face packs 2-3 times a week. This removes excess oil. Although these masks should not be overused, as they can make your skin overly dry.
- As for people with dry skin, you should use a face pack once a week. The face pack should be packed with ingredients like aloe vera, honey, cucumber, etc., so that they moisturise your skin and keep it fresh and hydrated.
- People with combination skin may use a face mask for 1-2 times in every week. They may use face packs with oil absorption properties over the T-zone and apply hydrating masks around the cheeks to maintain the balance across different areas of the skin.
Can DIY face packs damage skin?
DIY face packs are usually beneficial to our skin, but only when they are used in an adequate and correct manner. Thus, it is important to understand and analyse the skin type, choice of ingredients and overusage.
- It is always suggested to do a patch test before the complete application.
- Skin barrier protects you from environmental stress, and if this protective layer gets weakened, then the skin may become flaky or dry. Therefore, it is important to protect your skin barrier when applying any face mask.
- Do not use face masks with citrus formulations during the day to avoid pigmentation and rashes.
- Though kitchen products are fine to use, resist using rotten or leftover ingredients as they may cause bacterial contamination and skin breakouts.
Quick DIY face packs with kitchen ingredients?
Of course, DIY packs can give you quick results and help in tan removal, face brightening, smooth texture, etc. Below are some effective DIY face pack options:
- Take a tablespoon of honey and plain yoghurt, mix it well and let it sit on your face for 10-15 minutes. Honey helps in moisturisation while lactic acid supports gentle exfoliation of dead skin cells.
2. Haldi- besan paste with some rose extract can be applied on the face for 15 minutes and then can be rinsed off with cold water. This has antibacterial properties and helps in mild tan removal.
3. 2 tablespoons of tomato pulp are to be added with 1 tablespoon of honey and applied for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. This helps in excess oil removal as it is packed with antioxidants. Also, honey helps in hydration and moisturisation.
4. Mix 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and honey thoroughly and apply for 15 minutes. Once dried, rinse it off with cold water. Here, honey locks in moisture, and aloe vera helps in calming and soothing skin.
5. 1 tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal is to be mixed with milk and applied to your skin. After a few minutes, gently massage and wash it off with water. This will help in mild exfoliation and improve skin texture.
Common mistakes using face packs?
Face packs are used for nourishment and hydration. But there are certain things to be taken care of while using face packs so that they give the best results. Below are a few things to be taken care of while using face packs:
- Using face packs frequently: using face packs frequently can make your skin dry and dehydrated. If the skin is dehydrated, it ultimately triggers excess oil accumulation and clogs skin pores.
- Choosing the wrong face pack according to your skin type: Choose ingredients that match your skin requirements for the best results.
- Applying face packs on dirty skin: It is important to cleanse your face thoroughly before applying any face pack. If the impurities aren’t rinsed off, then the face pack might slow down its effectiveness.
- Leaving the face pack for too long: Leaving the face pack for a long duration cause dryness and irritation as the face pack will eventually pull away all the moisture. 10 to 15 minutes are enough.
- Skipping moisturiser: Once you rinse off the face pack, make sure to apply moisturiser on slightly damp skin, as this helps restore hydration.
FAQs
What ingredients work best for hydrating dry skin naturally?
Natural ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, honey, yoghurt, etc., are the best formulations for restoring hydration in dry skin. These help in retaining moisture in the skin and simultaneously make the skin softer and smoother.
How do you choose the right face pack for your skin type?
If you have oily skin, face packs with ingredients like Multani mitti, besan or neem help in extracting excess oil. For dry skin, you may use a face pack with components like yoghurt, honey or aloe vera for hydration. For sensitive skin, you must choose gentle and soothing ingredients.
How can combination skin be treated with homemade face packs?
Combination skin has both oily and dry areas; thus, it is suggested to try multi-masking. You can make a face pack with Multani mitti, or neem for oily T-Zone(nose, forehead, chin) and apply sandalwood, aloe vera or honey face packs for dry areas so that these ingredients provide hydration.
Are DIY face packs safe for sensitive skin?
Usually, DIY face packs are considered safe for all skin types. But in case you have sensitive skin, then you may wisely choose the ingredients for your skin. It is suggested to use soothing, gentle ingredients like cucumber, aloe vera or honey.
How long should a face pack stay on the skin?
Any face pack should not be applied to the skin for more than 15 minutes. If kept for a longer time, it may pull in all the moisture and result in dehydration and clogged pores.
Do natural face packs provide long-term skincare benefits?
Yes, natural face packs provide long-term skincare benefits, but only when they are applied consistently and correctly. Ingredients such as honey, sandalwood, cucumber, and rose water are best suited for a natural, long-term glow.
