Drumstick, or moringa, has been known as a superfood for quite some time now. Indians are no strangers to the powerful benefits and taste-enhancing properties of drumstick. It's added to curries and soups in India and all around the world, while south Indians use it a lot in dishes like sambhar, drumstick pickles and some non-vegetarian curries as well. It's a very well-known fact that almost every part of the drumstick tree is great for consumption as its leaves, fruits, flowers and seeds are all full of nutrients and minerals with amazing health benefits. But, did you know that moringa is a powerful beauty ingredient as well? Moringa face masks are becoming extremely popular, as more and more people around the globe are realising the importance of this wonder ingredient, for enhancing beauty.

Here are some hard-to-beat reasons you should add drumstick leaves and oil to your skin care regime:

1. Slows down ageing: Moringa oil and moringa leaf powder are both used topically on the face to prevent wrinkles and free radical damage to the skin. Moringa may help firm up your facial skin and also help reduce wrinkles and blemishes, making you look younger.

2. Moisturises the lips: Moringa oil is also used as an ingredient in a range of lip balms and lip care products, as it is capable of moisturising the sensitive skin of the lips and make them retain their softness.

3. Improves complexion: As stated earlier, moringa or drumsticks may help improve your complexion by preventing blemished and give you an even tone, when applied topically. A paste of the leaves can be applied to dark spots or blemishes on the face to reduce them.

4. Fights acne: It may seem counter-productive but applying moringa oil on the face has been known to prevent acne breakouts, due to its anti-bacterial properties. The same effect can be achieved by applying a paste of moringa leaves on the affected areas of the face. However, it's always advisable to consult an expert dermatologist before self-administering any skin treatments, whether internally or topically.

5. Help in removing toxins: Pimple and acne breakouts may be signs of accumulation of toxins in the blood. Consuming moringa powder or moringa seeds may help purify your blood, which will definitely translate into a clearer and healthier skin.

6. Reduces large pores: Moringa also acts on large open pores of the skin and tightens the skin. It has skin health boosting collagen protein, which helps in reducing pores.

How To Make DIY Moringa Face Mask For Healthy Skin

Due to skin healthy vitamins in moringa powder, it's frequently used as an ingredient in face masks. Moringa powder is obtained from sun-dried moringa leaves, which are ground to a fine, bright green powder. To make a DIY face mask, you need moringa powder, raw honey, rose water, lemon juice and water.

1. Mix half a tablespoon of moringa powder with a tablespoon each of honey and rose water and add half a tablespoon of lemon juice to it.

2. Check the consistency and add water as needed to obtain a fairly thick and smooth paste.

3. Apply this on your face in the morning and keep it for about 10 minutes, before washing it off with lukewarm water.

4. After drying the face with a clean towel, apply small amount of moisturiser on your face, to get a smooth and soft skin.

Moringa powder has great beauty benefits for your hair as well and can be used to get longer, thicker and healthier hair. Due to its anti-bacterial properties, moringa powder may also prevent dandruff and flaky scalp.

You could be buying every beauty product off the shelf to get a clean, clear and oil-free skin but there's no way you are going to achieve this if you don't control your eating habits. Many of us don't realize that it is not what we put on our face that matters alone, it is also what we put 'on our plate that plays an important role in the way we look and feel. There are many things right in the comfort of your own home that can help you if you have naturally oily skin. In fact, most of these sit pretty on your kitchen shelves, waiting to be discovered. And you don't need a battery of helpers to make these ingredients work for you. Often people who have oily skin already could be making this problem worse due to poor dietary choices. After all, your skin is a direct reflection of how your healthy your body is. Let's first go through the reasons why some of us may be experiencing oily skin.

Reasons for Oily Skin

Genetics: It is possible that due to hereditary reasons you could be having an oily skin. So that means if someone in your family had oily skin you have got it too.

Puberty: Hormonal changes during puberty can lead to oily and greasy skin giving you regular bouts of acne and pimples.

Menstruation: It is very often seen that women during their periods get oily and problematic skins, this could be due to hormonal changes too.

Perspiration: If you sweat a lot your skin starts to feel greasy and unclean leading to oily patches on your skin.

Birth Control: Many women on the pill can experience oiliness on the skin

Bad Lifestyle: A sluggish lifestyle without regular exercise and a balanced diet can cause the skin to become oily and lifeless.

Lack of water Intake: If you don't drink enough of water yourskin could become greasy and oily and your body a store-house of toxins.

So, what are the foods that you need to avoid to reduce oiliness and greasy skin especially during the monsoon when humidity levels are high and the skin is already prone to excessive sweating and perspiration?

Here's a list of foods you must have in mind especially if you have oily skin. Some people with dry skin would also experience oily patches during monsoon due to the high humidity levels - this list would serve them well too.

All Fried Foods


Diet plays a very important role in oily skin care. Many of us just don't realize what effect that one samosa has on your skin! Or how those the deep fried crispy pakoras and French fries wreak havoc on our skin health. After all aren't these supposed to be foods for the soul on a rainy day! But you have no idea how damaging they can be for the skin. So avoid all fried foods and heavy gravy foods that are loaded with butter and ghee.

Refined Grains


Breads, cakes, cookies, candy, pastas, pancakes and pretzels - all of them are dangerous for the skin and cause oiliness and, over a period of time, greasy skins leading to pimples, acne and problematic skins. Experts recommend dropping these culprits for oily skin care. Because refined grains lose fibre and other nutrients during processing they have a high glycemic index that impact your blood sugar. Instead replace your refined grains with things like wholewheat products, popcorn, quinoa and brown rice.

Sugary sweeets


Jalebis in monsoon are just one of the many delicacies associated with the rains here in India! However, if you are looking for a clean and clear skin this monsoon season then sugary foods and drinks are the things to avoid. Corn syrups, white sugar, mithai, milk chocolate, cakes, biscuits and ice creams are a complete no! It may be hard, but ditching these things from your monsoon diet can help you along in oily skin care.


Add raw sugar, honey, fresh fruits, figs, jaggery and berries into your diet to curb your sweet cravings. Aerated drinks and sugar syrup based drinks are also completely avoidable so include fresh juices, coconut water, buttermilk and nimbu pani in your diet instead.

Dairy products


Many people having oily skins do not realize the importance of reducing, if not avoiding completely, the intake of dairy products in their diet. Products high in saturated fats like butter, cream, ghee and cheese can be a skin disaster! You can avoid this by having soy milk and almond milk.


There are a number of milk options in the market with toned and light milk. Yogurt is a good alternative to make some fresh fruit smoothies, salad raitas but then again avoid using full fat cream milk. Chaach is an excellent option.

Processed Foods


When it comes to trying to reduce oiliness on the skin especially during the monsoon season, avoid processed foods and meats like sausages, bacon, steaks. These can cause greasy skins and initiate acne and pimples. Eat fresh cuts and lean meats intead. Also avoid packet and processed soups, noodles and ready to eat mixes and adapt a healthier freshly made snack or meal.


So now that I have told you about what to avoid to prevent an oily skin during the Monsoon it is important that I give you some tips on what to include in your diet as well.

Water


I like to call it the skins ambrosia! Its simply magical! Not only does it flush out toxins, improve metabolism and reduce constipation, water also keeps the skin hydrated, oil-free and clear. Drink a aminimum of 8-10glasses daily.

Raw Food


So much has been spoken about this but the questions remains is it safe to eat raw food in Monsoon? I recommend that you always get your vegetables and fruits from a reliable source, better still go organic! Including lots of fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits in your diet will work wonders to the way your skin looks. Peaches, plums, jamun, mangoes(that have been soaked for atleast 20minutes), melons, cucumbers; all need to be a part of your daily intake.


Citrus is a great way of reducing oiliness in your skin. Nimbu pani and eating at least 2 oranges a day is great for your skin.

We've discussed what to eat and what to avoid during monsoons to counter oily patches on your skin. Here's a seasonal fruit that you can apply liberally to your skin for a natural remedy.


Plum Magic for Oily Skin


Fresh plums mashed and rubbed on the skin help reduce oiliness. Being slightly acidic in nature you will find when rubbed on the skin they work very effectively by making the skin pores shrink and clarifying the complexion.

Cucumber Cooler


Oily skin in the Monsoon can be improved by mixing the following- 2tsp fullers earth with 1 grated cucumber. Mix well and apply as a mask. Having astringent qualities, cucumber not only reduces the oil on the skin surface but also helps make the skin clearer and has clarifying effect on the skin.

Mint Scrub


Take 2tsp red masoor lentil powder and 2tsp fresh mint paste. Add to this a little rose water and scrub the skin gently with this daily. You will see a marked difference in the oiliness on the skins surface and your skin will wake up!

Now that we have gone over the foods that make your skin oily especially in the Monsoon season start afresh and wake up your skin to a cleaner and clearer beginning! Until next time!

Yogurt is a superfood that has been a part of our household since centuries, and the credit goes to its high protein content and enzymes that enhances our immunity. It is basically fermented milk with an addition of good bacteria and that changes the entire natural property of curd. It is power-packed with proteins and vitamins B2, D12, B5 and D. You can add it to your smoothie, or have it as a fruit yogurt, raita, lassi, buttermilk, or eat as is. It gives a cooling effect to the system and soothes the stomach. But not just your health, yogurt has numerous beauty benefits of yogurt too. The credit goes to its content of lactic acid, zinc and B vitamins that makes it a powerful tool to use to treat skin and hair problems.

Many researchers and scientists have been studying various foods that is good for both face-ageing and health. Yogurt is a notable food that has been bestowed with such distinction. Amongst the comprehensive range of health benefits that yogurt provides, its ability to improve and transform skin and hair has inspired many beauty experts like myself. It's what you add to the yogurt that will create the magic and that's why I'm going to tell you how to become the master of treating your skin naturally! Yogurt for your skin can be used mixed with other natural ingredients to create remedies for kin problems.

Yogurt For Skin Care
Honey And Yogurt Mask

If you have sun burnt your skin, and hence, feeling sore and leathery, the this mask has come for tour rescue. Mix together honey and yogurt and apply a layer on your face and neck or even on your arms. Allow it to soak in for some time. After 5-7minutes, massage it well. Not only are both honey and yogurt natural moisturisers but will also help hydrate and soothe the skin.

Coffee And Coco Mask For Blemishes


Take 2 tbsp yogurt, 1 tbsp coffee, 1 tsp coco powder and 1 tsp honey. Mix all the ingredients well and apply onto the skin. This mask is great for wrinkled, dry and lifeless skin. The antioxidant properties in coco, honey and yogurt will freshen up your skin and make it clearer and blemish free. Coffee is a great skin stimulant and will help dislodge dead skin cells, reduce inflammation and helps improve blood circulation.

Yogurt And Mint Scrub


This is a sure shot winner when it comes to dealing with oily skin, especially during monsoon. Yogurt is an excellent cleanser for oily and combination skin and mixed with the following will make your skin feel squeaky clean and look amazing. Take 3 tsp green lentil powder, 2 tsp rice powder, 2 tsp fresh mint paste, 2 tsp fullers earth, 2 tsp yogurt and half a tsp of camphor powder.


Mix all the ingredients well and add a few drops of rose water to smoothen the mixture. Now, gently scrub this all over the skin and wash off with tepid water. This can be done three times week for results.

Yogurt For Hair Care
Whether you are adopting this wonderful natural milk product to improve the quality of your hair or treating it for something specific, yogurt is one of the best ingredients to use for hair care.


For Dandruff


This hair mask is simple, easy and highly effective to treat dandruff. A scalp disorder that can have serious side effects like hair-fall. Take 4 tbsp yogurt, juice of one lemon, 3 tsp dried fenugreek powder and a pinch of camphor. You can choose to oil your hair or apply this mask from the scalp to the ends of the hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave for at least 45 minutes before you shampoo it off with a mild herbal shampoo. This should ideally be done once a week.

For Oily Hair


Oily hair is monsoon can be troublesome. Use this mask to add life to your hair and bring lustrous healthy shining in no time at all! Take half a glass of beer, 4 tbsp yogurt, 5 tbsp multani mitti, juice of 1 lemon and 1 egg. High in proteins, this is a fabulous food mask for dull, oily and lifeless hair.

For Dry and Brittle Hair


If you have dry, brittle and dull hair, try this avocado yogurt mask. Mashed avocado mixed with yogurt is a superfood mask for your hair, which is quite easy to make. Take 2 mashed avocados, 1 banana, half a cup of yogurt and 2 tsp honey. Add a layer of this mask on your hair, start from the scalp to the roots. Cover with a shower cap and shampoo after 45 minutes.

Try these amazing yogurt recipes for your hair and skin and bid goodbye to all your skin- and hair-related monsoon woes.

आताच्या धकाधकीच्या जीवनात आणि बदलत्या जीवनशैलीचा परिणाम आरोग्यावर त्याचप्रमाणे चेहऱ्यावर होताना दिसत आहे. टॅनिंग, पिंपल्स, पिंगमेंटेशन, ब्लॅकहेड्स यांसारख्या समस्यांनी त्रासले असाल तर एक फेसपॅक अत्यंत फायदेशीर ठरेल. बाजारात अनेक प्रकारचे फेसपॅक उपलब्ध आहेत. पण त्यात वापरलेल्या रसायनांमुळे त्वचेचे नुकसान होऊ शकते. यासाठी मिल्क पावडरने असे बनवा फेसपॅक्स…

मुलतानी माती चेहऱ्याच्या देखभालीसाठी अत्यंत उपयुक्त आहे. विशेषतः तेलकट त्वचेसाठी ती अतिशय फायदेशीर ठरते. यासाठी मुलतानी माती आणि मिल्क पावडर समान प्रमाणात घ्या. त्यात पाणी घालून त्याची पेस्ट बनवा. गुलाबपाण्याचे काही थेंब घाला. त्यानंतर चेहऱ्याला लावा. सुकल्यानंतर कोमट पाण्याने चेहरा धुवा.

निस्तेज त्वचेवर तजे आणण्यासाठी चमचाभर मिल्क पावडरमध्ये दोन चमचे लिंबाचा रस घाला. नंतर हे मिश्रण चेहऱ्याला लावा. सुकल्यावर पाण्याने स्वच्छ धुवा.

पिंपल्सने त्रासले असाल तर मिल्क पावडरमध्ये मध आणि गुलाबपाणी घाला. पॅक चेहऱ्यावर १५ मिनिटे ठेवा आणि नंतर थंड पाण्याने चेहरा धुवा.

केसर असल्यास मिल्क पावडरमध्ये मिसळा आणि पेस्ट बनवा. हा पॅक चेहऱ्याला लावा. सुकल्यानंतर साध्या पाण्याने चेहरा स्वच्छ स्वच्छ पाण्यात धुवा.

आपले ओठ अधिक सुंदर दिसावेत यासाठी महिला लिपस्टिकचा वापर करतात. मात्र, लिपस्टीकमध्ये असलेल्या केमीकल्समुळे ओठांवर याचा दुष्परीणाम होवून ओठ काळे पडतात. चेहऱ्याचे सौंदर्य ओठांवर अवलंबून असते आणि ओठांची त्वचा संवेदनशील असल्याने हवामानाचा ओठांवर लवकर प्रभाव दिसून येतो. त्यामुळे ओठांचे आरोग्य राखण्यासाठी हे घरगुती उपाय नक्की करा.

- ओठांचा काळसरपणा दूर करण्यासाठी काकडीचा रस ओठांवर लावा. यामुळे काळसरपणा तर दूर होईल शिवाय ओठांचा ओलावाही वाढण्यास मदत होईल.

- साखर आणि मध प्रत्येकी एक चमका घ्यावे. यात आल्याचा एक तुकडा बारीक कापून टाकावा हे मिश्रण व्यवस्थीत मिसळुन जेलप्रमाणे नियमित ओठांना लावावे.

- लिपस्टिकच्या अती वापरामुळे ओठांचे नुकसान होते. यासाठी बीटरूटचा एक तुकडा, मसाज केल्यासारखा हळूवारपणे ओठावरून फिरवा. यामुळे ओठांचे आरोग्य टिकून सौंदर्यही वाढण्यास मदत होईल.