Who doesn't want a soft, supple and radiant skin? A lot of us strive to get a flawless skin and in order to achieve the same, we often end up trying various cosmetic and beauty products and treatment that are easily available in the market. What we fail to realise is the fact that these store-bought products could possible do more harm than good to our skin. It is always better to use natural ingredients on face, as they steer clear of any side-effects. A dry, patchy and dull skin can undoubtedly give you a hard time. However, there is one humble kitchen ingredient that can help in bringing back that lost glow - lemon. Yes, you read that right! Lemon comes packed with a host of health-benefiting properties, including skin, hair, and overall health. When it comes to skin care, lemon can come to great help. Lemon can be used in your face packs and face scrubs for almost all skin types; be it dry, oily or normal.

A 100-gram serving of lemon contains about 53 grams of vitamin C, which is again a very skin-friendly nutrient. You may also add other kitchen ingredients as well to complement lemon. For instance, honey and sugar are two ingredients that are perfect to be used in lemon scrubs. Here are three lemon scrubs for all skin types.

For Normal Skin - Sugar And Lemon Scrub

This scrub is made using the superb combination of sugar and lemon. Both sugar and lemon are replete with healthful properties. Lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is known to even skin tone and can also tighten open pores. On the other hand, sugar acts as a natural exfoliator, which helps in removing dead and dull skin cells from the face.

Ingredient:

6 tablespoons Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons Sugar

Method:

To begin with, take a bowl and add both sugar and lemon juice to it.

Mix both the ingredients and massage the mixture with your fingertips on your face in a circular motion.

The sugar granules should be massaged well on the face till they get evenly dissolved.

Once this is done, wash off your face with warm water.

Note: This particular face scrub would also help keep dark spots and tanned skin at bay.

For Dry Skin - Coconut Oil, Sugar and Lemon Scrub

Do you happen to have a dry skin type? If yes, then this face scrub is for you. Look no further and bring this three-ingredient face scrub to your rescue and say bye-bye to dry and flaky skin. Lemon helps in softening the skin; whereas, coconut will act as a tonic and bring back the moisture to the dull skin.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut Oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method:

Start by adding all the three ingredients in a bowl and mix them well.

Now, take this oil scrub and massage onto your face for around 8-10 minutes.

Once the scrubbing part is done, wash off your face with warm water.

For Oily Skin - Honey, Baking Soda and Lemon Scrub

Pimples can turn out to be quite annoying. People with oily skin type usually tend to suffer more from pimple problems. If you also happen to be a prey of those frequent acne breakouts, then this lemon scrub is sure to come quite handy. Made using baking soda, lemon and honey, this scrub will deep cleanse your oily skin. Lemon acts as a natural astringent, baking soda acts as a natural cleanser and honey's anti-bacterial properties may help reduce sebum production.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon baking soda

Method:

Take a bowl and add all the three ingredients to it.

After mixing them well, apply this paste-like scrub on your face using your fingers and gently massage for about 3-4 minutes.

Once this is done, wash off your face using cold water.

So, what are you waiting for? Bring these three lemon scrubs to your rescue and bring back that lost glow and shine on your face. If you know of more such lemon-based scrubs, do share about them with us in the comments section below.

Approximately 60% of the human body consists of water. It is one of the most important components that help in the process of digestion, blood circulation, mineral absorption and even excretion, ensuring smooth functioning of your system. A mere drop in the water content of your body can lead to dehydration, which can affect your body in more than one ways. Dehydration can also take a toll on your skin leaving it dry and life less. In order to ensure the health of your skin, it is highly recommended to keep your system hydrated.

How drinking water affects the skin?

Keeps skin soft: Skin is made up of 3 layers namely, epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. When the water content of the outermost layer of the epidermis is insufficient, your skin tends to lose elasticity and feel rough. Intake of adequate water hydrates the skin cells and makes them function properly, making your skin soft and supple.

Moisturizes dry skin and lessens the appearance of wrinkles: Insufficient intake of water makes your skin appear dry and flaky; such a skin is more prone to wrinkling. When you drink sufficient water your skin cells hydrate from within. Hydrated skin is resilient in nature and therefore, it has less chance of suffering from premature wrinkling.

Improves skin tone: Water is known for its abilities to flush out toxins from your system and for maintaining the proper functioning of your kidneys. Sufficient intake of water ensures that harmful toxins and impurities are regularly flushed out of your system, thereby, adding a healthy glow to your skin.

Makes your skin appear younger: It is advised to drink a minimum 8 glasses of water daily to keep your body hydrated. The condition of your health can be analyzed from the condition of your skin as a body that is hydrated well, makes your skin appear healthy too.

Gets rid of dark circles: The problem of dark circle arise over the years due to the damage of the capillaries under the eyes. The skin around the eyes is thinner than facial skin which hinders the smooth flow of fluid through them. Plenty intake of water on a regular basis can reduce the appearance of dark circles dramatically, making your skin appear healthy.

Who doesn't want a healthy, flawless, acne-free skin? We generally resort to chemical-laden commercial skincare creams that do no good and instead harm the skin in the long run. Ayurveda has always had a treasure trove of home remedies that can not only help your skin glow but also keep it healthy. Ayurveda suggests some herbal remedies that can help treat your skin according to the doshas of the body. The best part about Ayurveda remedies is that they do not harm your skin in any way and can be used regularly without having to worry about any side-effects.According to Ayurveda Expert Dr. Dhanvantri Tyagi, "There are many herbs that have essential anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that help keep your skin clean and acne-free. These herbs tend to open clogged pores in the skin and encourage the production of natural oils."

We enlist some essential Ayurvedic herbs suggested by Dr. Tyagi that you can use on a regular basis.

1. Jasmine leaves or chameli ke patte

Jasmine or chameli is not only known for its calming and soothing fragrance but also its medicinal properties. Jasmine leaves are antiseptic, which can help prevent microbial infections on the skin. It also regulates the amount of oil produced, which makes it excellent for people with oily skin. Mix jasmine leaves and rose water and apply on your face and skin. Leave it for about 15 minutes before washing it off with water.

2. Sandalwood or chandan

Chandan or sandalwood has been known for its skin-lightening and cooling properties. It helps prevent inflammation that further helps in reduction of acne, pimples and rashes on the skin. It also helps soothe your skin after being exposed to the sun. Make a paste using chandan powder and rose water and apply it on your skin. You will love how it leaves your skin hydrated and cleansed.

​3. Neem or Neemba

Neem is a well-known medicinal herb that is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is known to penetrate deep into the skin and remove dead skin cells. It also opens clogged pores helping stimulate natural oil production. Take some neem leaves and make a paste using rose water and apply it on the skin directly. You will definitely love the results when used regularly.

4. Moringa

Moringa leaves contain anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help cure any rash, blemish or acne on the skin. It helps reduce inflammation, further preventing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

5. Kesar or saffron

Kesar is widely known for its skin-lightening properties and also for making the skin tone even. Its anti-fungal content is an effective treatment for acne and pimples along with blemishes and blackheads. All you need to do is to add some saffron in warm milk and let it soak overnight. Apply the mixture on your skin and leave it for some time before washing it off.

6. Aloe Vera or Ghritkumari

Also known as ghritkumari, aloe vera is one of the most used herbs with numerous health benefits. It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and cooling properties that can provide with a lot of relief from skin problems. The gel from this plant gives your skin a soothing effect leaving it rash and blemish free.

aloe vera
Also known as ghritkumari, aloe vera is one of the most used herbs with numerous health benefits
These amazing Ayurvedic herbs are easily available and can be used on a regular basis. Give your skin a rejuvenating and replenishing feel!

A well moisturized and hydrated skin is a thumb rule for a healthy skin. Dry and flaky skin is not only discomforting and unpleasant to look but is also prone to many skin problems. Dry skin or xerosis dermatitis is more common among elderly. Dry skin can cause the skin to crack making it susceptible to infections. Constant scratching of dry skin due to itching is further harmful and can cause thickening and darkening of the skin. Extreme temperature especially winter with cold, dry and chilly winds can be harsh on the skin and disturb its pH level, thus causing skin problems.

Apart from external factors, internal factors such as hypothyroidism, psoriasis and type 2 diabetes can also cause dry skin.

One of the most common skin problems from dry skin is Eczema. Eczema, generally acquired in childhood is an inflammatory reaction of the skin causing the skin to become red and itchy followed by crusting and scaling. Treatment of eczema is usually a combination of creams and drugs. However, eczema does not go away that easily and its relapse rate remains quite high.

Exposure to sun for long hours can also lead to drying of the skin. Apart from this use of harsh soaps and chemical based products or prolonged use of cosmetics on the skin can inhibit the ability of skin to retain moisture.

Dry skin tends to age faster as it is prone to wrinkles. A wrinkled skin loses its charm and elasticity. The whole concept of anti ageing revolves around keeping the sun hydrated and moisturized.

Many skin problems can be prevented only by following a good skin care routine. Others may require a long-term medical treatment. Let’s look at some simple and useful ways to prevent and manage dry skin:

Water: Water is not only a natural cleanser for the skin but helps in maintaining an optimum moisture level of the skin. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.

Steam baths: A warm water bath or a steam bath can help relieve skin of dryness.

Oiling of the skin: People with dry skin benefit more from oiling than the use of regular moisturizers. Oiling creates a protective layer on the skin preventing it from drying for longer hours. Use of almond, olive or coconut oil is effective is treating dry skin problems.

Prolonged use of room heaters: Heaters snatch moisture from the surrounding environment including your skin leaving it dull and dry. Thus sitting in heated rooms for long can dehydrate skin and must be avoided as far as possible.

Water-rich fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables, especially, water-rich like watermelon, bottle gourd etc. can help replenish moisture. Eat plenty of those to fight dryness.

हिवाळा हा खरे तर सुखद ऋतू. पण या दिवसांत तापमान एकदम कमी होऊ लागल्यावर त्वचा आणि ओठ फुटणे, टाचांना भेगा पडणे, केस कोरडे पडणे या गोष्टी होतातच. जशी आपण थंडीपासून बचाव करण्यासाठी उबदार कपडे घालण्याची काळजी घेतो, तशीच त्वचेचीही काळजी घेणे गरजेचे आहे.

* थंडीत त्वचेतला वात वाढतो आणि त्यातील ओलावा, स्निग्धपणा कमी होतो. कोरडय़ा पडलेल्या त्वचेमुळे दिवसा आणि रात्रीही त्वचेला कंड सुटतो, त्वचेला स्पर्श केल्यावर ती रखरखीत आणि ओबडधोबड लागते. त्वचा आणखीनच कोरडी पडली तर त्याची सालपटे निघू शकतात, खासकरून टाचांना भेगा पडतात, काहींची त्वचा खूप कोरडी आणि कडक होऊन ती खवल्यांसारखी दिसू लागते.

* काही जणांमध्ये या दिवसांत त्वचेला येणारी खाज तर इतकी प्रचंड असते, की त्या ठिकाणी खाजवून ओरखडे पडतात आणि रक्तही येते. अशा पद्धतीने खाजवून झालेली जखम दीर्घकाळ रेंगाळणाऱ्या इसबमध्ये परिवर्तित होणे आणि जास्तच त्रासदायक ठरू शकते.

* चेहरा थंडीमुळे उलतो. ओठावर आणि ओठाभोवतीही भेगा पडतात. कधी कधी ओठ फुटल्यामुळे खाताना किंवा बोलताना तोंड उघडल्यावर ओठांना चिरा पडून रक्त येते. अशा वेळी आपण नकळत सारखे ओठाला दात लावतो, ओठ ओले करण्यासाठी त्यावरून जीभ फिरवतो. हा उपाय ओठांच्या विरोधातच जातो! तोंडातील लाळेचा ‘पीएच’हा ‘अल्कलाइन’असतो. शिवाय त्यात काही पाचकरसही असतात. ओठ सतत लाळेच्या संपर्कात आल्याने ते आणखी विसविशीत होतात, आणखी फुटतात.

* थंडीमुळे चेहऱ्यावर कोरडेपणाचे डाग पडतात. त्वचेवर सतत मुलतानी मिट्टी लावून ठेवल्यासारखे खेचल्यासारखे वाटते. त्वचेतून स्निग्धता आणि पाणी उडून गेल्यामुळे त्वचेवरून प्रकाश परावर्तित होऊ शकत नाही आणि त्वचा निस्तेज दिसायला लागते. हे सगळे असे होऊ नये म्हणून त्वचेची सातत्याने काळजी घेणे, निगा राखणे गरजेचे आहे.

काही टिप्स
* आंघोळीसाठी गार पाणी तर नकोच, पण खूप गरम पाणीही वापरू नये. त्याने त्वचा कोरडी पडते. कोमट वा मध्यम तापमानाचे पाणी वापरणे चांगले.
* आंघोळीच्या वेळी किंवा तोंड धुतानाही साबण, फेस वॉश किंवा अगदी बेसन पिठाचाही कमीतकमी वापर करणे बरे. उन्हाळ्यात अनेकांना स्क्रबर आणि शॉवर जेल वापरून आंघोळ करायला आवडते. थंडीत स्क्रबरने त्वचा घासणे नक्कीच टाळावे.
* आंघोळीनंतर टॉवलेने त्वचा खसाखसा पुसू नये. ओलसर त्वचेवरच चांगल्या प्रतीचे मॉइश्चरायझर, चक्क शेंगदाणा तेल लावावे. बाजारात नेहमी मिळणारी मॉइश्चरायझर आपल्या त्वचेस चालतील की नाही अशी शंका असल्यास त्वचारोगतज्ज्ञाचा सल्ला घेऊन त्यांनी सांगितलेली मॉइश्चरायझर किंवा ऑइंटमेंट लावावीत.
* वातानुकूलित यंत्रणेचा वापर कमीतकमी करावा. तासंन्तास एसीत बसणे टाळावे.
* आहारात ‘ओमेगा ३ फॅी अ‍ॅसिड्स’ असलेल्या नैसर्गिक पदार्थाचा जरूर वापर करावा. या पदार्थामध्ये मेथीचे दाणे, अक्रोड, जवस, उडीद, राजमा, मासे अशा पदार्थाचा समावेश होतो. तसेच पुरेशा प्रमाणात पाणी पिणेही गरजेचे.