'Tis the season for skin care

The festive season is just around the corner. So, start taking special care of your skin. Remember that cleansing should assume prime importance, so that you can get rid of impurities and make-up, which can otherwise cause dryness of skin, or disrupt the normal skin balance — none of which you would want. Nighttime cleansing is an absolute must. Use a cleansing gel or cream for normal-to-dry skin, while cleansing lotion and face-washes suit combination and oily skins. Facemasks and scrubs help deep-pore cleansing. They remove dead cells and make the skin brighter.

Here are some tips
Fruits like banana, papaya, and oranges can be mixed together and applied as a facemask. Papaya, rich in enzymes, cleanses the skin of dead cells and helps cell renewal. Banana tightens the skin. Apples and oranges are rich in vitamins and minerals. Avocado is great for hydration and has powerful age control benefits. Apply and wash off after 30 minutes.

Make a facial spray for healthy and glowing skin
For oily skin: To 200ml of distilled water or mineral water, add five drops of lavender essential oil.  

For normal to dry skin: To 200ml distilled water/mineral water, add five drops of rose essential oil and half tsp of pure glycerin.

For acne-prone skin: To 100ml distilled water or mineral water, add three to four drops of tea tree oil.

Keep the spray bottle in the fridge. Remember to not make home beauty recipes in large quantities.  

To tone the skin, use green tea, which is a powerful antioxidant. Take half a cup of water and a green tea bag. Heat water and put the bag in it. Keep for two minutes, and then remove the bag and cool the liquid. Apply this on your face with cotton wool to tone the skin. Chilled rosewater can also be used.

Remove tan and brighten the skin
Take sesame seeds, dried mint leaves, and one tablespoon each of lemon juice and honey. Crush sesame seeds coarsely and powder dried mint leaves. Mix them with lemon juice and a little honey. Apply on the face and arms twice a week. Sesame seeds soothe sun-damaged skin. They help remove tan and produce an even colour tone. Mint adds a glow, while honey moisturises and softens the skin.