Nature is not only an expert chemist, but a great cosmetologist, too! Natural ingredients like turmeric, gram flour, yogurt, etc., are known for their beauty enhancing properties for centuries. They have powerful healing properties too and yet, they have a gentle effect.

Gram flour or besan has been traditionally used in skin care to deep cleanse the skin. In fact, it is known to benefit oily skin by reducing oiliness and also cleansing the pores. That is why it also suits teenage skin as it also helps in preventing pimples.

Besan is also a part of the traditional ubtan applied during weddings as a beauty treatment for brides. It is one of the main ingredients of ubtan or a body scrub. It has been used mainly to deep cleanse, exfoliate the skin and remove tan. The ubtan consists of besan, ground almonds, yogurt and turmeric. First, oil is massaged onto the body. Then the ubtan paste is applied and washed off after half an hour while bathing. The washing off and scrubbing away of the ingredients helps to clear the skin of dead cells, leaving it smooth and bright.

Besides being used as a scrub along with other ingredients to exfoliate the skin and brighten it, besan can also be added to face packs to remove tan, cleanse and tighten the skin. Mix besan with yogurt, lemon juice and a pinch of turmeric. Apply on the skin and wash it off after half an hour. Or mix ground almonds with besan, milk and lemon juice. Apply it on the face and wash off after 20-30 minutes.

A besan pack helps to reduce oiliness. It can be mixed with milk or yogurt and applied, washing it off after 20 minutes.

For tanned arms and neck: Apply til oil daily and massage it into the skin. Mix besan, curd, lemon juice and a little turmeric and apply at least three times a week. Wash it off after half an hour.

For smooth and clearer skin: Mix gram flour with dried and ground orange peels and cream of milk (malai). Apply on the face and neck. After 15 minutes, rub gently on the skin with circular motions. Wash off with water.

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In India, under the Ayurvedic system, the application of oil is an integral part of hair treatments. Oiling of the hair not only provides nourishment, but is the best way to deal with dryness. It is also an excellent pre-shampoo treatment and helps the natural distribution of oils along the hair. The scalp is actually rich in oil-producing glands, but stress, pollution, dandruff, harsh shampoos and other factors can cause the pores to become blocked. This is common during the teen years when oil gland activity increases. If pore-clogging continues, the hair becomes dry. Blood circulation to the scalp is also hampered and dandruff may also occur.

The application of oil with a light massage helps to soften the texture of the hair and also stimulates blood circulation to the follicles. The hair is actually fed by the nutrients in the bloodstream. So good blood circulation to the follicles is necessary for healthy hair growth. Oil massages also help to keep the scalp healthy, nourish the hair and improve the look of dry hair.

Different oils have different qualities

Coconut oil is probably the most popular oil for hair in India. It is said to strengthen the hair and make it thick and shiny. Hot oil therapy with coconut oil is said to restore health to damaged hair and prevent split ends. Heat coconut oil and apply it on the scalp. Then do a hot towel wrap.

Sesame seed (til) oil is light, free of odour and is easily absorbed by the skin. Ayurveda advocates it as the most balanced oil. It is rich in nutrients and has healing properties too.

Olive oil helps to restore the normal acid-alkaline balance of the scalp. It is useful for oily hair with dandruff.

Almond oil is said to be very nourishing for dry hair. It is reported to be soothing, healing, lubricating, softening, revitalizing and nourishing.

Castor oil is used mainly for hair conditions such as dry, brittle and damaged hair. A heavy and sticky oil, it should not be applied on oily hair. If the hair has suffered damage and excessive dryness due to colouring, straightening, perming or sun-exposure, mix one part of castor oil with two parts coconut oil. Heat and apply. Remember to apply to the ends of your hair, too. Keep the oil on overnight and wash your hair the next day using a mild herbal shampoo. Avoid very hot water.

PLUS! Tips to care for your hair

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We are all born with good skin. A baby’s skin is soft, smooth and free from blemishes and problems. As we grow older, our skin is influenced by many factors like diets, habits, lifestyle and physical changes. Adolescence is a time when there is much hormonal activity, affecting the glands. The oil glands are stimulated, leading to an oily skin and the conditions associated with it. The skin looks dull and is prone to blackheads, spots, pimples and acne. So, as a teenager, you need to learn to understand your skin and give it the kind of care that it needs. You should also recognize the value of professional care and seek help in good time.

Good health and physical fitness are imperative for glowing skin. Daily exercise adds a healthy glow by improving blood circulation to the surface of the skin. It also helps to oxygenate the tissues, as every tissue of the body needs oxygen. Begin by doing deep breathing exercises like pranayama. Check with your doctor before starting exercise. Adequate sleep is a beauty treatment in itself. Diet plays an important role, too. Sweets, chocolates, cola drinks, fried foods and snacks can have a detrimental effect. Lack of fibre in the diet can lead to a congested system and congested skin, which in turn gives rise to dull skin and eruptive conditions. Include fruits, raw salads and sprouts in your daily diet. Drink plenty of water and take fresh fruit juices diluted with water. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of warm water and have it first thing in the morning.

“Cleansing” is the keyword for adolescent skin. The pores must be kept free of hardened oil and the oiliness of the skin must also be reduced. Use a face wash or cleanser that is specially formulated for oily skins. Use plenty of water to wash off all traces of the cleanser. Buy an astringent lotion and mix it with rose water in equal quantities. Keep it in the fridge. After cleansing, tone the skin daily with this chilled toner, using cotton wool pads. First wipe the skin. Then pat the skin briskly with the rose water-soaked cotton wool pads. This improves blood circulation to the skin surface and adds a glow.

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Aloe vera has been in use for centuries. The Sanskrit name of aloe vera is Ghikanwar or Ghritkumari. Aloe vera has been very much a part of ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of herbal healing, to treat many ailments. It has also become one of the most important ingredients for skin and hair care.

The plant is a powerful natural moisturizer and seals off loss of moisture. It also softens dead skin cells and helps their removal, leaving the skin smoother and brighter. In fact, it helps the normal functions of the skin by improving its capacity to retain moisture. Aloe vera also has an astringent action and tightens the skin, thus protecting it from early aging. It has shown remarkable results on sun-damaged skin, with its moisturizing, softening, soothing and healing actions. In fact, it can also be used to control acne and helps to heal and minimize acne scars.

Aloe vera has anti-oxidant properties and thus helps boost the skin’s cell renewal process. Therefore, the regular use of products containing aloe vera helps to delay visible ageing signs on the skin. It is ideal for general cosmetic care, too, and is added to skin care products and lotions, like cleanser, moisturisers, serums, gels, masks and so on.

Aloe Vera can also be used in home care if the plant is available at home. The aloe gel or juice may be applied directly on the skin. The gel obtained from the plant itself is the leaf pulp and is found in the inner portion of the leaves. The aloe juice is found just beneath the outer skin of the leaves. However, while using it directly on the skin at home, one should wash the plant well and observe total hygiene.

The aloe vera gel or juice may be applied on the face daily and then washed off with plain water after 20 minutes. It helps to soften and moisturize the skin. In fact, used regularly, it helps to restore the skin’s youthful properties.

Applying aloe vera is useful during winter and summer. In winter, it helps to relieve dryness and maintain the soft texture of the skin. In summer, it soothes the skin especially after sun exposure as it soothes the skin in cases of sun damage or sun burn. It also moisturizes the skin without making the skin oily.

PLUS! How to use aloe vera for skin and hair

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The pre-teen years are relatively free from problems, but the entire scene changes with teenage and puberty. Hormonal activity affects the scalp as much as the skin. The scalp is rich in oil-producing glands. These become more active during teenage. The hair becomes greasy and limp. This is due to the excess oil coating the hair shaft. While this natural oil is important for the hair, excess oil, or sebum as it is called, can cause scalp problems. Make sure that your hair and scalp are kept scrupulously clean. Dandruff and other conditions can also make an appearance during adolescence and may even lead to eruptions on the face, back and upper arms.

Dandruff is also quite common in winter, due to dryness and flakiness of the scalp. Split ends also occur. Hot oil therapy is very useful for dandruff and split ends. Once or twice a week, heat pure coconut oil and apply on the hair and scalp. Apply on ends too. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head like a turban. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times.

Leave the oil on overnight. For dandruff, next morning, apply the juice of a lemon on the scalp and wash your hair after 15 minutes. Avoid using very hot water for washing the hair. After shampoo, add two tablespoons apple cider vinegar to a mug of water and use as a last rinse.

The hair should be washed at least twice a week, using a mild herbal shampoo. A henna based shampoo is good for dandruff. Very little shampoo should be used. Dilute it with a little water and then apply. Rinse the hair well with water, in order to get rid of all soapy and oily residues. In cases of severe dandruff, combs, brushes, pillow covers and towels should be washed daily, in hot water, adding a few drops of an antiseptic solution.

PLUS! Home remedies for dandruff

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We are all born with good skin. But, as we grow older, the skin is influenced by many factors, like our diet, habits, lifestyle and physical changes. Teenage is a time when there is much hormonal activity. This also affects oil glands, leading to oily skin, blackheads, spots, pimples and acne. During winter, when the humidity is less, even an oily skin may feel dry. It feels stretched and taut soon after washing with soap and water. However, this may be superficial dryness of the outer layer and the application of heavy creams may lead to clogging of the pores and acne. So, it is necessary to understand your skin and give it the care it needs.

Good health and physical fitness are important for healthy, glowing skin. Daily exercise adds a healthy glow by improving blood circulation to the surface. Adequate sleep is a beauty treatment in itself. Diet plays an important role too. Sweets, chocolates, cola drinks, fried foods and snacks can have a detrimental effect. Lack of fibre in the diet can lead to constipation and a congested system. This gives rise to pimples and acne. So, include fruits, raw salads, sprouts and lightly-cooked vegetables in your daily diet. Drink plenty of water and take fresh fruit juices diluted with water. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of warm water and have it first thing in the morning.

During winter, use a cleansing milk or face wash for your skin. Then wipe the face with a skin tonic, using cotton wool. You can also mix rose water with an astringent lotion in equal quantities and use it to tone the skin after cleansing. This improves blood circulation to the skin surface and adds a glow. You can also go for a “clean-up” treatment at a beauty salon. It includes removal of stubborn blackheads.

A “pick-me-up” face mask can leave your skin clean and glowing. When the skin looks dull, mix one teaspoon each honey, lemon juice and rose water with egg white and apply it on the face. Wash off with water after 20 minutes. Then give the skin a compress with the cold rose water soaked cotton wool pads.

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