Top ten Indian kitchen items for skin care

Eggs are excluded on purpose. Most of the Hindu don't eat eggs, and may not even touch them. Even if I was to include eggs, they will not be in my top ten list. The egg yolk is high in sulfur and some people may find them to be skin irritant.

1. Besan (Chickpea flour)

A general purpose base for making face mask for all skin types. May be substituted with an instant oatmeal powder.

2. Dahi Yogurt

This has lactic Acid and other nutrients such vitamins A, and B5. The lactic has large molecules making it an effective exfoliating agent. Exfoliation enables moisturizers to work effectively.

3. Honey

Honey is natural Glycolic Acid. It has small molecules that easily penetrate the skin making it good against the blackheads. It helps with skin exfoliation, oil reduction, collagen building, and skin bleaching. The major property is humectants that help to moisturize without oils that may clog up pores.

4. Fresh Lemon or Lime juice

It is high in Vitamin C. Helps remove blemishes, help building collagen. It is not a good exfoliating agent.

5. Tomato Juice/Pulp

Skin Nutrition (Vitamin C, E, K, B1, B6, B3, B2, Iron, Manganese, Potassium, Beta carotene (Vitamin A), Lycopene. Potassium and Vitamin C helps clear skin. Shrinks enlarged pores.

Basic combination (Equal parts of Tomato juice and Dahi yogurt) make excellent exfoliating agent, lighten up skin, and help reduce the effects of sun exposure. It can help dull skin glow. It can soothe the sting of sunburn. Adding honey will help moisturize dry skin.

6. Cucumber Juice

Hydration, Astringent, Restore skin's acid mantle (pH same as skin's acid mantle).

Cucumber juice can be used by itself as a toner and pH balancer.

Basic combination (Equal parts of Cucumber juice and Lemon juice) make excellent cleanser and help remove blemishes from acne.

You may add a pinch of Turmeric to basic combination to lighten up under arm skin.

Adding honey will help moisturize dry skin.

7. Almond Paste/Oil

Almonds have the highest natural concentration of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and helps repair sunburn damage. Almond oil works better than making almond paste.

8. Turmeric powder

Light reflectance, Antiseptic, Anti-inflammation, helps reduce exposure to skin cancer.

9. Fresh peppermint leaves

Its high in Vitamin A and C, Riboflavin, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

It is anti bacterial, has a soothing, cooling effect on skin. Its stops itching caused by poison ivy or poison oak.

One of the active ingredients in peppermint is Menthol. High concentration of menthol found in peppermint oil can cause skin irritation.

10. Ajwain (Carom)

Ajwain contains Thymol. It promotes blood circulation, antioxidant, astringent, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory.

I use Ajwain and peppermint to make a toner for Acne.

Google Group | Disclaimer | What do you think!