Indian Skincare, Naturally

From the use of henna to enhance hair hues to the simple threading method for hair removal and the oils and herbs used to moisturize and preserve the skin, the Indian approach to beauty is one that has evolved naturally. In India, the kitchen cupboard is also the medicine cabinet where the Indian woman starts and ends her day with a skin cleansing ritual.

Cleansing is Key
Cleansing is by far the most important part of the anti-aging skincare regime, starting each morning and ending each day with a creamy cleanser that removes dirt and dead skin without stripping the natural oils of the skin that keep it supple. Common household ingredients like honey and cream are used as daily cleansers, which provide enough moisture to the skin that an additional moisturizer is often not necessary.

A Typical Indian Cleansing Regime Includes the Following Steps:
To begin, a muslin cloth is applied to the face with hot water to soften the skin, using a circular motion for stimulation. Then a mixture of yogurt, turmeric paste and lentil flour are applied to the face as a moisturizing exfoliant using the same circular motions, allowing the finger tips to massage the facial muscles to soothe and tone sagging muscles that come with the natural progression of an aging body. After several minutes of this cleansing massage, the face is then rinsed with the muslin cloth that is dipped into icy cold water that helps to seal the pores, improving the skin’s overall condition. After cleansing, a freshly made toner consisting of cucumber juice, elderflower water or orange flower water along with a few drops of tincture of benzoin is used each morning for further tightening of the pores. While at night the skin is left alone to “breathe” after cleansing.

Moisturizing
In the northern regions of India and for more mature skin types, moisturizers consist of coconut or mustard oil infused with herbs like bergamot, jasmine or sandalwood which allow the skin to absorb vitamins A and E to keep skin youthful.

Do-It-Yourself Moisturizing Treatment
A face pack (the Indian version of a face masque) is also used weekly to keep the skin glowing, firm and nourished. Here is a simple face pack you can create at home to start you on a more natural approach to skincare:

1. Ingredients:
· banana
· 1 egg yolk
· 1 tablespoon of honey
· 1 tablespoon of powdered milk
2. Directions:
· Use a blender to mix ingredients into a pulp.
· With your fingertips, apply the mixture to freshly cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area.
· Wait 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
· Towel dry face gently.

Although each region in India offers slight variations on skincare, the unifying characteristics are natural ingredients that provide similar and often-superior results to products that are chemically manufactured and found in a bottle!

By Shobha Tummala
About the Author: Shobha Tummala owns two high-end spas in New York City, Shobha SoHo and Shobha Madison, specializing in making the exotic more familiar. At Shobha, the dedicated staff brings ancient hair removal and skincare traditions like threading, sugaring, and all-natural facials to the mainstream in a relaxed, Indian-inspired environment. Skilled henna artists are also available for private events. Contact: www.shobhathreading.com

Source: www.carefair.com