Put That Glow On!
A curated list of 10 recipes for the Indian skin, made with ingredients right off your kitchen shelves, guaranteed to take care of all your skin woes and beauty fixes.
SANDALWOOD & LEMON PEEL UBTAN For oily skin
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 tbsp chickpea flour (besan) 2 tbsp sandalwood powder Some dried lemon peels Dash of rosewater
METHOD
Dry-grind the lemon peels into a fine powder. Mix one tablespoon of this powder with the rest of the ingredients to form a thick paste. Apply on your face and body, allow it to dry, and wash off with plain water. This quick, simple ubtan has cleansing and rejuvenating properties.
AMLA UBTAN For younger-looking skin
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
2 tbsp chickpea flour (besan)
0.5 tbsp sandalwood powder
1 tbsp rose petals
1 tsp Indian gooseberry or amla powder 2 drops each of turmeric and rosewood essential oils
Dash of rosewater
METHOD
Mix the dry ingredients and essential oils, and then add rosewater to make it into a thin paste. Apply on clean skin, while massaging with circular strokes. Leave the pack on for about 10 minutes. Once it has dried, rinse off with cool water and pat dry. Use regularly for younger-looking, and healthier skin.
CHICKPEA UBTAN For radiance
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 cup chickpea flour (besan) 1 tsp mustard powder 0.5 cup mustard oil
A few drops of rosewater
METHOD
In a bowl, mix besan and mustard powder, and then add mustard oil slowly to form a consistent paste. Whisk well to avoid lumps. Add a few drops of rosewater to the paste. This ubtan can be applied to the whole body. Let it dry till the mask cracks and starts to fall off. Rub in a gentle circular motion to remove the dried ubtan and then take a bath with plain water.
TURMERIC & SANDALWOOD UBTAN To reduce hair growth
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
2 tbsp chickpea flour (besan) 2 tbsp sandalwood powder A pinch of turmeric
1 tbsp mustard oil
1 tbsp fresh cream
1 tbsp rosewater
METHOD
Mix the ingredients to make a paste. Apply the ubtan and wait for 15 to 20 minutes for the paste to dry. Remove the dried paste by rubbing against the direction of hair growth, and wash with cool water. Use this ubtan at least once a week to see a visible reduction in facial hair.
LENTIL & OATMEAL UBTAN For exfoliation
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
0.25 cup lentil (masoor dal) 0.25 cup oatmeal
0.25 cup uncooked rice
1 tsp turmeric powder Almonds (a few)
Dash of rosewater
METHOD
This one needs some pre-prep. Soak the almonds in water overnight; then, peel and grind into a paste the next morning. Dry-grind the lentil, rice and oatmeal, and add turmeric powder, almond paste and rosewater to make a smooth concoction. Use as an exfoliant for the whole body before a shower.
COCONUT OIL & CREAM UBTAN To bleach or remove facial hair
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
2 tbsp chickpea flour (besan)
0.5 tsp turmeric powder
2 tbsp milk (raw, if you can manage) 1.5 tbsp fresh cream
A few drops of coconut oil
METHOD
Mix the ingredients into a paste, and apply in a thick layer on the areas of the face from where you wish to remove the facial hair. Let it dry, for around 20 to 30 minutes. Gently massage the skin against the direction of hair growth until the ubtan comes off. Leave for another hour and then wash with water. Regular use will not only curb hair growth but will also make your skin softer and clearer.