BEAUTIFUL AS A LOTUS

Lotus used in the form of a powder made of dried petals or paste made of fresh petals can help in improving the elasticity of the skin. It lightens the skin tone, and enriches the skin with antioxidants, controls the sebum level production and prevents premature aging. Here are some face packs you can easily whip up at home using lotus flowers. They’re suitable for all skin types, but we advise to do an elbow patch test first.

■ Crush the petals and bring them to a boil. Refrigerate the water as ice cube, and gently rub the cubes on your face to refresh your skin. It works as a great toner. You can also put these ice cubes in crushed oats powder, add 1 tbsp milk, 1 tsp honey and make a paste. Keep it on your face for 20 minutes and rinse off with cold water.

■ Take crushed lotus petals, mix them with orange peel powder, add 1 tbsp rose water, 1 tbsp raw milk, mix well to form a thick paste. This pack helps in enhancing skin texture and tightening the skin.

■ Take dried lotus petals powder, mix it with brown rice powder, add 2 tbsp orange juice and use this scrub to gently exfoliate your skin. This helps in cleansing the skin, taking care of pores and removing dead skin.

■ Add 1 tbsp yogurt to crushed lotus petals, mix 1 tsp fine sandalwood powder and 7-8 strands of saffron. Make a smooth paste and apply on the face to brighten skin tone and lighten blemishes. — Inputs by skin care expert Dr Seema Mallik and beauty expert Mallika Gambhir