Beauty, especially a young girl’s beauty, has paramount importance in India. For generations, people haven’t cared whether their girl child is smart or not. But they definitely have cared about the color of her skin. Smooth, fair, blemish free skin is in high demand and to this day matrimonial ads demand a ‘fair’ bride. Things like these make you realize how backward India really is in certain aspects. But then, the fascination for fair skin is actually a global trait.

The earliest memories I have are of my mother taking the time every Sunday to make some paste out of besan and milk to apply it to my face. It was supposed to make me fair. All across the block, mothers were anointing a similar mixture on their hapless girls’ faces. The Vicco turmeric cream ad may have been instrumental because it equated using turmeric and sandalwood as a beauty regimen to a loving upbringing. Most wedding customs in India have the requisite ‘haldi’ ceremony where the bride and groom are both slathered with some kind of turmeric mixture.

I have always hated applying any gooey stuff to my skin, be it natural or cosmetic. Maybe it is because of a childhood aversion to the whole besan rigmarole. But now that I am older and wiser, I do realize that there are reasons higher than getting fair skin that need one to follow a skin care regimen.

Warding off the evil UV rays is critical in a tropical country. But that is not all we are battling here. There is pollution, the toxins we consume through food and drink, and the stress of our modern lifestyles.

I have to admit, although grudgingly, that skin needs to be cared for if it is to be kept healthy. I believe in using things at hand. Most times I am too busy to even think of doing that kind of stuff so I have some quick fixes that are almost automatic.

Oil Massage

Coconut oil is always at hand and I just apply a bit over my face and arms before I shower. If I have time or inclination, I try to rub it in until absorbed. The top most layer is washed off in the shower but the skin stays moisturized so there is no need to apply lotions etc.

Water

What does moisturization mean? Adding moisture is literally adding water. Since I work from home, this is an easy step for me. I splash water on my face all the time, thus adding moisture to my face. You can easily carry a small spray bottle with rose water +water and spritz your face once in a while. Very refreshing!

Turmeric

Turmeric is so hot right now. People actually consume it for many health benefits. A quick turmeric/ chickpea flour mixture made with milk or yogurt can freshen up skin and act as a scrub. Maybe it removes tan too.

Fruits and vegetables

I spend a lot of time in the kitchen because hello, food blogger? Rubbing peels of fruits like papaya or tomato skins over the face can supply some nutrition and moisture. The peels will be thrown away anyway, so why not make some use of them? Cut a tomato in half and just rub it over your face. It can add some great glow before a party.

Honey

Honey cannot be overlooked as a natural beauty aid. Shahnaz has a great product line using honey but there is no need to shell out big bucks for that. Just mix in honey with some fresh squeezed lemon and apply it over the face. Mix in some powdered oats or multani mitti for a base. Honey can be mixed with a spoon of milk or yogurt too for natural moisturization.

I think that is quite a long list. Writing about these beauty secrets has made me remember I haven’t done any of this in a long time. So off I go to prepare my own super moisturizing pack.