Summers and prolonged exposure to the sun can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it dull and lifeless. Additionally, sun exposure can lead to tan, rashes, sunburns, acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and excessively oily skin. This often prompts us to resort to expensive skin brightening creams to regain glow and reduce tan, but homemade face packs can be more effective than creams and serums. In this article, we will share two homemade face packs for skin brightening that use easily available kitchen ingredients.
Before delving into the recipes, here are some tips on protecting your skin from sun damage: Experts advise applying a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and PA+++ protection at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, which can prevent many skin issues. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours if your skin has been exposed to the sun for an extended period.
1. Potato, Lemon, and Tomato Face Pack For Skin Brightening:
Here’s a simple recipe for a skin-brightening face pack using potato juice, lemon, and tomato. The main ingredient potato, has natural bleaching properties due to the presence of an enzyme called catecholase. There’s also azelaic acid which works on reducing hyperpigmentation and prevents pimples as well. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which brightens skin naturally.
According to this study published on the National Library of Medicine website, tomato juice has a compound called lycopene which reduces skin erythema and improves the appearance and pigmentation of skin. So, a combination of these ingredients imparts skin brightening properties and when used consistenly would help to improve hyperpigmentation as well. Use this face pack 1-2 times a week for best results.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of potato juice
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of tomato juice
Instructions:
Grate a potato and squeeze out the juice. Squeeze fresh lemon juice. Blend a small tomato and strain the juice using a fine sieve. In a clean bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of potato juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of tomato juice. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Using a cotton ball or a clean brush, apply the face pack evenly over your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Gently massage the mixture into your skin for a minute or two. Allow the face pack to sit on your skin for 15-20 minutes. Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
Also Read: Top 3 Methods For Applying Vitamin E Capsules For Radiant Skin
2. Rice water and Turmeric Skin Brightening Face Pack:
Turmeric has been used since ages in India in ubtans to get rid of tan and also to brighten skin tone. But did you know the combination of rice water (fermented preferrably) along with some other skin lightening ingredients can get rid of tan, brighten skin tone, and bring about a natural glow to the skin. The curcumin compound in turmeric has antiseptic properties to fight acne along with collangen-boosting properties.
Fermented rice water is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation, promoting an even skin tone. (To make it, rinse 1/2 cup of rice, soak it in 2 cups of water for 30 minutes, strain the water, and leave it at room temperature for 24-48 hours to ferment.) Once it develops a slightly sour smell, store it in the refrigerator and use it as a skin-brightening treatment.
Besan or gram flour exfoliates skin gently and cucumber has cooling and skin lightening properties. When combined in the right proportions and consistently, this face pack would impart a lovely glow to your skin.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of rice water
1 tablespoon of gram flour (besan)
1/2 tablespoon of cucumber juice
1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Instructions:
You can either use fermented rice water or prepare rice water by rinsing half a cup of rice thoroughly, then soak it in two cups of water for about 30 minutes. Strain the rice water into a clean bowl. Next, prepare cucumber juice by grating a small cucumber and squeezing out the juice. Next, in a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of rice water, 1 tablespoon of gram flour (besan), 1/2 tablespoon of cucumber juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth paste.
Apply the face pack evenly over your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Allow the pack to sit on your skin for 15-20 minutes, letting it dry naturally. Once the time is up, rinse your face with lukewarm water, gently massaging the pack in circular motions as you rinse. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel and pat gently.
When used consistently, these face packs can help you get rid of summer tan and even out the skin tone. But do remember to always perform a patch test before applying the mixture to your face to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.
