I don't know many men who are consciously worried about their skin, but I do know that earlier their mothers worried for them (more for their hair than skin) and now their girlfriends or wives. Most men don't realise (and I do wish they did) that they need to look after themselves and groom well too. It's not just women's ‘thing to do'. I am appalled when I see men not worried about acne on their face or having oily skin. It's worse if they suffer from bad body odour or dandruff and yet do very less to address the issue at hand.Oily skin is a common problem which is faced by millions of men all across the globe. I see them wanting answers but not finding enough. So for those of you who suffer from this problem, here are some great oil free recipes to get clean skin, reduce oiliness and pimples if you have them, and even look after pimple scars! Be assured that there's always a solution for most problems.
1. To Reduce Excess OilIngredients:
200ml of rose water
2tsp of powdered camphor
Method: Mix well and store in an air tight bottle and keep in the fridge. This can be used to wipe the skin 3-4 times a day. Not only does it reduce oiliness and bacterial build up on the skin, it also helps reduce chances of skin infections, itchiness and tones the skin making the skin less prone to pimples.
2. Acne Pack for Men
For those young men who have an irritating habit of pinching and squeezing pimples keep your fingers away and make the following mask instead -Ingredients:4 Tbsp fuller's earth
1/2 tsp camphor
2 tsp mint paste
2 cloves (laung), ground
Rose water to mix
1 tsp sandalwood powderMethod:Mix all the ingredients to a smooth consistency and apply the required amount onto the skin. Let it dry completely and wash off with water and pat dry. This pack should be used daily and can be kept in an air tight jar in the fridge up to 10 days.
3. Exfoliator for Oily Skin to Dislodge Blackheads and WhiteheadsMany of us don't clean our skin properly and as a result, we give way to blackheads and whiteheads. This leads to acne and pimples and can be an absolute disaster for all you good looking men who dream of clean and clear skin. The key point is to keep your skin clean and I know not all of you want to smell of roses and sandalwood, so here's fabulous scrub for clarifying the skin -Ingredients:4 Tbsp orange peel powder
4 Tbsp lemon peel powder
50gm china clay
A handful of dried neem leaf powder
5 Tbsp rice powderMethod: Mix all the dry ingredients and store in a jar. Take a teaspoon at a time and mix with mint water and apply all over the skin .When it is semi dry, dab with water and scrub. This will help dislodge blackheads and whiteheads and make your skin super clean and oil free.
Orange peel scrub can be a great addition to your skincare regimen.
4. Basic Skincare Rules to FollowAbove all, basic rules to a clean and good looking skin are as follows-
- Water: Have 10-12 glasses of water daily, it's a must! Reduce alcohol intake. If you thought beer is cooling, it's only so for the mouth.
- Watch Your Diet: Eating fresh salads and fruits should be on the top of your list. Cool drinks like bael, chaach, lime water and coconut water should be part of your daily intake. Avoid heavy gravy and fried foods, as well as aerated drinks and soda.
- Clothing: Wear loose naturalfibres like cotton, mul, jute, etc. These are the best summer clothing as they are airy and light.
- Exercise: If you are prone to oily skin, increase your blood circulation and detox by exercising. Do remember to shower at least twice a day.
- Metabolism: Many of you may not know this but skin and acne are directly related to the stomach. If you suffer from a sluggish metabolism and have constipation then you will most probably suffer from acne and pimples. Eat green vegetables and lots of fruits to clear out your system.
Also if you have dandruff, many times you will also suffer from acne. Therefore it is important to treat the dandruff first and then look at clearing the skin.So now that you have the basics all worked out and natural recipes that are sure to work like magic, I think the next time you are going out with that special lady in your life she's bound to be impressed. More importantly, looking good will also make you feel good and confident.About the Author:
Suparna Trikha is a beauty expert based in New Delhi. She also teaches meditation through aromatherapy and organises corporate workshops for distressing. She has her own range of 40 beauty products and proposes to launch them very soon in the Indian market as well as abroad. With this crusade of moving back to nature, Suparna believes in making people healthier and more beautiful the natural way.
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