In India, 97.2% of the population has used DIY face packs on their skin. Sometimes, it’s through great research for glowing skin or a famous mask recipe has been running in the family shared by our grandparents. DIY face packs have been a common remedy for many events in our life. They become a popular choice for the following reasons:
- Instant glow on your face
- Upcoming big events like weddings and parties
- Sunday ritual
- Self care on a busy day
- Unable to get rid of a skin concern
We are sure there are many more reasons why you might want to use a face pack and if you’re looking for a good recipe, we have listed below some very good recommendations. They are also very popular because of their convenience. They are made with ingredients that are readily available in our kitchens. They don’t break our bank and also are ready within minutes. The temptation to use a DIY face pack is very difficult to resist. While some people swear by these face packs, always note, one DIY face pack remedy may not work for everyone. There is a reason why some people also just stick to medifacials and peels because DIY packs and salon facials are not made for them.
Here are some great DIY face packs loved by celebrations and generations which may inspire you get your skin glowing.
- Ananya Pandey’s Family DIY Pack for Removing Dead Skin Cells
Made with some of the easiest ingredients that are definitely present in your kitchen, Ananya Pandey has learnt this recipe from her mother, Bhavana Pandey. It is just a 3 ingredient recipe:
- 1 tbsp yogurt - Contains lactic acid that helps in removing the upper layer of dead skin cells.
- 1 tbsp turmeric - Anti inflammatory ingredient that helps control any redness on the skin
- Honey - The perfect humectant and natural moisturizer for your skin
Make this pack and apply evenly on the skin. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash off the pack. Don’t keep it on for too long as turmeric tends to stain the skin. When used once every two weeks can bring good brightening results.
However, if you have specific concerns like acne & scars, it is recommended to not use any DIY masks and consult a dermatologist for getting focussed acne peel or scar peel.
- Avocado and Almond Face Mask for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, then you must try the avocado and almond face mask. Avocados have really good fats that promote healthy skin when eaten regularly. A lot of people don’t know this but when avocado is applied to the face, the healthy oil in it can act as a great moisturiser for the skin. The same property of almonds is also very beneficial for moisturising and exfoliating the skin. The recipe for the pack is as follows:
- 1/4th avocado
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp finely ground almonds
Mash the avocado thoroughly and add honey to it for a nice consistency. Then add the fine almonds to make it almost like a scrub consistency. Now gently scrub your skin with the mask and keep it on for 15 minutes. Cleanse with lukewarm water to see results.
Almonds can sometimes be harsh to the skin so it have very dry, patch and flaky skin, it is recommended to not use any DIY face mask. Consider getting skin boosters, they are a game changer for people with extremely dry skin.
- Priyanka Chopra’s Famous Ubtan for Removing Skin Tanning
Living in India, almost every person has tried a DIY mask to remove skin tanning. We are so over exposed to the sun, that it is very natural that we are on the look out for a good face pack to remove tanning. Again learning from her mom, Priyanka has made this DIY face pack viral, especially when she mentioned it on Harper’s Bazaar.
This roughly has 5 ingredients and you would majorly have all of it available with you. It is essentially an Ubtan, which is very famous in India, and it is best known for skin brightening. The recipe is as follows:
- 1.5 tbsp whole wheat flour
- Pinch of turmeric
- Some lemon juice
- 2 tbsp curd
- Few drops of rose water
Mix all of the ingredients well and apply on your face. Keep it on for 20 minutes maximum and wash your face thoroughly with water. Follow it up with moisturiser to lock in the goodness and notice the glow on your face.
Please note, ingredients like lemon juice are not usually recommended by dermatologists for the skin. Lemon is considered an irritant to the skin. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend that you shouldn’t use any DIY face packs and focus on gentle effective exfoliation like UnTan Glow Peel or Glow Drips to brighten your skin.
- Aloe Vera & Cucumber - The Most Calming DIY Face Pack
If you are looking forward to having a great self care session, there is nothing better than making this simple DIY face mask. You just need two ingredients and you’re good to go. This calming DIY face pack recipe is as follows:
- Half peeled cucumber
- 3 tbsp aloe vera gel
Simply blend half peeled cucumber with aloe vera gel till all the cucumber lumps are blended. Then apply this cooling DIY face mask and enjoy the hydration that comes along with it. If you have sensitive skin, a great safe alternative is getting a hydrafacial at a trusted skin clinic.
- Besan or Chickpea Flour Pack for Facial Hair Removal
Another very common recipe in India for removing facial hair has been this age old loved pack known as the besan pack. People think that using this regularly reduces the appearances of facial hair on the skin. Though this one seems a little to believe for us, it is something which has been spread around for generations. Besan facial hair removal pack recipe:
- 4 tbsp besan or gram flour
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cream
- 2-3 tsp milk
Mix all the ingredients together until it becomes a thick paste. Once this is done, apply a thick even layer on the face and allow it to dry completely. You will get to know its dry when it starts to harden. Once the layer is hard, pull the paste in the opposite direction of your hair growth. It will not be an instant fix to reducing your hair but if you apply this pack once every three weeks, you may see a reduction in growth.
However, if you need a permanent solution to excessive hair growth, face laser hair removal is the ideal solution. We at UNCOVER Clinics, are pioneers of doing successful laser hair removal sessions.
- Papaya Face Mask for Skin Tightening
If you have sagging skin, papaya face packs are very popular for the skin tightening effect. Papaya is known to have strong natural enzymes that help in rejuvenating sagging skin. You don’t really need much for this face pack however, you need to ensure that you use it frequently to see results. The recipe for the papaya mask is:
- 1/3rd mashed papaya
- 1 tbsp honey
Mash the papaya well and add a tablespoon of honey to it. Mix them till it incorporates well. Apply it on the face thoroughly and wash it off with warm water. Repeat the process at least twice a week to see results.
Though expecting DIY masks to tighten skin is a bit unrealistic. To see maximum results you would need to seek a dermatologist’s help to figure out the cause of concern for skin sagging. Then they would recommend some kind of procedure like HIFU or RF as per your need.
- Fight pigmentation with this Coffee Face Pack
Another very popular ingredient for skin is coffee and there is a very simple face pack which again only needs 3 ingredients. This also acts as a scrub and helps keep the hyperpigmentation away. The recipe is very simple:
- 2 tbsp coffee
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1.5 tbsp coconut oil
Mix all the ingredients well and you will get a scrub-like consistency. Use it for not more than 10 mins on the skin and wash well with water. Use it once every three weeks for hyperpigmentation and not too often. This can be a little harsh on your skin. This also makes for a great body scrub. After your usual body cleanse, you can use this coffee scrub on your arms and legs. This will help remove any dead skin cells.
If you have long term hyperpigmentation, you should search about treatments like laser toning and microneedling. These have been proven to work really well on pigmented skin.
Side effects of using DIY face masks
While DIY face packs are fun and extremely easy to use, one must be very mindful of using them. Stick to the ones that have worked for you and do not experiment with packs too often. There can be a few side effects of using these DIY face masks:
- They can cause allergic reactions on your face because not all ingredients can be used on the face.
- They can make your skin extra sensitive. DIY face packs can make your skin glow instantly but can further make your skin more prone to sensitivity. This makes it very difficult for you to try out new products or treatments on your face.
- Sometimes, these DIY masks do more harm than good. Don’t follow any and every viral trend you see on Instagram, that can be very dangerous. Stick to the face packs you have used before or suit you. Avoid trying new ingredients again and again.
It is best to always trust a dermatologist if you genuinely have skin concerns. People who have good skin genetics can very well go ahead and try DIY face masks. However, people with skin concerns need to address their concerns at a trusted skin clinic.
DIY vs Dermatologist - What’s the Verdict?
When it comes to skin, we always suggest being extra careful. We understand making packs on your own can be really cheap and convenient however, there have been many cases where there have been big skin disasters. All in all, if you are blessed with great skin, prefer sticking to what works. If you want to try a DIY face mask, much rather do a patch test first and then apply the mask the next day.
On the other hand if you really have major skin concerns, don’t try these face masks. It is important to focus on finding the right skincare and if needed treatments/medications to help control your skin concern.
At UNCOVER Wellness, we take pride to have helped more than 10K patients with their confidence and skin concerns. We treat them everyday and bring a smile to their faces. From skin concerns to hair loss control and weight management therapies, we offer the entire blanket for all your wellness needs under one roof.
Always trust medical science and technology over any viral trend if you are trying to treat a concern. If you want instant glow and you don’t need to address many concerns, then please give some of these DIY masks a try. They can be helpful for some.
