Washing your face is the most basic and essential step of any routine. “Our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dirt and other factors each day that should be gently removed.” Wash twice a day, morning and night, to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne.

Find Your Facial Cleanser

The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping essential, healthy oils. Take it easy with exfoliating scrubs (use once a week) and avoid those with crushed walnut shells or abrasive ingredients. 

For everyday cleansing, here’s what to look for: 

What Does Non-Comedogenic Mean Exactly?

This term frequently appears on product labels and is used by skin-care experts but not always defined in simple, clear language. Here’s a quick explanation: If a product claims to be non-comedogenic it means that it shouldn’t clog pores or trigger acne — either by occluding the skin, blocking glands or irritating the hair follicle. The claim is not regulated by the F.D.A., however, and many companies do their own internal tests to determine whether a product should be considered comedogenic or not. (Some common known comedogenic ingredients are coconut oil and cocoa butter.) Typically, the fewer ingredients a product has, the easier it is to determine if it will cause any reactions. 

How to Use Toner

For many, the word “toner” brings to mind stinging astringents from the ’80s. “The original was an alcohol-based product that was used to dry up oily skin and remove any leftover dirt following cleansing. Today’s formulas, however, have evolved. Think of them as supplements — these thin liquids deliver an extra shot of nutrients, helping the other products in your regimen absorb better, while still balancing your complexion. Consider toner to be optional: “It can be a good way to add in specific ingredients that you may not have in your other products or add another layer of skin-replenishment.” If you have the time and inclination, here are some hero ingredients to look for: 

• Alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, improve sun-damaged skin and minimize dullness.
• Hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, seal in dewiness and plump skin to subtly treat fine lines.
• Rose water and green tea to calm irritation and reduce redness with an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Vitamin E and C to fight daily exposure to free radicals that can age your skin.

What is Toner?

“Toners should be done after cleansing and before putting on anything else. The traditional application method is to saturate a cotton pad and pass it over your face. But,  “You end up losing a lot of product.”

Tip: “Applying toner with clean hands is the most efficient. Just pour a few drops in your palm, then swipe it on.” Or if you prefer, you can pull apart a cotton pad “so it’s not so thick before putting toner on it. Most formulas can be used morning and night, but you might want to use those with exfoliating acids only at night or every other day. 

1. Ginger:

Ginger is one of the tastiest spices that come with a host of benefits for the skin, thus making it an essential ingredient for Indian skin care.

• Fights Hyperpigmentation: Regular application of freshly squeezed ginger juice for about 10 days is known to be a good antidote for hyperpigmentation.
• Fights Acne:

1. Natural Cleanser: Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, the juice of this spice helps in easing your acne worries. A great natural cleanser, ginger juice can be applied regularly by those who have acne and pimples to clean and unclog their skin.
2. Face Pack: You can also use a ginger mask and use it once a week to prevent acne and pimple breakouts. Prepare a mask by blending dry ginger powder and dehydrated milk powder. Apply it and wait for 15 minutes. Wash off and apply a moisturizer.

• For Radiant Skin: Ginger, when dried and powdered, can be used to eliminate impurities, tone the skin and hydrate it, leaving it radiant and glowing. Just prepare a concoction by boiling two teaspoons of dry ginger powder in about four cups of water. Allow the concoction to reduce to half. Cool, strain the mixture and mix in about 5 to 6 drops of rosemary oil. Mix well and store it to be used regularly for glowing skin.
• Fights Ageing: Packed with 40-plus antioxidant-rich compounds, Indian women can prevent premature skin ageing by using ginger. Detoxify your skin and boost the circulation levels to replenish the skin with nutrients essential for long lasting, youthful, glowing skin. The antioxidants fight against free radicals and maintain the elasticity and suppleness of the skin, thus delaying premature aging.

2. Black Pepper:

This pungent spherical spice is a powerhouse of antioxidants. Here is how you can put it to good use.

• Fights Ageing: Black pepper is a wonderful aid for your fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. Include it in your diet daily to eliminate the premature onset of these aging signs.
• Exfoliates Skin: You can crush these black balls and use along with curd as a natural exfoliating agent.
• Detoxifies Skin: Black pepper helps in detoxifying your skin, improves circulation levels and thus, makes sure that your skin is replenished with essential oxygen and nutrients.
• Fights Acne: A natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, these spice balls can be used regularly by those who are prone to acne and pimple troubles.
• Lightens Skin: Are you in search of a natural skin lightening agent? Use finely powdered black pepper along with honey regularly for a radiant complexion.

3. Sesame Seed Oil:

This oil is also called gingelly oil or til oil. It is a store-house of anti-inflammatory agents, anti-oxidants and moisturizing agents.

• Heals Inflammation: Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, regular application of this oil has been proven to heal your allergic inflammations. This property of til oil can also be used to heal fungal infections affecting your skin during cold weather.
• Cleanser: A natural storehouse of antioxidants, this oil can be applied regularly on your face to detoxify it. Wash off with a mild cleanser for complete cleansing and care. A mixture of sesame seed oil along with water and apple cider vinegar can be applied at night and washed off the next morning for radiant, pollution-free skin.
• Moisturizer: Along with healing cuts and abrasions, this oil has natural moisturizing properties. Thus, it has been a favourite among grandmas for keeping their skin supple and glowing.
• Fights Ageing: The antioxidants, as mentioned above, help in eliminating the free radicals triggering the premature onset of fine lines and wrinkles. Thus, daily external application of this golden-hued oil ensures youthful skin.
• Heals Cracks: The cracks in your feet can now be eased by applying this oil for about two weeks. Make sure you pull up your socks to cover the heels and safeguard your bed from the oil.

4. Gram Flour:

Besan, as it is commonly known in India, has always remained a favourite ingredient in the Indian skin care routine.

• Cleanser: My grandma always advised me using gram flour along with turmeric powder for cleansing the skin. And the results are really awesome!
• Exfoliates Skin: Apart from being a good cleanser, you can make use of this flour as a mild exfoliating agent to get rid of your blackheads and cleanse your clogged pores too.
• Removes Tan: Save the money you spend on your sun tack packs for something else. Just prepare a pack by mixing 4 tsp gram flour with 1 tsp each of lemon, yogurt and turmeric powder. Apply to your cleansed face and wash off with cool water after the pack dries. The good news is that this pack can be applied daily without any side effects.
• Lightens Skin: Those who wish to lighten their skin tone can also take the help of besan. A paste prepared by mixing 1 tsp each of milk and lemon juice with 4 tsp of this cream colored powder can be applied regularly to lighten dark spots and reveal glowing skin. This can also be used for preparing an instant fairness pack. 3 tsp gram flour, 1 tsp of cream and 1 tsp ground orange peel – just mix these ingredients, apply and wash off for instantly fairer skin.
• Fights Pimples: Packed with antibacterial properties, it makes a wonderful friend for those suffering with pimple troubles. Regular application of a mixture of besan and fenugreek powder is known to aid in eliminating unwanted facial hair.

5. Milk:

Milk is the best source of calcium and is good for your bones and teeth. But, can milk be useful for Indian skin care? Yes, indeed!

• Cleanses Skin: Milk is a natural cleansing agent. Just mix about 2 teaspoons milk with 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp lemon juice. Apply this on your face, leave for 15 minutes and wash off for clean and clear skin.
• Pack For Glowing Skin: Milk can be used along with ground almonds and olive oil, and applied as a face pack for instantly glowing skin. Prepare a paste by adding milk to about 1 tbsp ground almonds and 1 tsp crushed orange peel. Add about 2 to 3 drops of olive oil to this mixture. Apply this mixture and allow it to dry for about 20 minutes. Wash off and follow with an ice cube rub for awesomely glowing skin.
• Pack For Dry Skin: Milk is a blessing for those with dry skin. A mask prepared by adding milk to 1 mashed banana and honey can be applied to dry skin. Allow the mask to dry completely before washing off. Massage the washed off skin with a little milk to complete the moisturizing process.
• Exfoliates Skin: Milk can also be used as an exfoliating agent to get rid of dead skin cells. Lactic acid present in milk has natural exfoliating properties. Dissolve a pinch of salt in boiling water. Add 3 cups of milk to it, keeping aside the cream. Add about ½ a cup of lukewarm water and allow the mixture to stand for 20 minutes. Apply on your body and scrub off the dead skills with the help of a loofah. You can use this milk scrub twice a week for good results.