NEEM is famed for its antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Rich in calcium, vitamin A and folic acid, it works wonders on acne, rashes, blemishes and black spots.

INSTANT GLOW PACK: To a paste of freshly ground neem leaves, add one teaspoon of curd, two teaspoons of milk and one teaspoon, honey. Apply this pack on your face and neck. Keep it on for 20 minutes or till it dries up naturally. Rinse off with cold water to get a radiant complexion.

TULSI or holy basil is enriched with antiseptic and purifying properties. Loaded with antioxidants, it prevents premature ageing. Brightening face mask: Grind tulsi leaves and add one teaspoon of cold fresh milk. Apply on your face and keep it on for 30 minutes. This removes dirt and tan.

SPINACH contains magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulphur, phosphorus, beta carotene, lutein and xanthenes and various nutrients that can support acne healing process.

Clarifying pack: Grind fresh spinach and extract its juice. Apply evenly on the face, keep it for 20 minutes and rinse off with cold water. For dry skin, add a little curd to fresh spinach juice. Keep for 30 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. To make this spinach serum potent for oily skin, mix a little barley flour to spinach juice.

MINT is useful in treating acne and pimples. As it contains Vitamin A, it also strengthens skin tissue and helps to improve skin tone. Rejuvenating face tonic: To freshen up normal skin, grind fresh mint leaves and apply this paste on the face and neck. After 30 minutes, wash off first with warm water and then with cold water. To hydrate dry skin, mix mint juice with coconut oil and then apply on the face. Keep it for 30 minutes then rinse off only with warm water.

AMARANTH (Chaulai saag) is a rich source of Vitamin C. When used externally, it clarifies the skin while lending a radiant glow. Natural bleach: Mix together two tablespoons juice of amaranth leaves, a pinch of turmeric and one teaspoon of yogurt. Before applying this mask, wash your face with warm water, pat dry with a soft towel. Gently apply this leafy paste on face and neck. Do not rub. Keep it for 30 minutes, till it dries up. Rinse off cold water to get a radiant glow.

beauty inside out

Dark green leafy vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting phytochemicals. Rich in Vitamin C they help protect your skin as you age. The anti-oxidant zeaxanthin and Vitamin E, present in leafy vegetables, act to prevent wrinkles by scavenging free radicals. These vitamins also help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays and enhance glowing skin inside out.
POOJA MAKHIJA, NUTRITIONIST AND AUTHOR, EAT DELETE

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