As we age, the outer layer of our skin loosens and becomes saggy, giving rise to wrinkles and other age-related skin troubles. What if we could turn the clock?

While the onslaught of sagginess and dull skin at old age is how Mother Nature has disposed it to be, we can push a few more youthful years ahead and some of the best ways we can do it is by applying a homemade face mask a few times a week.

Face Mask # 1

Ingredients: turmeric and curd

Method of application: Take a teaspoonful of curd in a bowl and add a pinch of turmeric into it and mix. Apply the mixture on your face and let it stay to dry for at least 10 minutes. Rinse it off with water of room temperature.

Advantage of using this face mask: considering that it includes the powerful healing properties of turmeric and the richness of lactic acid in curd, a natural alpha hydroxy acid, help to improve the complexion and make it softer and more radiant. The application of this mixture on a regular basis, preferably three times a week, will help your skin to renew, fighting blemishes that may be there on the skin and prevent or delay the formation of wrinkles. You may also use basin or gram flour to the mixture to make your skin even softer and elastic.



Face Mask # 2

Ingredients: Masoor dal or pink lentils

Method of application: make a paste out of the masoor dal and a cup of water and apply it all leisurely over your face and neck. Let the paste dry and wash it off using cold water.

Advantage of using this face mask: the dal will help the facial skin to tighten, reducing the appearance of wrinkles or open pored, thereby helping to restore the lost youthful appearance.

Face Mask # 3

Ingredients: Lime juice and cream.

Method of application: squeeze a lemon into a cup of milk cream and apply the mixture all over your face and neck. After about 10—15 minutes, wash the mask away with water.

Advantage of using this face mask: To reap the best benefits, you must use this pack for at least a month on a regular basis i.e. most days of the week. Lemon is known for its natural ability to tighten the skin and improve the complexion, hence, your key to a wrinkle-free and blemish-free skin.

Face Mask # 4

Ingredients: yoghurt, fresh lemon juice, honey and capsules of vitamin E.

Method of application: mix two teaspoonfuls of yoghurt with one fresh lime juice, two capsules of vitamin E and half a teaspoon of honey and apply the mixture evenly on the face except the areas around the eyes. Leave the paste for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water.

Advantage of using this face mask: vitamin E is one of the best ingredients that enables skin repair, clearing any marks of pimples or acne and other spots or blemishes. Honey is a natural moisturiser that helps to keep the skin naturally soft and supple. Lemon works its antioxidant powers to tighten the skin, hiding fine lines or wrinkles.

Face Pack # 5

Ingredients: egg white and peach.

Method of application: beat the egg white of one egg and one peach into a bowl until it becomes even and gently stroke the mixture in an upward direction all over your face and neck. Leave the paste on for 20—30 minutes before washing it off with water. You may also sprinkle mint powder to the mixture to give a refreshing feel and tantalising smell to your senses.

Advantage of using this face mask: Peach mask is popularly used in most beauty salons because of its tightening effects on the skin and its power to rejuvenate. An egg white reduces the amount of oil on the skin and helps to make it tight.