The moment summer and the monsoon set in, skin troubles tend to multiply. Rising temperatures, constant sweat, dust hanging in the air and growing pollution all team up to hit the skin the hardest. The result is dark patches on the face, stubborn pimples and skin that feels far too oily. Slowly, the skin loses its natural glow.
When this happens, most people rush straight to expensive beauty products. The truth, though, is that ordinary things lying around at home often work better than anything off the shelf. One such name is neem, regarded in Ayurveda as a gift for the skin. Neem carries antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that cut down bacteria on the skin, keep excess oil in check and help reduce the problem of acne.
Neem Face Pack for Grime and Spots
According to Dr. Anil Patel, using neem leaves the right way can bring a natural radiance to the skin. A good place to begin is a face pack. Wash 10 to 15 fresh neem leaves thoroughly and grind them into a fine paste. Mix in one teaspoon of curd and a little rose water to form a thick paste. Leave it on the face for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse off with cold water. This clears away the grime settled on the face and helps lighten dark spots.
A Homemade Neem Toner
For those with oily skin, a neem toner is especially handy. Boil neem leaves in water, let the mixture cool, strain it and pour it into a spray bottle. Rose water can be added if you like. Spraying this toner on the face once or twice a day keeps the skin fresh and cuts down on greasiness.
A Honey Remedy for Dry Skin
If your skin tends to be dry, mix one teaspoon of honey into the neem paste and apply it to the face. Wash it off after about 15 minutes. This adds moisture to the skin and gradually fades dark spots.
Morning Neem Water and the Aloe Vera Trick
Washing the face with neem water in the morning is beneficial too. Boil the neem leaves in water, let it cool, and cleanse your face with the same water. This helps remove dust and extra oil that has built up on the skin. For anyone chasing glowing skin, the pairing of neem and aloe vera is considered highly effective. Mixing aloe vera gel into the neem paste and applying it cools the skin and eases the burning and swelling caused by pimples.
One Precaution Before You Begin
Dr. Anil Patel also advises doing a patch test before applying neem. If you feel any irritation or allergic reaction on the skin, stop using it at once. And never forget to apply sunscreen before stepping out into the sun.
