Best Homemade Bleaches That You Absolutely Must Try

To look one’s best, certainly a little effort goes. Or wait, it’s actually ‘a lot of effort’ to those of us who live in casual wear day in and day out (including me). Pampering one’s skin so that it looks the way we want it to, is a priority. Bleaches come handy but don’t they leave your face like a barren desert after a few hours? Even in case of New year bashes, farewell functions, college events, trysts with that ‘special someone’, concern for our skin takes a backseat and we conveniently slap a bleach on our skin which has lulled us into believing that those 2-3% organic extracts in it would actually nourish our skin!
Today I will bring to you 4 tried and tested bleach recipes from my treasure trove that will leave you with skin that’ll compel you to ditch those chemical-laden monsters forever. Please note that these recipes drive away your tiredness, dullness and grime. That is how they bring out the glow that you are eyeing and not through pumping skin lightening chemicals.

Curd, Lemon Juice, Honey & Besan Mask

Zinc contained in yoghurt/curd helps in diminishing blemishes as well as treating zits. Lactic acid present in curd provides a soothing and hydrating effect to the skin and thus makes one’s skin supple and nourished. Lemons are packed with Vitamin C, calcium, folate, vitamin B5, vitamin B3, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc as well as sugar, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, fat and protein. Honey’s thick texture makes it an effective emollient thereby, binds moisture in our skin. Besan being the binding agent in this recipe helps to make the skin even.
PROCEDURE– In a heaped tbsp. of curd/yoghurt, add a tbsp. of besan and half a tsp each of lemon juice (freshly squeezed) and honey (preferably Manuka for it is unprocessed and raw). Mix them thoroughly to achieve a smooth paste. Apply it carefully on your face as well as neck avoiding the eye area since lemon juice has citric acid and curd has lactic acid. Both might tingle the skin in that area which already is highly delicate. Wash off after half an hour and pat your skin dry.

Curd, Tamarind & Besan Mask

Curd is sour and therefore excellent in curing acne. Besides that, curd also cools our skin and soaks excess oil from the skin’s pores. Tamarind juice is a very rich source of antioxidants that protects one’s skin from the hazardous free radicals. Application of its juice enables one to maintain glowing and healthy skin. Tamarind juice has enzymes, fibre, Vitamin B, Vitamin C and alpha hydroxyl acids that remove dead skin cells. Finally besan is known to remove dirt and toxins from deep within.
PROCEDURE– Soak a few pieces of tamarind in a bowl with enough water to cover it completely. After half an hour, the tamarind pieces would have softened. Now, comes the time to do a “La Tamarinda” (on the lines of Spain’s ‘La Tomatina’ festival which Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara brought to us and kindled the desire in us to plan a trip to Spain with our buddies). Squelch the tamarind pieces like a notorious kid. In two heaped tbsp. of curd, add the juice and a little pulp of the tamarind pieces that you have squished with your hands. Add two tbsp. of besan to it and mix thoroughly till a consistent paste is obtained. Carefully apply it on your face as well as neck. Do not apply it near your eyes for the combo of tamarind’s tartaric acid and curd’s lactic acid will definitely bring about a tingling sensation.

Also Read: 5 Best Homemade Face Packs To Get Rid Of Hyper-pigmentation and Tan

Curd, Mint Leaves & Neem Leaves Mask

Lactic acid in curd is your skin’s saviour. It helps to not only lighten scars and blemishes but also deep cleanse it. Mint is particularly great for skin that needs that extra care and treatment. If you are suffering from severe acne, using this simple ingredient can help you get rid of it. Mint leaves work on most types of acne. It also helps remove acne naturally without any side effects. It also helps to soften and calm dry or itchy skin. Last but not the least, we have Neem leaves which moisturize skin keeping it soft and supple. They are effective in lightening scars and pigmentation caused by acne and scabies. Good times ahead for those with acne-prone skin, right?
PROCEDURE– In a heaped tbsp. of curd, add the puree of a handful of neem as well as mint leaves. The resulting concoction will turn green. Slather it on your skin avoiding eye area and rinse off after half an hour.

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Papaya, Oatmeal & Lemon Juice Mask

Papaya contains an enzyme known as ‘papain’ which rejuvenates and replenishes skin. Oatmeal possesses amazing exfoliating properties and lemon juice, by virtue of being enriched with citric acid helps in lightening scars and spots.
PROCEDURE– In a tbsp. of papaya puree, add a tbsp. of oatmeal powder and half a tbsp. of lemon juice. Mix well and apply on your skin avoiding eye area. Rinse thoroughly after half an hour.

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Facial According to Your Skin Type

Blueberries, Curd & Lemon Juice Mask

Now, comes the most lip-smacking ingredient that is sure to give you pangs of guilt for not letting your taste buds relish it but let’s give the foodie in us a backseat for a minute. The delectable 9 lettered mouth-watering creation of this Universe B-L-U-E-B-E-R-R-Y is what’ll give your skin the much needed lease of youth and vitality. Curd and lemon juice with their lactic and citric acid content respectively to add to this potent team immensely.
PROCEDURE– Mash a few blueberries and add a tbsp. of curd with a dash of lemon juice to a clean bowl. Mix them thoroughly to form a delectable paste. Slather it on your face and neck. Avoid eye area. Rinse after half an hour. Voila! You look as if you have lost a few years of age off your skin.

Guest post by Nidhal S.

Also Read: Best DIY Face Mask For Acne-Prone Skin

Have you tried any of these recipes above? Which one are you going to try first? Don’t forget to share on the comments below.

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