Ayurveda is an ancient Indian practice that eliminates chemicals and solves problems by using the goodness of natural elements. Ayurvedic skincare treatments are based on three skin types: 

• Vata (wind) 
• Pitta (fire) 
• Kapha (water and earth) 

According to Ayurveda, a person's body and mind are built on the three above doshas.  

Vata: Someone who has rough, dry skin. 

Pitta: People with oily skin and prone to acne. 

Kapha: People whose skin is susceptible to pimples. 

Skin brightening ayurvedic facial at home helps eliminate the problem from roots and cleanse your skin inside out.  

DIY Skin Brightening Ayurvedic Face Packs: 

1) Turmeric and Besan: 

This skin brightening face pack is the most favourite addition to your grandmother's list. For decades gram flour and turmeric have been used to revive the natural glow. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. Due to its medicinal value, turmeric paste is also used to heal cuts and wounds.  

Ingredients: 

• 1 tsp gram flour 
• 1/2 tsp turmeric 
•  1 tsp rose water 

Process: 

• Mix the ingredients together and prepare a thick paste. 
• Apply evenly on your face and neck. 
• Leave it for 15 minutes and wash it off. 

Tip: 

 Use raw turmeric instead of powder.  

How often: 

Twice a week 

Benefits: 

Turmeric: 

• A natural antiseptic 
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredient 
• Brightens skin 

Besan: 

• A gentle exfoliator 
• Maintains pH balance on the skin 

2) Marigold: 

One of the primary benefits of marigold oil is increasing hair growth. But crushed marigold flower face pack also contains healing power and boosts collagen production in your skin. Marigold face is the perfect skin brightening treatment for people with sensitive skin.  

Ingredients: 

• 2 crushed marigold flowers 
• 1/2 tsp yoghurt 

Process: 

• Crush the flowers into the curd and make a fine paste.  
• Apply to face and neck. 
• Leave for 20 minutes and rinse with water. 

How often should you use: 

Thrice a week 

Benefits: 

Marigold: 

• Healing effects 
• Boosts collagen level 
• Prevent premature skin ageing 
• Reduce acne 

Yoghurt: 

• Brightens skin tone 
• Retain moisture on the skin 
• Protects from UV rays 
• Increases elasticity 

3) Sandalwood face pack: 

Sandalwood is one of the most adored Ayurvedic ingredients because it offers an array of benefits for your skin. Sandalwood contains natural skin brightening components and is suitable for all skin types.  

Ingredients: 

• 2-3 drops of sandalwood oil 
• 1 tsp carrier oil (jojoba or almond) 
• 1 tsp honey 

Process: 

• Dilute 2-3 drops of sandalwood oil with 1 tsp carrier oil. 
• Add a tsp of honey and stir well. 
• Massage the mixture on your face and neck with gentle hands. 
• Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before washing. 

Benefits: 

Sandalwood: 

• Improves skin elasticity 
• Brightens skin tone 

Honey: 

• Benefits acne-prone skin 
• Natural anti-septic 

How often should you use: 

2-3 times a week 

Tip: 

Do a patch test before using any essential oil. 

4) Honey and Lemon: 

Both ingredients contain abundant antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and beneficial enzymes. In addition, the ingredients are anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and natural cleansing and healing agents. Many skincare experts swear by the astringent effect of lemon because it contains vitamin C and Citric acid. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 tsp of organic honey 
• 3-4 drops of lemon juice 

Process; 

• Apply the mixture all over your face. 
• Wash it off after 20 minutes  

Benefits: 

Lemon: 

• Brightens skin 
• Reduce premature ageing 
• Reduce inflammation and itchiness 

Honey: 

• Regulates sebum secretion 
• Prevents skin breakouts 
• Unclogs dirty pores 
• Gentle exfoliator 

How often should you use: 

2-3 times a week 

Tip: It’s not an eye pack; so, avoid the under-eye region.  

5) Neem face pack: 

Have you ever heard of the term "Chhota Packet Bada Dhamaka?" Neem is a suitable example of it. It has healing, cleansing, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-septic, and anti-inflammatory properties.  

Ingredients: 

• 3-4 neems leaves 
• 4 tulsi leaves 
• 1 tsp turmeric and yoghurt 

Process: 

• Make a fine paste with neem and tulsi leaves. 
• Add a pinch of turmeric and yoghurt and stir well. 
• Spread the mask on your face. 
• Let it sit for 15 minutes before washing. 

Benefits: 

Neem: 

• Treats skin breakouts 
• Reduces premature ageing 
• Lightens scars 

Tulsi: 

• Reduces pigmentation 
• Soothes skin infections 

How often should you use: 

Every alternate day 

6) Amla face pack: 

Amla is famous for preventing cold and promoting hair growth, but it provides an array of skin benefits which are still unexplored.  

Ingredients: 

• 1 tsp amla paste 
• 1 tsp curb 

Process: 

• Mash the amla paste and curd in a bowl. 
• Apply the paste to the face and neck. 
• Wash it off after 10 minutes 

Benefits: 

• Boosts collagen production 
• Increases skin elasticity 
• Removes dead cells 
• Reduces skin pigmentation 
• Even skin tone 

How often should you use: 

2-3 times a week 

7) Lavender oil face pack: 

Nothing works better than this topical flower if you want brightening, plumpy skin.  

Ingredients: 

• 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil 
• 1 tsp of avocado or jojoba oil 

Process: 

• Dilute lavender oil in the carrier oil 
• Blend it and massage it on your face for 20-30 minutes; don't be harsh; use soft fingertips 
• Wash your face with lukewarm water 

Benefits: 

• Reduces inflammation 
• Soothes dry, blotchy skin 
• Reduces fake wrinkles 
• Insect repellant 

If you find it hard to follow the Ayurvedic face care regime, you always have non-toxic alternatives like Rejusure's Glutathione skin brightening serum or Vitamin C eye serum mask. However, these products contain no paraben or sulphate, so there will be side effects on your skin.