Have you ever looked at your bathroom shelf and realized it’s basically a chemistry lab? That was me — dozens of cute pastel bottles, all promising glow, radiance, hydration, and, honestly, confusion. My skin looked tired. My wallet cried louder.
So one weekend, I did something kinda wild. I threw out 90% of my skincare (yes, that hurt) and decided to go old-school desi — just 3 DIY homemade products using things already sitting in my kitchen. Spoiler: my skin is now the calmest it’s ever been.
Let me walk you through exactly what I used, why it works, and what dermatologists + Ayurveda say about it. (Because vibes are great, but data matters too.)
🌸 Step 1: The Face Wash That Eats Dirt, Not Your Skin Barrier
First up — cleansing. Or, as most commercial brands do it, stripping your skin until it squeaks. The truth? A good cleanser should clean, not attack.
So I made my own using:
- 40 g masoor dal (red lentil) powder
- 20 g rice flour
- 20 g Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth)
- 20 g sandalwood powder
- A pinch of turmeric
Just mix, store in a jar, and use a spoonful with water each morning. Sounds too simple? Here’s the science-y magic:
- Masoor dal is loaded with proteins and antioxidants — it gently exfoliates and improves tone.
- Rice flour contains ferulic acid and allantoin, which calm inflammation and brighten skin (a 2018 Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology study backed this up).
- Multani mitti deep cleans pores without soap.
- Sandalwood cools and reduces acne-causing bacteria.
- And turmeric… well, our grandmothers were basically biochemists — it’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and just chef’s kiss.
💬 My experience: The first week, my skin felt weird — like it missed the foamy drama. But after 10 days, I noticed fewer blackheads, zero dryness, and this quiet kind of glow that felt earned, not painted on.
Pro tip: If your skin’s dry, mix it with milk or curd instead of water. Game changer.
🌿 Step 2: The Serum That Costs ₹50 and Feels Like ₹5,000
Serums are where skincare goes luxury. “Infused with peptides,” “vitamin complex,” “hydration technology” — all fancy terms that often hide alcohol and silicones. But in Ayurveda, face oils (or tailams) have existed for centuries — same concept, zero toxins. Here’s my DIY natural face serum (Ayurveda-approved, budget-friendly, and kinda addictive to make):
You’ll need:
- 100 ml cold-pressed sesame oil
- 1 tsp sandalwood powder
- 10 strands saffron (kesar)
- 1 Vitamin E capsule (optional)
Heat water in a pan, place a steel bowl on top (double boiler style), and mix the oil, sandalwood, and saffron. Let them infuse for 20 minutes. Cool it down, add Vitamin E, strain, and store in a glass dropper bottle. That’s it — one bottle, six months of luxury.
Why it works:
- Sesame oil penetrates deep into skin layers — studies show it boosts collagen and barrier repair.
- Saffron is rich in crocin and crocetin — proven in dermatology journals to improve pigmentation and radiance.
- Sandalwood helps reduce oxidative stress.
- Vitamin E protects from UV damage and increases shelf life.
💬 My experience: I apply 3 drops every night — just warm it in my palms, press it onto damp skin, and massage upward. After 2 weeks, my fine lines looked softer and that dull grey undertone (thanks, screen time) began to fade.
Also, the smell? Pure spa. No fake “lavender essence,” just earthy calm.
🛁 Step 3: The Body Wash That Makes Lotions Jealous
Here’s something wild — your skin doesn’t need soap to get clean. Most body washes use harsh surfactants like SLS that mess with your natural oils, which is why you need a moisturizer after. It’s a cycle.
So I made this edible-grade cleanser instead:
- 40 g besan (gram flour)
- 30 g rice flour
- 30 g Multani mitti
- 1 tsp turmeric
Mix, store, and use like your regular body wash — just add water or milk, rub gently, rinse.
💡 Why it works:
- Besan acts as a natural exfoliant and de-tanning agent.
- Multani mitti removes sweat, oil, and dirt without damaging skin.
- Turmeric keeps fungal acne away (yes, that’s a thing!).
After a few days, my skin felt like it had its own built-in moisturizer. I didn’t need to apply body lotion at all — which, honestly, was pretty liberating.
☀️ A Note on Sunscreen (Yes, Even Natural Queens Need It)
I know, I know — after going fully natural, reaching for sunscreen feels ironic. But every dermatologist (and every smart auntie) will tell you this: UV rays don’t care how organic your skincare is.
So I use a mineral-based sunscreen — look for ones with zinc oxide, aloe vera, and vitamin E, and no parabens or silicones.
They’re gentler, safer, and actually suit Indian weather.
(If you want to try, check out Mamaearth’s Mineral Sunscreen — it’s baby-safe, but adults can totally use it.)
💬 The Real Talk — What I Learned After 30 Days
After a month on this routine, something shifted. Not just in how my skin looked — but in how I felt.
- No panic when I forgot my “night cream.”
- No ingredient FOMO.
- No new pimples (hallelujah).
But most importantly, I started trusting my skin again. When you stop overloading it, it starts healing itself — and that’s honestly beautiful.
And price-wise?
- Face wash: ₹30
- Serum: ₹50
- Body wash: ₹40
That’s ₹120 for what my previous routine cost ₹3,000+. Wild.
💚 Why “Feeding” Your Skin Works
This might sound poetic, but it’s backed by science.
Our skin absorbs what we apply — confirmed in studies various studies. So when you feed it real, edible ingredients, it responds like a happy plant getting sunlight.
Ayurveda calls this Abhyanga Samskara — the ritual of nourishing your skin with food-based substances. Modern dermatology calls it skin barrier repair. Same idea, different century.
✨ My Takeaway
You don’t need 12 steps to glow. You need 3 — done with intention, consistency, and kindness.
So, the next time you’re tempted by a “vitamin-glow-boost-elixir,” pause. Walk to your kitchen instead. Because sometimes, the best skincare isn’t in a lab — it’s in your masoor dal jar.
Also, if you would like to know how our Thamma girl Rashmika keeps glowing, you check out here skincare routine as well.
Nikita Palesha is a wellness advocate and eco-conscious writer who shares simple, sustainable tips for everyday living. She’s passionate about mindful choices that support a healthier planet and a balanced lifestyle.
