There is always that one moment after summer when the skin seems to have a mind of its own. The tan persists, cheeks appear slightly uneven, and no matter how much you wash, it does not seem to make any difference.

Much before the arrival of cosmetic brands in bottles claiming to make your skin glow, Indian homes practised their own techniques of beautification. Saffron and sandalwood were commonly used in such practices. They are still worth knowing about today, especially for anyone who prefers keeping skincare fairly simple.

A Little Saffron Goes A Long Way

Saffron has always been something of a prized ingredient. For skincare, just a few strands are enough.

These can be soaked in milk or plain yoghurt and used in a simple face pack. Saffron has compounds which act as antioxidants and it has long been used to help brighten the skin.

Sandalwood For A Cooling Feel

Sandalwood is also another ingredient that you will recognise due to its scent. It helps create a cooling and refreshing effect.

The preparation of a face pack from sandalwood powder and a base is quite simple. It is especially pleasant during hot weather when your skin is heated and tired.

There is no need to scrub while washing it off. Sun exposed skin can be sensitive, and being rough with it is unlikely to help. A gentle rinse is more than enough.

Try The Two Together

Saffron and sandalwood make a lovely traditional combination. One ingredient makes your skin look brighter, whereas the other is valued for its cooling effect.

One of the easy ways to do that would be to soak some saffron strands in milk or yoghurt and add a bit of sandalwood powder to it. The paste will then be applied in thin layers and will stay there for a few minutes, after which it will be washed off.

Patch testing is recommended for anyone introducing a new product into their skincare regimen, especially when they have reactive skin.

Keep The Rest Of The Routine Easy

There is really no need for a complicated skincare routine to go along with a traditional face pack. Everyday cleansing can remain just that, everyday.

Ghar magic soap can be a part of the cleansing process. All you need to do is avoid washing or scrubbing off the tan, since this can leave your face feeling dry.

A Few Things Can Be Picked Up Together

The nice thing about these traditional routines is that some of the ingredients are already familiar household staples. Saffron, yoghurt and other groceries can be added to the usual household shop without turning skincare into a separate project.

Personal care essentials can be planned at the same time. Keeping ghar magic soap on the shopping list means there is one less thing to remember when supplies are running low.

Do Not Skip Sunscreen

In case the goal is to prevent further tanning and pigmentation of the skin, one should consider sun protection rather than any home remedy.

Sunscreen is required on a regular basis, especially when outside. A hat, sunglasses, and a bit of shade when the sun is out can help here too. Conventional skincare products can also go along with this routine, but one cannot expect them to reverse the ongoing sun damage.

Taking care of sun-exposed skin becomes easy with proper skincare, constant sun protection and a few groceries from the kitchen pantry. Keeping the ghar magic soap close at hand makes the everyday part even simpler.