Poonam Dhillon tries out friend's home remedy for soft, glowing skin: ‘Sabki khoobsurti ka koi na koi raaz hota hai…'
How to prepare the face pack?
Ingredients
Besan or gram flour
Yoghurt
Glycerine (it helps soften the skin)
Turmeric
Honey
Lemon juice
Flax seeds
Water
Method
*In a bowl, add and mix all the ingredients except flax seeds.
*In a pan, add water and let it boil. Add flax seeds. Let it boil until there is a jelly-like consistency. Store the liquid in an airtight container.
How to apply?
Pat your face dry. Apply the flaxseed jelly-like liquid to your face, followed by the face pack. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash it off. Pat dry.
While these ingredients are often celebrated in natural skincare, it's important to understand their benefits and potential drawbacks — especially when applied on sensitive or acne-prone skin, said cosmetologist and aesthetic physician Dr Karuna Malhotra.
Gram flour (Besan)
Helps cleanse and exfoliate the skin naturally.
Absorbs excess oil and unclogs pores.
Mildly brightens skin tone over time.
'Besan is great for oily to combination skin types. It acts as a natural exfoliator and works well as a base for many DIY packs, but at the same time, it is very bad for people with dry skin, so be cautious while using it,' said Dr Malhotra.
Glycerin
Acts as a humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Keeps skin soft and supple.
Prevents dryness after exfoliation.
'Glycerin is excellent for hydration, but it should be used in a balanced proportion. Overuse can sometimes clog pores in oily skin,' cautioned Dr Malhotra.
Curd (Dahi)
Contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and adds glow.
Calms sunburns and reduces tanning.
Honey
*Naturally antibacterial and soothing.
*Gives a dewy glow and helps heal minor skin inflammation
Lemon juice
Rich in vitamin C, it helps lighten dark spots and pigmentation.
Acts as a mild astringent.
'Lemon juice should always be used cautiously on the skin. It can cause photosensitivity, irritation or even burns in some cases,' cautions Dr Malhotra. 'If using, apply at night and always follow up with sunscreen the next day.'
Flaxseed gel is a 'natural' collagen booster
'Flaxseed gel is a wonderful natural hydrator. It soothes irritated skin, improves elasticity, and can even reduce fine lines when used regularly,' said Dr Malhotra.
It forms a protective barrier over the skin and works well as a primer or soothing serum.
Dr. Malhotra listed the following points to consider when using such ingredients directly on your skin.
A post shared by PoonamDhillon (@poonam_dhillon_)
Patch test is essential: Always test on a small area to avoid allergic reactions, especially due to lemon or honey.
Avoid sun exposure immediately after application: Lemon can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Not for active acne: Glycerin and curd might worsen breakouts in acne-prone skin if not rinsed off properly.
Storage: Flaxseed gel should be stored in a clean container in the fridge and used within 5-7 days.
Use frequency: Once or twice a week is enough; overuse can disrupt the skin's natural barrier.
'Natural doesn't always mean safe for all. What works wonders for one person might irritate another's skin. So know your skin type and observe how it responds,' advised Dr Malhotra
With skin-nourishing ingredients like besan, curd, honey, and flaxseed gel, it can indeed give your skin a radiant boost — when used mindfully, said Dr Malhotra.
When in doubt, consult a skin expert to tweak it to your skin's needs.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Poonam Dhillon tries out friend's home remedy for soft, glowing skin: ‘Sabki khoobsurti ka koi na koi raaz hota hai…'
Veteran actor Poonam Dhillon recently tried a beauty remedy that her friend has been using forever. According to the Plan A Plan B actor, the face pack works wonders for your skin. 'Sabki khoobsurti ka koi na koi raaz hota hai…meri ek friend hai jinhe mein saalon se dekh rahi hun…woh aur bhi achi lagti ja rahi hai…aur apni skin ka khyaal rakhti hai…toh maine usko bola, pls share apna beauty secret taaki main apne followers ke saath bhi share kar sakun. (Everyone has their own secrets for beautiful skin. I have a friend who has not aged a day and takes care of her skin…so I told her to share her beauty secret so that I could share it with my followers)…So, thank you, Bindu Kohli,' Dhillon, 63, said. How to prepare the face pack? Ingredients Besan or gram flour Yoghurt Glycerine (it helps soften the skin) Turmeric Honey Lemon juice Flax seeds Water Method *In a bowl, add and mix all the ingredients except flax seeds. *In a pan, add water and let it boil. Add flax seeds. Let it boil until there is a jelly-like consistency. Store the liquid in an airtight container. How to apply? Pat your face dry. Apply the flaxseed jelly-like liquid to your face, followed by the face pack. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash it off. Pat dry. While these ingredients are often celebrated in natural skincare, it's important to understand their benefits and potential drawbacks — especially when applied on sensitive or acne-prone skin, said cosmetologist and aesthetic physician Dr Karuna Malhotra. Gram flour (Besan) Helps cleanse and exfoliate the skin naturally. Absorbs excess oil and unclogs pores. Mildly brightens skin tone over time. 'Besan is great for oily to combination skin types. It acts as a natural exfoliator and works well as a base for many DIY packs, but at the same time, it is very bad for people with dry skin, so be cautious while using it,' said Dr Malhotra. Glycerin Acts as a humectant that draws moisture to the skin. Keeps skin soft and supple. Prevents dryness after exfoliation. 'Glycerin is excellent for hydration, but it should be used in a balanced proportion. Overuse can sometimes clog pores in oily skin,' cautioned Dr Malhotra. Curd (Dahi) Contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and adds glow. Calms sunburns and reduces tanning. Honey *Naturally antibacterial and soothing. *Gives a dewy glow and helps heal minor skin inflammation Lemon juice Rich in vitamin C, it helps lighten dark spots and pigmentation. Acts as a mild astringent. 'Lemon juice should always be used cautiously on the skin. It can cause photosensitivity, irritation or even burns in some cases,' cautions Dr Malhotra. 'If using, apply at night and always follow up with sunscreen the next day.' Flaxseed gel is a 'natural' collagen booster 'Flaxseed gel is a wonderful natural hydrator. It soothes irritated skin, improves elasticity, and can even reduce fine lines when used regularly,' said Dr Malhotra. It forms a protective barrier over the skin and works well as a primer or soothing serum. Dr. Malhotra listed the following points to consider when using such ingredients directly on your skin. A post shared by PoonamDhillon (@poonam_dhillon_) Patch test is essential: Always test on a small area to avoid allergic reactions, especially due to lemon or honey. Avoid sun exposure immediately after application: Lemon can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Not for active acne: Glycerin and curd might worsen breakouts in acne-prone skin if not rinsed off properly. Storage: Flaxseed gel should be stored in a clean container in the fridge and used within 5-7 days. Use frequency: Once or twice a week is enough; overuse can disrupt the skin's natural barrier. 'Natural doesn't always mean safe for all. What works wonders for one person might irritate another's skin. So know your skin type and observe how it responds,' advised Dr Malhotra With skin-nourishing ingredients like besan, curd, honey, and flaxseed gel, it can indeed give your skin a radiant boost — when used mindfully, said Dr Malhotra. When in doubt, consult a skin expert to tweak it to your skin's needs. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Indian Express
Rujuta Diwekar's dating tip can change your gut health game for life: ‘Ask if your potential partner knows how to set curd'
The benefits of incorporating curd in Indian diet have been hailed for centuries now. According to Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, regular consumption of curd after lunch can significantly alter gut microbiota composition due to its probiotic content. In simple terms, improved digestion and immunity. Yay! 'These live cultures enhance beneficial bacterial populations, improving microbial diversity and suppressing harmful bacteria like Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus,' Malhotra said, adding that the lactic acid bacteria in curd strengthen gut barrier function, reduce inflammation, and promote short-chain fatty acid production, which supports colon health. In a recent interview, celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar reiterated on the importance of knowing how to set curd, and how that can give one a peek into their partner's soft skills. 'The dating advice I give girls is that, 'Get married in a house where the guy knows how to set curd. We have progressed enough to know how to do everything else in life. The guy should know how much to heat the milk to be able to set the curd, or else the milk will curdle and go bad. And if it's not hot enough, the curd will not set.'' 'Ask this on your first date only, forget whether he is a mountain or a beach person, coffee person or chai person, ask if your potential partner knows how to set curd,' she quipped. Experts believe a well-set curd is way healthier than one that isn't. 'Curd is formed through the fermentation of milk by lactic acid bacteria. During proper fermentation, these bacteria produce lactic acid, which coagulates the milk proteins, forming a gel-like structure. A well-set curd is more likely to contain viable probiotic cultures, which are essential for gut health,' said Malhotra. In contrast, poorly fermented or runny curd might lack a sufficient live bacterial count due to contamination or inappropriate incubation conditions. Dt. KS Aujla, clinical nutritionist at Unity Critical Care Hospital, Jalandhar, shared a quick recipe to help you set curd at home: 1. Whole milk 2. A spoonful of curd (as a starter) 3. A clean container – preferably an earthen clay pot or a stainless-steel bowl Since curd is made through fermentation, temperature and time play an important role, she noted. 1. Boil the milk until it comes to a good boil (around 80°C). This helps eliminate any unwanted germs. 2. Let the milk cool down until it feels warm to the touch (not hot), ideally between 35–40°C. 3. Add a spoonful of curd (starter) to the warm milk. Mix gently but thoroughly. This starter contains the good bacteria that help ferment the milk. 4. Leave the container undisturbed in a warm place for 6–8 hours. During this time, the bacteria multiply and convert milk sugar (lactose) into lactic acid, which thickens the milk and gives curd its taste. 5. In the summer, keep it away from direct sunlight or heat. In winter, wrap it in a cloth or place it in a warm corner to keep it warm. 6. Once set, refrigerate it to stop further fermentation and enjoy your homemade, gut-friendly curd!
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Indian Express
Harvard-trained gastroenterologist discusses three ways to lose belly fat with intermittent fasting: ‘One of these is particularly crucial'
After apprising us of the best oils for the gut, and foods to avoid for liver health, Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi recently discussed three best tips to lose belly fat with intermittent fasting. 'One of these is particularly crucial,' he shared while listing the ways. *Start with a 12-12 fasting schedule, which is the mildest option. 'This approach helps you sleep soundly at night and reduces the likelihood of unhealthy food choices the next day,' said Dr Sethi. *According to Dr Sethi, during your fasting window, only drink black coffee, green tea, black tea, water, apple cider vinegar, lemon water, fennel or basil water, chamomile or ginger tea. *Focus on a high fibre, high protein diet during your eating window. 'Focus on high protein foods like paneer, tofu, chickpeas, chicken, turkey, fish, and high fibre foods like fruits and vegetables. This combination will keep you full and satiated while promoting fat loss,' said Dr Sethi. Are these effective? Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietitian and certified diabetes educator, explained that this protocol for reducing belly fat through intermittent fasting demonstrates a 'judicious mix of practicality and scientific grounding'. Notably, intermittent fasting (IF), is a form of time-restricted feeding where one consumes food within a defined window (e.g., first meal around 10:30–11:00 am, second meal around 6:30 pm) and fasts for the remaining hours. 'This method is backed by scientific research for its potential benefits in weight management, improved metabolic health, and better insulin sensitivity, which is especially relevant for those with diabetes,' said Malhotra. IF helps reduce overall calorie intake by minimising opportunities for mindless snacking and late-night eating, both of which are linked to weight gain and metabolic disturbances. Yet the success of it is based on what you eat in the eating window, as a balanced diet with adequate protein and fibre makes all the difference. 'Each meal should be nutrient-dense, providing adequate protein, healthy fats, fibre, and micronutrients to support energy, muscle maintenance, and overall health,' said Malhotra. The expert concurred with Dr Sethi and stressed that the 12:12 fasting pattern is accessible for most and gently introduces metabolic benefits, including improved meal timing and reduced nighttime caloric intake. 'Restricting beverages during the fasting phase to non-caloric options like water, black coffee, and herbal teas preserves the physiological state of fasting and may modestly enhance metabolic outcomes,' said Malhotra. Most crucially, Malhotra stressed that prioritising a high-fibre, high-protein diet during the eating window supports satiety, muscle retention, and glycemic control, factors essential for 'meaningful, sustainable fat loss'. 'However, while this protocol aligns with current dietary evidence, individual differences in fat loss responses, long-term feasibility, and overall nutrition quality require ongoing assessment for optimal results,' said Malhotra. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
