Introduction: -
I aim for this blog post to take you through a full, complete step-by-step herbal skincare ritual, and I want to include as many uses for these items as possible. This includes complete body exfoliation, which can be easily found in all of India's homes. Apart from the whole-body scrub (which I will show how to apply), everyone typically has one or more of the pieces in every Indian family.
In case your skin type is dry, oily, older, or acne-prone, there are masks and processes for you!
Step 1: Start with a Full Body Exfoliation Using Pink Salt (Sendha Namak)
What Is Exfoliation ?
Exfoliating is the process of shedding dead skin cells, clearing clogged pores, and increasing blood circulation—getting your skin ready to absorb the benefits of whatever you apply to it from here on. A body scrub made with Himalayan pink salt, raw honey, and A2 ghee is mild yet effective in exfoliating and moisturising the dermis for most skin types.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp fine Himalayan pink salt
- USDA organic raw honey
- 1 tsp A2 ghee (optional—good for dry skin)
How to Exfoliate:
- In a clean bowl, mix the pink salt, honey, and ghee (if using) until you have a gritty paste.
- Step into the shower, where you will wet your skin.
- Gently massage the scrub over your body with small, circular motions, avoiding sensitive and broken areas.
- Apply more pressure on rough patches of skin like elbows, knees, and feet.
- Wash apart with lukewarm water.
The Benefits of Exfoliating:
- Detoxifies and pulls out toxins
- Smooths rough skin to be baby soft
- Leaves your skin hydrated and balances natural oils without over-drying the skin
Exfoliation doesn’t just cleanse your body; it grounds you, and this is a great way to start your intentional self-care ritual.
Step 2: Cleanse Your Face Naturally
Before putting on any face mask, you have to either have a clean face or start with a clean face. A simple honey and warm water cleanser is a gentle but effective cleanser that removes dirt, grease, and a little layer of makeup.
Here are a few creative recipes for your Do-It-Yourself (DIY) cleansers below:
- 1 tsp raw honey
- A few drops of warm water
Method:
- Place the honey into your hands and add the water.
- Gently massage in small circles onto your face for about a minute.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Benefits
- Has antibacterial properties that could help with acne, especially
- Can calm irritated skin
- While cleansing it hydrates your skin, leaving behind a clean, soft and hydrated skin not stripped of moisture.
This natural cleanser is suitable for all skin types and is a great face wash for daily use or a step in your masking process.
Step 3: Choose and Apply an Herbal DIY Face Mask Based on Your Skin Type
Now we have entered the icing on the cake of your skincare ritual: the face mask. Below are three herbal root mask alternatives for your skin issue. Each contains only 2-3 ingredients, and each will compare to any salon treatment.
Option A: Ghee & Honey Shining Mask (For Dry or Dull Skin)
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp A2 ghee
- 1 tsp raw honey
- A pinch of turmeric
Method
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl
- Apply equally over the face and neck area
- Quit for 15-20 minutes
- Wash with lukewarm water
Benefits:
- Very hydrating and softens
- Gives a “bright” look
- Heals dried, fine, flaky or dull skin and brings it back to life, especially in the winter months (my skin was so dry for at least 10-12 weeks)
This mask follows the ancient Ayurvedic philosophy of “Snehan” (which is to nourish your skin with fats/oils) and provides nourishment that your skin desires with rich oily substances that safely balance dryness at the epidermal level.
Option B: Turmeric & Pink Salt Mask (For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin)
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp fine Himalayan pink salt
Procedure:
- Mix until combined until you have a somewhat thicker paste that can spread easily
- Spread onto the skin, avoiding the eye area
- Leave for 10–15 mins
- Rinse off using cool water and a light touch
Benefits:
- Antiseptic and antibacterial, great for breakouts
- Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin and excess oil
- Reduction of inflammation and bumps, blackheads
Note: If you know that you have a salt sensitivity, lessen the salt or only use it as a spot treatment.
Option C: Ghee, Turmeric & Honey Repair Mask (For Ageing or Mature Skin)
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp A2 ghee
- 1 tsp natural honey
- ½ tsp powdered turmeric
Method:
- Combine all ingredients. You may warm it slightly for an even smoother application (optional).
- Apply to your face and neck.
- Leave on for 15–20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Benefits:
- Helps to restore elasticity and firmness
- Fades fine lines and dark spots
- Heals and nourishes skin marked by pollution or the sun
This is an anti-aging dream mask that combines anti-aging ingredients with nutritious fats and antioxidants to give you plump and radiant skin.
Step 4: Relax & let it do its thing.
While the mask is on your face, this is a great opportunity to pause and be present. Light a candle, drink some warm herbal tea, or practice slow, deep breathing for 15–20 minutes. Keep your face still - no talking or texting!
Taking this moment of stillness supports the efficacy of the mask as well as reducing cortisol (stress hormone), which contributes to healthier skin.
Step 5: Rinse & Tone.
When the mask has dried or it's been left on for the recommended time, it's time to rinse and tone your skin.
How to rinse:
- With room temp (lukewarm) water – not hot or cold
- Use a soft cloth if necessary to gently wipe the mask off
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel
Optional Natural Toner:
- Use a cotton pad to dab rose water or cucumber juice on your skin.
- Air dry before putting on moisturiser.
Toning helps to close the pores and restore the pH balance of the skin, thus sealing in the results of the mask.
Step 6: Moisturise with A2 Ghee
Moisturising helps seal all of that hydration in, which is how we keep your skin glowing. A2 ghee is way more than just food—it's a profoundly nourishing emollient high in fatty acids and vitamins.
How to use:
- Use a small, pea-sized amount of A2 ghee,
- Rub it between your fingers and
- Massage it into your skin in an upward, circular motion.
The benefits of using A2 ghee nightly:
- Helps keep skin hydrated overnight
- Heals micro-tears and strengthens the skin barrier
- Adds a soft, dewy finish
The beauty of ghee, unlike store-bought creams, is that it contains no additives and is completely natural—perfect for nighttime use.
Step 7: Follow This Routine Weekly
When it comes to real skincare, the key is consistency. To get the best results:
- Do this routine one to two times per week
- Alternate masks based on seasonal changes and skin condition
- Drink enough water and eat skin-nourishing foods (such as fruits, nuts, and ghee)
Eventually, you can expect to see
- A lighter skin tone
- Reduction in breakouts and fine lines
- A naturally healthy, supple texture
Bonus tips: Storing & Customising
While fresh masks are recommended, if you have leftover mixture, you can store it in the refrigerator for 1–2 days (do not store longer). If you'd like to add variety and additional benefits, you can customise with these:
- Besan (gram flour): Useful for oily or congested skin
- Curd: For moisture and also gentle exfoliation
- Lemon juice: Use sparingly and only on very oily skin
One important note:
Whenever you are working with turmeric or honey, you should use non-metal bowls, as the metal can lessen the efficacy or cause a reaction.
Conclusion
Your kitchen contains the key to gorgeous, healthy skin. A2 ghee, raw honey, turmeric, and pink salt are all great ingredients with a plethora of amazing topsy-turvy benefits for your skin. You are not just participating in a skincare routine; you are participating in a self-love act rooted in centuries of Indian tradition and ethics.
This simple, but powerful ritual serves as a reminder that beauty does not have to be complicated or filled with chemicals. Start with what you have, continue your care regularly, and given time, your skin will give you clarity, glow, and strength.
FAQs
1. Can I use these herbal face masks daily?
No, it’s best to use these masks 1–2 times a week. While the ingredients are natural and gentle, overuse—especially of turmeric or salt—may cause sensitivity or imbalance. Your skin needs time to absorb the nutrients and recover between treatments.
2. Are these DIY face masks safe for sensitive skin?
Yes—with a patch test first. Many of the ingredients, like raw honey and ghee, are soothing, but ingredients like turmeric or pink salt can sometimes irritate highly sensitive skin. Apply a small amount on your wrist or jawline and wait 12–24 hours before full use.
3. Can I substitute ingredients if I don’t have A2 ghee or pink salt?
Yes. If A2 ghee is unavailable, you can use cold-pressed coconut oil for dry skin. If Himalayan pink salt is not available, use fine sea salt, but avoid coarse salt, which may be too abrasive. Always choose high-quality, organic versions when possible.
4. Will turmeric stain my face?
Turmeric may leave a slight yellow tint if used in large amounts or left on too long. Use just a pinch and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. If staining occurs, gently wipe with a cotton pad dipped in milk or rose water to remove it.
5. How long will it take to see visible results?
Consistency is key. With regular use (once or twice a week) and good skincare habits, many people notice smoother, more radiant skin in 2–4 weeks. Results like reduced pigmentation or fine lines may take longer—around 6–8 weeks of continuous care