Whether it is winter, summer or the rainy season, skin needs the right care in every season. Different skin types have different problems, and need different care.

People with oily skin seem to suffer a little more, and only they know how troublesome it is. However nicely makeup is done, after a while the face is greasy and sticky again. Step outside and dirt clings to the face. Dust and grime stick to oily skin and cause various problems, acne above all. For oily skin, natural ingredients work better than chemical-laden cosmetics. Here are some face packs made at home from natural ingredients that remove greasiness, reduce acne and bring back a glow.

Gram flour is a natural face wash that removes oiliness and quickly brightens the skin, as well as fading marks. Mix 2 spoons of gram flour with 4 spoons of milk. Apply the paste to your face and neck, and after 15 minutes, when it has dried, wash it off with cold water. Use it twice a week and see the difference for yourself in how fair and oil-free your skin feels.

Egg white is very good for oily skin. It removes excess oil and helps tighten the skin. Mix the white of one egg with cucumber juice and mint leaf paste and apply to the skin. Wash off when dry. The antibacterial properties of mint will keep the skin free of acne, and cucumber will cool the skin from within.

There is nothing like orange peel for controlling excess oil on the face. Mix 2 spoons of orange peel powder, 4 spoons of milk and 1 spoon of fresh turmeric paste and apply to the face. Wash off after 20 minutes. It will not only control excess oil but also make the skin glow. Use it once or twice a week. Alternatively, apply fresh turmeric paste, rice flour, orange peel powder and a little ground lentil paste together, massage lightly after 15 minutes and wash off. This will tighten the skin.

Banana is very effective for oily skin and also helps make skin brighter and softer. Lemon juice helps remove greasiness and adds shine. Honey is a natural antioxidant that helps clear acne and pimples and moisturises the skin naturally.

Take 1 ripe banana, 2 teaspoons of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Peel and mash the banana well, then mix in the honey and lime juice to make a thick paste. Apply it well to the hands, face and neck and leave it for about 15 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Using this pack at least two or three times a week gives very good results.

Cucumber works very well as a toner. It controls excess oil in the skin and keeps it fresh from within. Take 2 tablespoons of cucumber paste, 1 teaspoon of rose water and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix them and apply the pack to your face. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash off with cold water. You can do this every day for very good oil control; if you do not have time every day, do it three days a week. Your skin will stay fresh and oil-free.

Source: Prothom Alo. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.