The need to innovate our beauty regiments using simple home products is ancestral and we as Indians excel at figuring out ingredients that are highly efficient as both food and beauty products. While ice-cubes excel at instantly cooling our unsatisfactory beverages during summer, they also work like magic on puffiness, redness, rashes, dark circles and other skin woes. From stimulating blood circulation to reducing oiliness, soothing sunburns and laying a refreshing ground-work for makeup, there is no limit to what ice-cubes can do to your skin.
In my quest to explore more, I've found a perfect way to combine the rejuvenating properties of ice-cubes with naturally stimulating ingredients like cucumber, milk, tea to get you a free of cost frozen facial at home.
# Basil & Aloe Vera Ice-CubesBasil and aloe vera are; good for the body, better for the skin kind of kitchen ingredient that I personally recommend. While aloe vera removes excess oil and deal with acne, basil being a potent antioxidant soothes the skin. This calming combo in the icy goodness is also a great remedy for sunburn.
- Take a handful of basil leaves in a cup of water and grind them.
- Add 2 tablespoon of natural aloe vera gel and mix.
- Empty the mixture into an ice-cube tray and let it freeze.
# Coffee Ice-Cubes
Coffee isn't just a beverage, it's a storehouse of vital rejuvenating components that are surprisingly good for the skin. A coffee skin pack is a bit of old news but coffee ice-cubes is the latest buzz you ought to try for the much-needed skin glow.
- Take 2 tablespoons of coffee and brew it in the boiling water. Let it cool.
- Empty the coffee in an ice-cube tray and leave it in your refrigerator.
# Cucumber & Lemon Ice-CubesA food that is hydrating and stacked with vitamin C is not only good for your gut but also a good enough refreshment for your skin. Cucumber and lemon are both excellent antioxidants that cleanse and brighten your skin naturally. When made to ice, this beauty cocktail will stimulate blood circulation and keep pimples, acne, redness at bay.
- Blend cucumber to make a puree.
- Add a few drops of lemon and pour it in an ice-cube tray.
- Freeze it for a few hours and apply cold for maximum effect.
# Milk Ice-CubesLactic acid is one of milk's prime component and a most healthy weapon. Not only it keeps your digestive system disciplined but also give your skin a well-deserved moisturization, reduce red spots, keep away pigmentation and give you a fairer more natural radiance.
- Take a 3/4 cup of milk and add 1/4 cup of water in it.
- Pour it in an ice-cube tray and wait.
- Rub the cubes gently for a while and leave it undisturbed for 20-30 mins before washing your face.
# Cinnamon Ice-CubesCinnamon is the boss of antibacterial attributes and more often than not a thorough cleaning of the skin with cinnamon is all you need after a long sweaty day. The trick is to massage your face with cinnamon ice-cubes, leave it for an hour or so and wash your face thoroughly for healthy skin.
- In a cup of water add 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder.
- Mix well and empty in an ice-cube tray. Let it cool.
# Rosewater Ice-CubesRosewater is a super beauty ingredient that not removes your makeup with ease but also gives your skin moisturization. When turned into ice-cubes this will fight bacteria, reduce lines and give your skin a fresh clean-up. Trust me, a gentle massage of this cube after a tiring day at work is enough to lighten your skin and brighten your mood.
- In a cup of normal water, add 1 cup of concentrated rose water.
- Mix and pour it in an ice-cube tray for cooling.
- Use regularly for a rejuvenation.
# Green Tea Ice-CubesGreen tea is flushed with antioxidants which is a great antidote for early ageing, dark circles and pimples. Along with detoxifying your body and burning excess fat, it also prevents diseases and keeps your skin young and happy. Sometimes I wonder is there anything green tea can't fix?
- In the boiling water add 2 tea-bags and let it brew.
- Allow the tea to cool off and then empty it in an ice-cube tray.
- Freeze the tea and enjoy its perks afterwards.