Grandma’s kitchen cosmetics using all things organic seem to fit the bill. With more people going organic and using fruits and vegetables to get lovely skin, the beauty industry is not lagging behind and has come up with preparations using papaya and orange peel. This is not something that only the older generation would use. Even celebrities are walking the organic path and taking to fruits and vegetable to moisturise and cleanse their skin. JLo uses honey for her glowing skin. Halle Berry the Bond star too swears by fruit acid to cleanse her skin. Bride Wars star Kate Hudson likes nourishing her skin using green apple peel. Olive oil is the secret behind Indian bombshell Shilpa Shetty’s velvety skin and Penelope Cruz uses avocado to soften her skin.
While the products are natural, will they suit all skin types? Bengaluru-based make-up artiste Divya Shetty says, “It all depends on the skin. For some, veggies and fruits can work magic, but on others, they might just leave rashes and allergies.” How does one find out if the product suits their skin? “Many use the products for only a few days but it is important to try them out for at least five to six weeks. Only when the base is accepted, will the product work on the skin,” explains Divya.
Make-up artiste Kopal believes that Indians naturally have good skin and herbal products always work. “We’ve all seen our mothers and grandmothers rub malai and cucumber on their faces, so it’s not something new. However, one has to be very careful in getting the balance right. For those with a very dry skin, it is advisable to avoid citrus fruits. Instead, pair the fruit with something like honey. The same applies to those with oily skin — avoid milk, cream etc.” Divya seconds this, adding, “Natural products easily available in our kitchen are good for the skin, but one must know the skin type before experimenting with various fruits and vegetables.”
The organic cosmetic market is now teeming with products made with the peels of green apple, papaya and orange. Is using the real fruit different from the bottled versions? Kopal says, “Branded products just have their extracts mixed with chemicals. Real fruits are rich in fruit acids that not only exfoliate your skin but also nourish it.” While fruits and veggies are a hit, flowers too are clamouring for a place in the sun. Celebrities like Alicia Silverstone use rose to moisturise the skin. “The market is flooded with flower-based products that help nourish your skin,” Kopal concludes.