6 simple hacks for a healthy, glowing skin at home

Highlights

• Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) in milk removes dead skin cells a resulting in a natural glow and radiance of the skin

• Six clever and simple hacks for your skincare routine

• Unlock the potential benefits of Papya Walnut scrub, milk ice cubes, honey, rice water, ghee, and green tea

• Read what the research says about each 

Want that glowing skin that you often see on magazine covers and Ads? What if we tell you that it comes easily at home? As easy as you tap on your screen. All you have to do is follow these smart and simple hacks, and your skin will look healthy and glowing. The catch is to do as needed and advised. Come, check this out.

The Papaya-Walnut scrub
 

Treat your skin with the goodness of papaya and walnut, bottled inside a scrub!

Switch to a papaya-walnut scrub today for all the potential benefits it has: 

Firstly, it exfoliates well by removing all impurities, dead skin cells, oil, and dirt. That’s what scrubs do, right? But the papaya-walnut scrub has more to it ^[1].

• It brightens the skin, helps to even out the skin tone, removes tan, reduces blemishes and scars the visibility of dark spots  ^[1]. 

• Papaya is rich in antioxidants that reduce wrinkles, preventing signs of aging. Its enzyme papain is also helpful in scar treatment ^[2]. Further, reducing acne and inflammation^[5].  

• Also, the Papaya and walnut scrub can make the skin soft, refreshed, and hydrated  ^[1]. 

• A 2012 study on rats found that papaya can help improve skin elasticity ^[3]. 

• Not only skin, you can use papaya for hair as well. It can be used as a conditioner, can help with your hair growth, and also prevent dandruff. The Vitamin A present in papaya nourishes and strengthens the scalp, further protecting the hair ^[4]. 

First, consult your dermatologist. Also, make sure that you are not allergic to papaya! 

Milk ice cubes
 

Lactic acid is not only essential for calcium, but it has some potential benefits for the skin as well (Image source: Freepik)

Facial icing is back in the trend all over again. For this, milk ice cubes can prove beneficial for the skin. Here’s how- 

• The lactic acid in milk contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which removes the dead skin cells and adds to the natural glow and radiance of the skin, stimulating new cell growth ^[6].

• The ice cubes reduce the puffiness under the eyes, soothe the inflamed skin, and treat acne. It also tightens the pores ^[10]. If you apply a cold compress under the eyes with mild pressure for about 15-20 minutes, it can reduce bags ^[7] . 

• Skin icing can also reduce acne and inflammation, and minimize skin pores. Ice’s anti-inflammatory nature specifically helps with inflammatory acne ^[8].  

• Moreover, regularly rubbing the milk ice cubes on the skin can reduce, rather, prevent, the signs of aging ^[9].

Not only milk ice cubes, but you can also try Aloe ice cubes, Green tea ice cubes, and turmeric and saffron ice cubes. 

Honey Face masks
 

Honey, when incorporated with some ingredients, can prove incredibly beneficial for the skin (Image source: Freepik) 

Raw honey has various health and skincare benefits because of its antimicrobial nature and wound-healing characteristics. It helps you with acne, eczema, cuts and burns, as well as psoriasis (an autoimmune disorder that leads to skin cell overgrowth) ^[11]. There is so much to do with the honey, you can try out various face masks to get that glowing radiance for your skin. It restores your skin with natural moisture and protects it. Here’s it-

You can opt for any face mask depending on your skin sensitivity or as prescribed by your dermatologist.

Rice water toner

Rice water is incredibly magical for the skin, brightening and smoothing it, nourishing it further (Image source: Freepik) 

Rice water at home can be used as a toner. It has a couple of benefits for the skin:

• Starting with, it leads to skin whitening, minimizes pores, hydrates and moisturizes, and helps with dryness and skin irritation ^[13]. 

• It also lightens and evens the skin tone, at the same time, improves texture ^[13]. 

• Not to forget, rice water can be used to gently exfoliate the skin and also has anti-aging properties because of Vitamin E ^[14].

The benefits of rice water for the skin have been validated via research conducted over the years. One of which was published in the Journal of Cosmetic Chemists, where it was found that rice water serves to be an effective ingredient for the skin owing to its moisturizing and antioxidant properties ^[14]. Rice water also protects skin from damage caused by UV rays, preventing premature aging, as stated in a study by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science ^[12].  

Ghee for skin and lips

Our very own desi ghee is a vital moisturizing source for the skin and lips (Image source: Freepik) 

Ghee can prove to be the ultimate natural moisturizer that heals overnight. You can apply it to your face as well as your lips:

• Ghee is concentrated with essential short-chain fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins like Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and butyric acid, all of which contribute to skin health ^[15] [16]. 

• It helps with the dryness and cracks on the lips. Plus, it can make the skin radiant as well as bright ^[17]. 

• All the irritation, redness, and swelling go away by applying ghee ^[17]. 

• It can also reduce pigmentation and treat your acne ^[17].

• Not to forget, ghee has antioxidants that prevent aging. Especially in winter, ghee is the savior for your dry skin ^[18].

• According to the Kosmoderma Research Center, Ghee is enriched with Vitamin A and Vitamin K, which are very integral for skin health. Ghee is essential in nutrition to maintain a youthful glow and keep ageing at bay! 

Green tea for the skin

Green tea's antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds offer numerous skin and health benefits (Image source: Freepik) 

Yes, green tea is not only helpful for weight control but also for your skin. Let’s see how:

• It reduces the puffiness under the eyes, helps with skin inflammation and clogged pores, hydrates the skin, nourishes the skin cells, and also helps oily skin. 

• Green tea can also be used as a toner, cleanser, and scrub for the skin ^[22]. 

• The active ingredients can also prevent premature aging, improving skin elasticity ^[21]. So, basically, you have got the green tea to do everything.

• Green tea contains EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), which possesses therapeutic properties. According to a review published in 2016, it was stated that EGCG in green tea has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics that help with oily skin and treat acne ^[19]. 

• Green tea extract is known to be potentially effective against acne. In a study conducted, participants took 1,500 mg of green tea extract for 4 weeks. Results showed a significant decline in red skin bump acne causes ^[20]. 

With these 6 smart hacks, you can get going for a natural glow to your skin. To be noted, use one smart hack for a particular benefit to the skin. Do not apply anything in excess, and again, check your skin sensitivity. There are multiple benefits of a particular hack, make sure you are regular with what you choose.

References

1. Skin Secrets India. (2025). Papaya Facial Scrub with Papaya Extract | 500gm. Skin Secrets India. https://skinsecretsindia.com/products/papaya-facial-scrub
2. Chen YY, Lu YH, Ma CH, Tao WW, Zhu JJ, Zhang X. (2017, March). A novel elastic liposome for skin delivery of papain and its application on hypertrophic scar. Biomed Pharmacother. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.076. Epub 2016 Dec 29. PMID: 28040601. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28040601/
3. Mohamed Sadek K. (2012) Antioxidant and immunostimulant effect of carica papaya linn. Aqueous extract in acrylamide intoxicated rats. doi: 10.5455/aim.2012.20.180-185. PMID: 23322975; PMCID: PMC3508853. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3508853/​
4. Everts HB. (2011) Endogenous retinoids in the hair follicle and sebaceous gland. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012 Jan;1821(1):222-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2011.08.017. PMID: 21914489; PMCID: PMC3237781. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21914489/
5. Frothingham, S. (2019, June 18). Papaya benefits for skin. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/papaya-benefits-for-skin#melasma-treatment
6. Tang, S.-C., & Yang, J.-H. (2018). Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin. Molecules, 23(4), 863. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040863 
7. American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2020, December 15). Bags under eyes: Causes and treatments. American Academy of Ophthalmology.
   https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/bags-under-eyes

8. Singh, D. P., Barani Lonbani, Z., Woodruff, M. A., Parker, T. J., Steck, R., & Peake, J. M. (2017). Effects of topical icing on inflammation, angiogenesis, revascularization, and myofiber regeneration in skeletal muscle following contusion injury. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, Article 93. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00093 ​

9. Oshea Herbals. (2023, Sept 15). Beauty benefits of using ice cubes on face. Oshea Herbals. https://www.osheaherbals.com/blogs/blog/beauty-benefits-of-using-ice-cubes-on-face
10. Cleveland Clinic. (2020, June 25). Facial icing: Benefits and risks. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/facial-icing
11. McLoone, P., Oluwadun, A., Warnock, M., & Fyfe, L. (2016). Honey: A therapeutic agent for disorders of the skin. Central Asian Journal of Global Health, 5(1), Article 241. https://doi.org/10.5195/cajgh.2016.241 

12. Cefali, L. C., Ataide, J. A., Moriel, P., Foglio, M. A., & Mazzola, P. G. (2016). Plant-based active photoprotectants for sunscreens. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 38(4), 346–353. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12316 ​

13. Frothingham, S. (2019, June 18). Rice water for skin. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/rice-water-for-skin#benefits
14. Kaya Skin Clinic. (2024, April 24). Benefits of rice water for skin. Kaya Skin Clinic. https://www.kaya.in/blog/benefits-of-rice-water-for-skin
15. Ahmad N, Saleem M. (2019, July 31). Characterization of cow and buffalo ghee using flourescence spectroscopy. International Journal of Dairy technology.  https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0307.12632
16. Pena-Serna, C., & Restrepo-Betancur, L. F. (2020). Chemical, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characterization of cow and buffalo ghee. Food Science and Technology (Campinas), 40(Suppl. 2), 444–450. https://doi.org/10.1590/fst.32219
17. Rao, R. G. (2021, October 8). Ghee benefits for skin: 9 ways to soothe skin woes. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/ghee-benefits-for-skin#nutritional-benefits 
18. Amala Earth. (n.d.). Ghee benefits for skin. Amala Earth. Retrieved April 30, 2025, from https://amala.earth/blogs/amala-earth-blog/ghee-benefits-for-skin 
19. Saric, S., Notay, M., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Green tea and other tea polyphenols: Effects on sebum production and acne vulgaris. Antioxidants, 6(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox6010002 
20. P.H. Lu, C.H. Hsu (2016, April). Does supplementation with green tea extract improve acne in post-adolescent women? A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complementary therapies in Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2016.03.004
21. Chiu, A. E., Chan, J. L., Kern, D. G., Kohler, S., Rehmus, W. E., & Kimball, A. B. (2005). Double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of green tea extracts in the clinical and histologic appearance of photoaging skin. Dermatologic Surgery, 31(7 Pt 2), 855–860. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31731 
22. Frothingham, S. (2019, June 18). Benefits of green tea for skin: Acne, skin cancer, and others. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-green-tea-for-skin#green-tea-and-the-skin-around-your-eyes