A DIY Beauty Tip Your Grandmother Would Approve Of — And Your Skin Will Love

Before collagen gummies and glow powders, Indian kitchens held the real secrets to lasting beauty. Rujuta Diwekar’s Mitahara reveals how ghee, ragi, amla, and slow-cooked meals naturally build your glow.

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The Easiest Indian DIY for Healthy Skin and Hair, Straight From Old-School Wisdom

Image Source: Pexels
Written by Shivani Dixit
Published: November 15, 2025 | Updated: November 15, 2025
New Delhi

In a world obsessed with beauty supplements, it’s easy to forget that radiant skin didn’t always come in a jar. Long before collagen powders and gummies promised “radiant skin” and “joint health,” Indian kitchens were already brewing, kneading, and roasting the real deal—through ghee, ragi, milk, laddoos, and the quiet magic of slow, seasonal food.

Rujuta Diwekar’s Mitahara: Food Wisdom reminds us that the most powerful beauty routine might begin in the kitchen, not your vanity case.

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Glow From the Ground Up

There’s something poetic about how Indian food heals from within. Diwekar writes, “Mitahara is the act of eating in balance, to be moderate in one’s consumption without denying oneself a good meal.” That balance is what keeps both the body and skin radiant.

Our grandmothers never spoke of “collagen boosters,” yet their skin glowed well into their seventies. How? Through ragi laddoos rich in amino acids and calcium, ghee that nourishes skin from the inside out, and slow, mindful meals—true beauty food before the phrase even existed.

Diwekar adds, “The power of every dish comes from the mix of wisdom and compassion—the wisdom to tweak temperatures, ingredients, and cooking styles by season, and the compassion to serve without expecting anything in return.” It’s this spirit, not synthetic products, that creates lasting beauty.

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The Collagen Connection You Didn’t Know You Had

Collagen supplements promise to “rebuild” the skin’s scaffolding. But what really helps your body make collagen naturally? The same ingredients your grandmother’s plate offered daily: protein, healthy fats, and vitamin C.

Amla, a winter favorite in Mitahara, is a collagen superstar. Packed with vitamin C, it keeps skin firm and hair strong. From amla murabba to chyawanprash and amla sherbet, Diwekar highlights how these foods preserve nutrients while adding warmth and sweetness.

Ghee and full-fat milk deliver essential fatty acids that strengthen the skin barrier and maintain suppleness. Ragi, bajra, and other millets, the “real superfoods,” provide iron, zinc, and amino acids—vital for tissue repair and natural glow.

A spoon of ghee, a handful of groundnuts, and a jaggery laddoo create what no factory gummy can: collagen synergy rooted in natural food chemistry.

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Slow Food, Lasting Beauty

Beauty, like digestion, isn’t meant to be rushed. As Diwekar says, “The idea is to keep the main ingredient as the main ingredient. You run a home, not a restaurant.” No 12-step routines required—just the right steps done with care.

Grandmothers didn’t “track macros”; they tasted, tested, and trusted. Roasting in iron kadhais, using jaggery instead of sugar, and resting both dough and body—this slow, attentive approach is the secret to ageless beauty. Food cooked slowly, eaten mindfully, and digested in peace nourishes more than the stomach—it feeds the skin, mind, and a glow no highlighter can mimic.

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DIY: Glowing-Skin Ragi–Jaggery Energy Balls (5-Minute, No-Fuss)

A modern twist on the ragi laddoo, perfect for everyday beauty nutrition.

Why it works (science + dadi logic):

• Ragi: Plant collagen booster (amino acids + silica for skin & hair)
• Jaggery: Iron-rich, improves circulation = natural glow
• Ghee: Healthy fats, maintain skin barrier
• Nuts: Vitamin E + zinc = stronger hair, smoother skin

Rujuta notes her mother’s ragi laddoos “worked wonders on skin and hair—proof that good things come in small packages.”

Ingredients (6–7 small balls):

• ½ cup ragi flour
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 3 tbsp jaggery powder
• 2 tbsp crushed almonds or cashews
• Pinch of cardamom (optional)

Method:

1. Heat ghee gently in a pan.
2. Add ragi flour and roast 3–4 minutes until nutty.
3. Let it cool slightly.
4. Add jaggery and nuts, mix well.
5. Roll into small balls once warm enough to handle.
6. Store in a glass jar; enjoy one a day post-lunch or with evening chai.

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The Beauty of Belonging

Modern beauty culture often overlooks the emotional nutrition that comes from food cooked with care and eaten with gratitude. As Diwekar puts it, “Cooking is the celebration of attentiveness, the humility and confidence to pay attention even if you are making a dal for the thousandth time.”

Grandmothers’ recipes worked because they nourished more than your skin—they connected you to rhythm, rest, and real nourishment.

So next time a shiny jar promises “radiant skin in 7 days,” remember: the real glow formula already exists. It smells like ghee, simmers slowly, and comes with a story you can taste.

Every bride dreams of that lit-from-within glow — radiant, smooth, healthy skin that shines through every ceremony, every picture, and every moment. Achieving that glow isn’t about last-minute hacks; it’s about nurturing the skin holistically in the weeks leading up to the wedding.

Cosmetologist Pooja Nagdev, Founder of Inatur, believes that bridal skincare should be a blend of Ayurveda and modern cosmetology, focusing on detoxifying, healing, and enhancing the skin from within rather than depending on surface-level treatments alone.

Here are five expert-recommended treatments that combine ancient wisdom with contemporary skin science — perfect for brides who want a flawless, camera-ready glow.

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1. The Bridal Ubtan & Body Polishing Ritual

A classic Ayurvedic glow ritual with modern enhancements

This signature Inatur treatment uses a handcrafted ubtan made with turmeric, sandalwood, rose petals, saffron, and chickpea flour.
Benefits:

• Gently exfoliates and removes tan
• Boosts blood circulation
• Brightens the skin with all-natural botanicals
• Leaves the body smooth, polished, and even-toned

Perfect for brides who prefer chemical-free skincare and want that traditional Indian bridal glow.

Recommended timeline: Start 4–6 weeks before the wedding; repeat weekly.

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2. Kumkumadi Glow Therapy

The Ayurvedic “liquid gold” facial for instant radiance

Kumkumadi Tailam — known for centuries as the secret to glowing skin — forms the core of this rejuvenating therapy. The treatment includes gentle massage strokes and marma point stimulation to enhance energy flow.

Benefits:

• Deep moisturization and nourishment
• Restores complexion and evens out pigmentation
• Boosts blood flow for a natural golden glow
• Ideal for dull, tired, or dehydrated skin

Recommended timeline: 2–3 sessions in the month before the wedding.

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3. Fruit Enzyme & Herbal Peel Facial

A gentle, non-chemical exfoliation for instant smoothness

Instead of harsh acids, this treatment uses exfoliating enzymes from papaya, pomegranate, pineapple, and Amla. The peel brightens the skin without causing irritation or downtime.

Benefits:

• Gently dissolves dead skin
• Reduces acne marks, pigmentation, and tanning
• Boosts collagen for firmer, smoother skin
• Safe for sensitive or reactive skin

Recommended timeline: Every 10–15 days leading up to the wedding.

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4. Hydration Therapy with Botanical Boosters

For plump, dewy, fresh bridal skin

This therapy is a modern take on mesotherapy, using plant-powered hydrating serums instead of synthetic substances. Key ingredients include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, gotu kola, and Brahmi extracts.

Benefits:

• Deep hydration
• Improved elasticity and bounce
• Dewy, youthful radiance
• Smooth makeup application for all wedding events

Recommended timeline: 2–4 sessions for optimal results.

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5. Ayurvedic Detox & Stress Relief Ritual

Because internal balance creates external beauty

This full-body ritual focuses on releasing stress — a major factor behind dull or inflamed skin. The treatment includes:

• A balancing body massage using tulsi or neem oil
• Herbal steam therapy
• A cooling rose gel or sandalwood mask

Benefits:

• Flushes out toxins
• Calms the mind and nervous system
• Reduces puffiness and inflammation
• Enhances overall body glow

Recommended timeline: Weekly sessions for 3–5 weeks.

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Extra Useful Add-On for Brides (You Can Add to Article)

When should brides start these treatments?

• 3 months before: Deep treatments, peels, lifestyle changes
• 1 month before: Hydration, glow facials, ubtan rituals
• 1 week before: Gentle polishing, no aggressive treatments
• 1 day before: Hydration mask + good sleep

Who should avoid fruit peels?
Brides with active acne or eczema should opt for hydration or Ayurvedic therapies instead.

Social media is flooded with skincare trends — from “slugging” to “skin cycling.” But do they actually work? Dr (Major) Gurveen Waraich rates six of the most viral beauty hacks to reveal what’s worth your time and what’s just hype.

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The world of skincare is constantly evolving, with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube serving as breeding grounds for viral beauty hacks. From dipping your face in ice water to layering thick ointments at night, these trends often promise glowing, youthful skin — but not all deliver.

To separate fact from fad, dermatologist Dr (Major) Gurveen Waraich shared her expert take on six of the most talked-about skincare and haircare trends dominating social media right now.

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🧊 1. Ice Face Dipping (Rating: 5/10)

The trend: Submerging your face in ice water for a few seconds to tighten pores and reduce puffiness.

What the expert says:
Dr Waraich confirms it can temporarily improve circulation, reduce morning puffiness, and make skin look fresher. However, she warns that these effects are short-lived and purely cosmetic. Overuse can even irritate sensitive skin or worsen rosacea.

Takeaway:
✅ Works as a quick refresh
🚫 No long-term benefits

Pro tip: Use a cold compress or chilled jade roller for similar effects with less mess.

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💧 2. Slugging (Rating: 7/10)

The trend: Applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) as the final step in your nighttime routine to “lock in” moisture.

What the expert says:
Dr Waraich recommends slugging for people with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. It effectively prevents transepidermal water loss, helping the skin barrier recover.

However, those with oily or acne-prone skin should approach carefully — it can clog pores or worsen breakouts.

Takeaway:
✅ Great for dry skin or barrier repair
🚫 Risky for oily/acne-prone types

Pro tip: Try a thin layer over moisturiser instead of full-face slugging.

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🌿 3. Rosemary Oil for Hair (Rating: 4/10)

The trend: Massaging rosemary oil into the scalp to promote hair growth.

What the expert says:
While some studies hint at rosemary oil improving scalp circulation, Dr Waraich stresses that scientific proof remains limited. Any benefits are likely modest and slow to appear.

Takeaway:
✅ Safe when diluted properly
🚫 Results vary; not a miracle oil

Pro tip: Use a few drops mixed with carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba), and avoid applying it directly to the scalp.

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🔄 4. Skin Cycling (Rating: 10/10)

The trend: Rotating skincare actives—using retinoids one night, exfoliants the next, and recovery products afterward—to balance results and barrier protection.

What the expert says:
Dr Waraich calls this “the most balanced routine” for active users. It allows skin time to heal and rebuild, preventing irritation from overuse of potent ingredients.

Takeaway:
✅ Effective for all skin types
✅ Scientifically sound and dermatologist-approved

Pro tip: A simple 4-night cycle:

• Night 1: Exfoliate (AHA/BHA)
• Night 2: Retinoid
• Night 3 & 4: Recovery (hydration + barrier support)

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🎭 5. Face Taping (Rating: 0/10)

The trend: Applying adhesive tapes to “train” skin and reduce wrinkles overnight.

What the expert says:
Dr Waraich strongly advises against it. The adhesive can irritate, tear delicate facial skin, and damage the protective barrier — potentially accelerating aging instead of reversing it.

Takeaway:
🚫 Gimmick, not science
🚫 May cause irritation or micro-tears

Pro tip: Instead, invest in gentle facial massages or retinol-based products to improve firmness safely.

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🌾 6. Rice Water for Skin (Rating: 6/10)

The trend: Using water from soaked or boiled rice as a natural toner or rinse.

What the expert says:
Rice water contains antioxidants and soothing compounds. Though scientific data is limited, many find it calming and hydrating — especially for sensitive or irritated skin.

Takeaway:
✅ Gentle and safe for most skin types
🚫 Limited scientific backing

Pro tip: Refrigerate rice water for 24 hours and use it as a toner or mask base for a refreshing DIY treatment.

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🌟 Final Verdict: Expert Summary

Trend	Rating	Verdict
Ice Face Dipping	5/10	Refreshing but temporary
Slugging	7/10	Great for dry skin
Rosemary Oil for Hair	4/10	Mild results
Skin Cycling	10/10	Scientifically sound
Face Taping	0/10	Avoid completely
Rice Water	6/10	Gentle, but limited proof

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👩‍⚕️ Expert’s Closing Thoughts

She also advises consulting a certified dermatologist before introducing new actives or DIY remedies, especially if you have sensitive, acne-prone, or reactive skin.