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Back to Basics: A Guide to Natural, Budget-Friendly Skin Care
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Back to Basics: A Guide to Natural, Budget-Friendly Skin Care

As organic and sustainable beauty routines continue to gain traction among skincare enthusiasts on social media, kitchen ingredients are becoming increasingly popular. At the same time, local brands are taking inspiration

November 1, 2024, 6:15 p.m.

Last modification: November 1, 2024, 6:18 p.m.

Photo: Amlaki

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Photo: Amlaki

Photo: Amlaki

Skincare doesn’t always have to be about expensive serums or elaborate routines. In the world of beauty, there is a new product almost every week promising flawless skin.

But what if I told you that the secret to radiant skin isn’t found on the shelves of a high-end store but right in your kitchen?

From honey, a pantry staple that soothes and hydrates, to turmeric, a spice that fights inflammation, these regular ingredients we use for cooking can also make powerful skin care solutions, making skin healthier radiant, more accessible and affordable than ever.

This approach, rooted in sustainability and accessibility, takes beauty back to basics, where healthy skin isn’t about splurging but about making the most of what you already have at home.

As organic and sustainable beauty routines continue to gain traction among skincare enthusiasts on social media, kitchen ingredients are becoming increasingly popular.

Anika Saba, a high school student, said: “Coming home from school after a long day in the sun, my skin feels tired and dull. So, I have some yogurt and honey. It refreshes and makes my skin soft again; yogurt helps fight acne and honey is great for hydrating.”

Similarly, Shirin, a 23-year-old CSE student in her final year of university, laughs as she describes her skincare habits.

“I barely have time to wash my face, let alone follow a 10-step routine,” she said, adding, “So when I drink tea during a study session, I keep the tea bags and use them under my eyes. It’s the easiest thing to do for my tired, puffy eyes.

Shirin also uses another cooking staple: rice water. Rice water has been used in Asian cultures for centuries because of its skin-soothing properties. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it helps improve skin elasticity, smooth texture and brighten skin tone.

She continued: “Sometimes when my face is too dull, I keep the rice water (from the kitchen) and keep it for a few days. I use it as a toner: it’s supposed to help brighten the skin, and It’s really simple and more cost-effective than buying rice toners from the store, which is not very economical, especially when you earn a limited amount as a part-time worker.

Traveling can be a great way to relax, but prolonged exposure to the sun often leaves behind a tan. Habibur Rahman, a final year student at North South University, shared, “After returning from Rangamati, I had a horrible tan that I desperately wanted to get rid of. After several searches on the Internet, I discovered that my holy grail was available immediately. in my kitchen.”

Photo: Nyzia

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Photo: Nyzia

Photo: Nyzia

“I mashed raw potatoes and mixed them with besan (gram flour) and tomato juice. I read that these ingredients helped remove tan, and it worked wonders for “Potatoes are said to lighten dark spots, while besan exfoliates, removes dead cells and reduces pigmentation. At the same time, tomatoes are great for brightening and giving an even tone to the skin. he added.

Natural remedies are not limited to facial and body care: they also extend to lip care. A simple mixture of coconut oil and sugar makes a great lip scrub, providing both exfoliation and hydration. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, making it an ideal hydrating agent, while sugar acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin to reveal smoother lips underneath.

Building Businesses From Organic Skincare Ingredients

Several local brands are mobilizing to meet this demand for natural care. For those who grew up watching their mothers and grandmothers mix face masks with ingredients like turmeric, honey, cucumber and besan, these brands offer a convenient way to enjoy the same benefits.

They make it easy to incorporate these skincare remedies into their busy daily routines without having to prepare everything from scratch.

Notable companies like Nyzia, Amlaki and Bohubrihi have become pioneers in Bangladesh, creating skincare lines based on natural and organic ingredients that have quickly gained a huge fan base.

Nyzia founder Tazia Afrin officially launched her brand in 2023, but her passion for organic skincare came much earlier in life. Growing up, she watched her mother adopt a simple but effective skincare routine, using only natural ingredients.

Whether it was rubbing a slice of tomato on your face while cooking or using cucumbers to relax after a long day, her mother’s approach to skin care was quick, effective and natural. This minimalist yet thoughtful routine left a lasting impression on Tazia.

Photo: Bohubrihi

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Photo: Bohubrihi

Photo: Bohubrihi

Adopting these practices, Tazia decided to follow the same path in the field of organic skincare and furthermore, turn it into a business. She first started her journey with an odor-eliminating body mist and hair oil – a family recipe passed down through generations and one that Tazia herself had been using for years.

From a modest start, with just a liter of oil, Nyzia has grown steadily. His vision was clear: to provide the best possible products using premium ingredients at reasonable prices. It confidently assures its customers that its products are gentle on the skin and free from harmful side effects.

In its charcoal soap, Tazia incorporates orange peels rich in vitamin C. This makes it an excellent choice for removing tan and promoting an even, brighter complexion.

It also highlights its rice soap, enriched with sugar for hydration and honey for more hydration. The Allantoin in rice easily removes tan and dead skin, which is why Tazia often recommends this product, pointing out that it will also keep skin well hydrated beyond a natural glow.

She mentioned, “For people with sensitive skin, I often recommend aloe and beetroot soap. Many people worry that aloe can cause irritation, but let me assure you that when processed correctly, aloe is very gentle and refreshing on the skin. It is suitable for everyone. “

The founder emphasizes two things: the products are not whitening solutions and significant results will take time. “For best results, I recommend using the products regularly for at least three months,” she added.

At the same time, visible changes can be expected from the first use, “when made with the right ingredients, precise formulation and expert technique,” Tazia said.

Prices of Nyzia products range from Tk 240 to Tk 800.

Bohubrihi, founded by Lamia Sultana Kakon, is another notable local company. With a busy schedule that includes pursuing a Masters in English Literature at IUB, writing and teaching English, her journey began with a desire to be self-reliant.

However, its mission eventually evolved to make skincare affordable for everyone in Bangladesh.

Kakon focuses on the wonders found in everyday cooking ingredients. “I especially like to use almond oil, turmeric, cucumber and milk,” she explained.

“But that’s just the beginning: I also incorporate fenugreek, coconut oil, olive oil, strawberries, saffron, goat’s milk and shea butter. is like a treasure trove of natural benefits!”

Photo: Bohubrihi

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Photo: Bohubrihi

Photo: Bohubrihi

She prioritizes the fact that the effectiveness of natural products depends on what works for each skin type rather than strict avoidance of ingredients. “I don’t believe in avoiding specific ingredients based solely on skin type. It’s more about knowing what you’re allergic to,” she explained.

For oily skin, she prefers matte products and soothing aloe vera gels, while acne-prone people might benefit from a cucumber and neem facial cleanser. Friends with dry skin find most of its products quite hydrating, which highlights the importance of finding what works for each individual.

“It’s high time we break the misconception that whitening equals beauty. Whitening is not the purpose of my organic skincare products, it’s about keeping your skin healthy,” a- she concluded.

Although Bohubrihi did not disclose its price range, the founder assured that the products are quite affordable.