Khushbu Sundar, 56, swears by homemade skincare: ‘Add corn starch, honey and curd’
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar has shared her personal DIY skincare routine, emphasizing the use of natural kitchen ingredients like cornstarch, honey, and curd. Her approach highlights a growing trend toward sustainable, chemical-free personal care practices.
The Rise of Kitchen-Based Skincare: Insights from Khushbu Sundar
Recent reports featuring actor and politician Khushbu Sundar have highlighted a growing public interest in traditional, DIY skincare routines. At 56, Sundar has publicly advocated for the use of common household staples—such as cornstarch, honey, curd, and various vegetable peels—to create customized body and face scrubs, soaps, and masks. This shift towards 'kitchen-to-skin' beauty reflects a broader societal movement prioritizing natural, accessible, and transparent ingredient lists over complex, store-bought chemical formulations.
The Efficacy of Natural Ingredients
Sundar’s recommendations leverage the known properties of common pantry items. For instance, cornstarch is often utilized for its absorbent qualities, while curd (yogurt) contains lactic acid, a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid that aids in exfoliation. By incorporating potato juice, which is rich in starch and enzymes, or citrus peels, which provide Vitamin C, individuals are essentially creating potent, antioxidant-rich treatments at home. The inclusion of hydrating agents like honey and oils—such as almond or olive oil—serves to balance these active ingredients, ensuring the skin remains moisturized during the treatment process.
Sustainability and Waste Reduction
One of the most compelling aspects of Sundar’s routine is its emphasis on sustainability. By repurposing fruit and vegetable peels—items typically relegated to the compost bin—this method aligns with the 'zero-waste' philosophy. Utilizing leftover rice or rice water, a traditional beauty secret in many Asian cultures, further highlights the potential for circularity in personal grooming. This approach not only reduces consumer plastic waste but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with the manufacturing, packaging, and global shipping of commercial skincare products.
The Psychological and Economic Impact
Beyond physical benefits, the act of preparing one's own skincare can be a grounding, self-care ritual. In an era dominated by high-pressure beauty standards and expensive, high-end cosmetic marketing, the democratization of skincare through accessible ingredients offers a sense of autonomy. It empowers individuals to take control of what they apply to their skin, removing the uncertainty often associated with long, unpronounceable ingredient lists found on commercial product labels. Economically, this is an inclusive practice that ensures effective grooming routines remain accessible regardless of one's budget.
Future Trends and Expert Caution
As the wellness industry evolves, the trend toward natural, DIY skincare is expected to persist. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing the environmental impact and safety profiles of commercial products, leading many to seek out 'clean' beauty solutions. However, it is vital to remember that 'natural' does not automatically equate to 'allergy-free.' As noted in the provided context, users should always consult with healthcare professionals or dermatologists before making significant changes to their skincare routine, especially if they have sensitive skin or existing dermatological conditions. While kitchen-based remedies offer a sustainable and effective alternative for many, individualized skin health remains the primary priority.