5 traditional Indian face masks for glowing skin

Want glowing skin that shines from within? With time-tested ingredients passed down through generations and Ayurveda at its core, Indian skincare has been the one to show real results. To achieve radiant and glowing skin, there are a few traditional face masks that don’t just promise a healthy complexion—they deliver it. Let’s dive into 5 powerful traditional Indian face masks you can make at home for glowing skin:

Used by our grandmothers and still a rage amongst the new generation, this mask has stood against the test of time. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties, while besan exfoliates dead skin and removes excess oil.

How to use:

Mix 1 tablespoon of besan with a pinch of turmeric.

Add a few drops of lemon juice and rose water to make a smooth paste.

Apply to your face and neck, leave for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Use twice a week for a natural glow.

If there’s one skin ingredient that’s sure to brighten your complexion, it is sandalwood. By cooling the skin, it reduces inflammation and helps reduce blemishes. Rose water is another humectant known to give a glowing skin and a nourished skin tone.

How to use:

Mix 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder with enough rose water to form a paste.

Apply evenly and let it dry for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
Perfect before any big occasion!

Multani mitti, or fuller’s earth, is a traditional Indian clay mask. Multani mitti deeply cleanses the pores and absorbs excess oil and sebum, which prevents acne and blemishes. When mixed with curd, the lactic acid in it moisturizes and brightens the skin.

How to use:

Combine 2 tablespoons of multani mitti with 1 tablespoon of curd.

Apply the pack and let it sit for 15–20 minutes before washing off with cool water.
Use once a week for smooth, refreshed skin.

To achieve glowing skin, you need to heal the inflamed skin that leads to redness, blemishes, and recurring pimples. To heal it all, both neem and tulsi are powerful antibacterial herbs used in Ayurveda to fight acne and improve skin texture.

How to use:

Crush fresh tulsi and neem leaves (or use their powders) with rose water.

Apply the paste to clean skin and leave it on for 20 minutes.
This mask is great for breakout-prone skin.

Raw milk is rich in lactic acid, which helps in exfoliating the dead skin cells, potentially improving skin texture. It is a gentle cleanser that nourishes the skin when it is infused with saffron, which is known to improve skin tone and radiance.

How to use:

Soak a few strands of saffron in 2 tablespoons of raw milk for 30 minutes.

Dab the mix on your face using cotton and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Rinse for a subtle, natural glow. Use it 2–3 times a week for best results.