Gond katira masks to khus ice cubes: 5 forgotten Indian DIYs for cooling summer skin

As temperatures soar across India, skincare routines are shifting toward soothing and hydration-focused remedies. But long before sheet masks and chemical treatments, our grandmothers relied on simple kitchen ingredients to keep skin calm during the summer months. With time, some of these DIY remedies lost their charm but are surprisingly quite effective. Let’s take a look at some of them and try this summer.

The gond katira cooling face mask, which is also known as the tragacanth gum, has long been used in Ayurveda. Known for its cooling and hydrating properties, it is usually soaked in water, where it next expands into a jelly-like texture, which calms the heat-induced skin irritation and replenishes moisture. You simply need to soak 1 teaspoon of gond katira overnight in water and mix it with rose water and aloe vera gel. Apply this thin mask on the face and get glowing skin this summer.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Sandalwood, also known as 'aka', has always been used in Indian skincare for centuries due to its cooling and antibacterial properties. It is mixed with rose water in the summer, where this thin paste reduces acne and heat rashes, soothes irritated skin, and leaves you feeling fresh and balanced. Simply leave it for 10-15 minutes twice a week and see the change.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Rice water has always been used across Asian beauty traditions and is known for its brightening and skin-soothing properties. It is used to maintain smooth and radiant skin, where you just need to soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, strain the water, cool it down in the refrigerator, and spray it all over your face. Do this every day, which will help you get a brighter complexion, strengthen your skin barrier, and leave you with soft and refreshed skin.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Khus, also known as vetiver, is used in Indian cooling drinks and perfumes. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which calm the skin and tighten the pores. Just soak a few strands of khus root in water overnight, strain it, and pour it into an ice tray. Freeze and gently rub the cubes on the face. This will reduce puffiness and inflammation and also tighten the pores, providing instant cooling relief during summer.