Power of the pack

We all know our beauty basics: Cleanse, tone, moisturise. But there's a lot you can do on your own to supplement that care regime.

What and how, you ask? The answer is do-it-yourself packs. They're convenient to use, because you don't have to book yourself into a spa, which also makes them economical (are you listening, recessionista?) and you can borrow all the ingredients from your mom's kitchen.

And one of the biggest advantages is that they're packed with the good stuff. "Natural, home-made face packs aren't processed, so are vitamin and mineral-rich," says dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel.

Here are some DIY packs you can try this summer:

The cucumber face pack

The recipe: Blend together a medium size cucumber and a cup of oatmeal into a paste. Then use a spoonful of this mixture with a spoon yogurt (if you have oily skin) or malai (for dry skin). Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse.

The benefits: This face pack is full of goodies! You've heard about the adage 'Cool as a cucumber', right? Well the cooling cucumber also comes with enzymes that act as anti-astringents; the oatmeal moisturises and the lactic acid-laced yogurt/malai prevents aging.

Tip: Add some ground almonds if you want to lighten the skin, suggests Dr Goel.

The henna hair pack

The recipe: Grind fresh henna leaves into a paste, add water to improve consistency. Leave in for 10 minutes before washing.

The benefits: Henna is a great astringent, says Simi Keer, national technical & academy head, L'Oreal. She adds, "It cleanses the scalp, helps fight oily hair and acts as a conditioner."

Tip: Don't use henna powder; it's packed with chemicals that don't do much for your hair.

The papaya body scrub

The recipe: Blend a medium-size papaya (about 250gm) and mix it with a handful of coffee beans. Gently massage into the skin and wash.

The benefits: The pepsin found in papayas helps you fight your tan; the ground coffee beans work as a detoxifying agent and an exfoliant to remove dead skin.

Tip: Use coffee powder if you don't have beans