For centuries, we’ve turned to the kitchen for beauty secrets. Gram Flour Ubtan And turmeric masks are a trusted remedy passed down for generations. They’re natural, easy to make, and honestly—who doesn’t love the idea of ​​pampering their skin with pure, earthy ingredients? Do you remember your mom or grandmother ever recommending anything else? Ubuntu Which product made of gram flour, curd and turmeric is best for removing tan? Most of us cannot refuse it.

Many may ask: If these remedies worked for our mothers and grandmothers, why not for us today? While these remedies are great, experts say the world of modern-day skincare is very complex.

Changing environment, changing skin

Pollution, harmful UV rays and exposure to chemicals have now become a part of daily life. Although home remedies are still relevant, they may not be enough to combat the damage caused to our skin by free radicals (molecules that damage skin cells).

Delhi-based dermatologist Dr Deepali Bhardwaj says that home remedies can be helpful, especially when combined with allopathic treatments for general skin care. However, our environment and food habits have changed a lot, so now our skin needs advanced care to get the desired texture.

“Things have changed a lot since our parents’ time. The biggest difference is that we’re exposed to more chemicals than ever before. Compared to them, we face more pollution, less nutritious food and, in many cases, unhealthy water. And we’re dealing with increased stress, free radicals in the air, smog and pollution,” she explains.

Your skin’s specific needs

Every person’s skin is different, and each person’s needs go beyond the one-size-fits-all nature of home remedies. Dry, oily, combination, acne-prone, or sensitive skin may require targeted treatments.

Dr. Kiran, MD and founder of Isya Aesthetics, says, “Beauty products nowadays are much more titrated and offer specific results. If we want more collagen, we know which products will provide it. If we want to reduce pigmentation, certain active products will achieve it. Today, it’s all about results – we want more than just our skin feeling good, we want visible changes.”

Dr Kiran says, “Blemishes, wrinkles, loose skin – we used to accept them as a part of life. But now we know we can change these things. We know we can improve fine lines, reduce loose skin and eliminate pigmentation. There is no need to accept what we can’t change.”

Home remedies vs. skin care products

Home remedies are natural, free of harsh chemicals, and have been used for generations to improve skin health. However, their effectiveness may be limited by the mildness of their ingredients and the consistency of use. Modern skincare products, on the other hand, are scientifically formulated with active ingredients that penetrate deeply and provide targeted solutions to specific skin problems, such as acne, pigmentation, or aging.

Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Senior Consultant Dermatologist, Sharda Hospital, Delhi says, “Natural remedies may be gentle, but they often work slowly. On the other hand, advanced skincare uses powerful active ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid and peptides that penetrate deep into the skin and work at the cellular level. These ingredients help fight signs of ageing, boost collagen production and retain moisture, making results quicker and more visible.”

Dr Kiran further explains, “Home remedies will never give the same results as commercial products. It is impossible. Home remedies are just the beginning of the results. These skin products take the same active ingredients from home remedies, titrate them, and increase their potency, turning them into commercial products.”

To put things in perspective, let’s say, the natural benefit of lemon is that it contains alpha hydroxy acids. When you take those alpha hydroxy acids, increase their percentage, and put them in a commercial product, we get 10 or 20 times more efficacy. This is why experts suggest that home remedies can never match the efficacy of a commercial product.

However, be careful!

Although you can really benefit from advanced skin care products, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Dr Deepali says, “There is a huge marketing strategy behind this. Many Bollywood icons and now many others have launched their own skincare, makeup and hair care lines. This has a huge impact, especially on the youth, with Instagram influencers. I believe this needs more investigation because as a dermatologist I have treated many influencers who are now facing skin allergies.”

He said that commercial products are indispensable nowadays, but they alone will not give us the desired results. We need a combined approach.

,Skin detox days are important, And Rotating between chemical products is also important. You Don’t stick to one brand For a very long time. After the Johnson & Johnson case, I always tell my patients: If you like a particular brand, use it for a maximum of two bottles, then switch to another brand for two bottles, and later you can return to the previous one. This way, if a product has side effects, you reduce the risk of being exposed to it for a long time,” she adds.

The Best of Both Worlds

Advanced skincare doesn’t mean turning your back on natural remedies – it means combining the best aspects of both worlds.

Dr Deepali says, “Combining home remedies with allopathic treatments is ideal for getting clear skin. For example, if you have acne, mixing ‘acne’ and turmeric in equal quantities with antibiotic gel and applying it on the acne overnight will cure it quickly. It is also important to note that many products, especially in powder form, cannot be made without preservatives.”

balance is the key

Ubuntu And home remedies hold their special place in our skin care traditions, and there is no reason to stop using them. But to meet the demands of modern life, advanced skin care products can give your skin the extra love it deserves. So, this balance is important.