How to use a lepa: the Ayurvedic face pack, step by step
What a lepa is, how to mix it, which liquid to use for your skin, how long to leave it on and common mistakes that cause irritation.
1 min read · Updated 2026-11-14
What a lepa is
Lepa is the Sanskrit word for a paste applied to the skin. In Ayurveda, lepas of powdered herbs are used for cleansing, cooling and polishing the look of the skin. The family ubtan is a close cousin.
Choosing your liquid
| Skin | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Normal | Rose water or plain water |
| Oily or sensitive | Aloe juice or rose water |
| Dry | Milk or curd |
Step by step
- Patch test the mixed paste on your inner arm the first time.
- Cleanse your face and pat dry.
- Mix one to two teaspoons of powder with enough liquid to make a smooth, spreadable paste.
- Apply an even layer, avoiding the eyes and lips.
- Wait about 10 minutes, or until the edges start to dry.
- Soften with a splash of water and massage very gently in small circles.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Moisturise.
Common mistakes
- Leaving it on until it cracks.
- Scrubbing hard while rinsing.
- Using it on broken, sunburned or irritated skin.
- Using it daily.
In Kart Naturals
Insta Glow Brightening Lepa, Anti-Wrinkle Firming Lepa, Clear Skin Lepa and Glowing Body Scrub Lepa are all used this way. Insta Glow can be mixed with rose or aloe water.
This guide is general information, not medical advice.
Questions
Should I let a lepa dry completely?
It is better to rinse just as it starts to dry. A fully dried pack can pull and irritate skin.
Which liquid should I mix it with?
Rose water suits most skin, aloe juice is cooling for oily or sensitive skin, and milk or curd is richer for dry skin.
Can I use a lepa every day?
Once or twice a week is enough for most people. More often can over-exfoliate.
Sources
This guide is general information about traditional and natural care. It is not medical advice. For a skin, scalp or health condition, speak to a dermatologist or qualified practitioner.
