Skincare: Natural Remedies Using Indian Herbs and Ingredients

In a world filled with manufactured items and harsh chemicals, it’s time to rediscover nature’s power and accept age-old wisdom passed down through generations.

With its ancient Ayurvedic traditions and profound knowledge of herbal medicines, India provides a treasure mine of time-tested natural substances. These natural miracles, from neem and tulsi to sandalwood and amla, contain the key to beautiful skin and luscious locks, all without the hazardous side effects associated with commercial solutions.

This article will review the numerous Indian herbs and components that can be used for excellent skincare and haircare benefits. We’ll provide DIY recipes, methods, and techniques to help you make your potions and elixirs in the comfort of your own home.

Skincare using Indian herbs and ingredients

You can see the harmful impacts of pollution, filth, and the sun on your skin, and even your skincare products include chemicals damaging your skin. These products aggravate skincare issues such as acne, dark circles, pimples, sun spots, wrinkles, and so on. It is time to listen to the secrets of natural skincare treatments to solve these issues.

Ancient Indian ladies were recognized for having perfect and glowing skin, and we performed our research to discover some of the best skin care techniques for glowing skin. Let’s look at some natural skincare tips for radiant, wrinkle-free skin.

1. Turmeric for skincare

Turmeric is a popular ingredient in most skincare products and a staple in every Indian family. A pinch of turmeric adds a yellow hue to any food and enhances its flavor.

Turmeric provides a lot of health benefits in addition to taste. It is high in antioxidants and antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric’s medicinal benefits are derived from curcumin, a chemical component found in spice. Turmeric paste reduces dullness and combat acne, dark spots, and wrinkles.

How to use:

• Combine a teaspoon of turmeric with a tablespoon of either yogurt or rosewater. Use it on your face and neck. Massage slowly, with circular strokes, for 15-20 minutes before washing off.
• Adding two teaspoons of gram flour to this mixture may turn it into a natural face scrub. Apply this face scrub to your face and neck area, just as the face pack, and massage in slow circular motions for 15-20 minutes before washing off.

Read Also: Turmeric Face Mask For Skin Blemishes

2. Sandalwood for skincare

Sandalwood is one of the best natural components for your skin, particularly in the summer. Applying sandalwood paste to your skin on hot summer days can be beneficial if you live in a hot tropical area like I do. It has natural cooling characteristics that can be used to treat sunburns and tans.

Sandalwood has a pleasant aroma and is frequently used in religious events in India. Its aroma is also often used in cosmetic items. It is also antiseptic and has been known to treat cuts, wounds, skin allergies, and rashes.

How to use:

• Combine two tablespoons of sandalwood powder with either honey or milk; make sure the mixture is thick and not too watery. This face pack soothes and improves the texture of your skin.
• Apply liberally to your face and neck and leave it on until dry. Wash your face in circular strokes, softly but thoroughly. You will immediately notice a change. This pack should be used once each week. It will clean your skin and remove any filth that has accumulated.

3. Multani Mitti or Fuller’s Earth for skincare

Multani mitt, or Fuller’s Earth in India, is an ideal face pack for youngsters entering puberty. It is an excellent element for those who experience frequent breakouts on their skin due to hormonal swings. However, even if you are not a teenager, you can use this on your face regularly.

Fuller’s Earth deep cleans and removes accumulated dirt and helps in treating dark circles, pigmentation, and skin dullness. As a result, fuller’s Earth is regarded as a highly effective skin cleanser for persons with oily skin.

How to use:

• After washing your face, combine a spoonful of Fuller’s Earth with rose water or honey and let the beginning pack on for around 20 minutes. For optimal effects, apply this once or twice a week at most.

4. Neem or Indian Lilac for skincare

In South Asia, the neem tree, sometimes called Indian lilac, is a widespread herbal plant. In India, neem leaves are widely utilized in natural skin and hair care routines. The comprehensive benefits of neem leaves would necessitate a separate post.

Neem leaves contain antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Allergies, skin rashes, acne, and wounds can all be treated safely with neem paste. The consumption of neem leaves has been shown to treat ulcers, prevent cancer, and maintain normal blood pressure and sugar levels.

How to use:

• Make a neem leaf paste. You can apply this paste directly on your skin or combine it with honey or turmeric. Apply this paste to your face and leave it on for around 20 minutes. This face pack is ideal for people who experience recurrent skin eruptions such as boils, pimples, or blackheads. This paste can be applied directly to the damaged region until it heals.

5. Aloe Vera for skincare

Everyone adores Aloe Vera, which is also a popular element in Indian skincare. In reality, Aloe Vera is widely utilized in the treatment of many skin disorders all over the world. Aloe Vera, also known as a skin elixir, is high in antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene.

Because of its diverse chemical content, the plant can be used to treat a wide range of skin issues. This plant is also surprisingly easy to cultivate at home; because it is a member of the cactus family, it does not require regular watering. 

How to use:

• Aloe vera gel can be used as a facial scrub by combining it with a spoonful of gram flour and a tablespoon of yogurt and washing it off after 15-20 minutes.
• Blend the gel with sandalwood or Fuller’s Earth to make a face pack. Because Aloe Vera is high in Vitamin E, it can act as a natural moisturizer, keeping your skin nourished.
• To use Aloe Vera in your skincare, you can either extract the gel straight from the plant or easily purchase Aloe Vera gel online.
• If you extract it organically, Aloe Vera gel can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a month. You can keep it in ice cubes by combining it with honey or lemon or keep it in its purest form without any additives.

Read Also: Herbal Remedy: Aloe Vera A Natural Elixir

6. Coconut oil for skincare

In India, coconut oil is commonly utilized in cooking as well as for beauty. It is high in fatty acids and moisturizes the skin and hair naturally. Coconut oil is ideal for dry skin; it may be used to prevent dry lips, knees and elbows, and cracked heels during the hard winter months.

How to use:

• Coconut oil, lemon, and fine sugar grains combine to make a fantastic lip scrub.
• Use Coconut oil as a makeup remover. Dab some oil on a cotton ball and wipe away your eye and facial makeup with one swipe; your makeup will be completely removed.
• Massage warm coconut oil onto your scalp to enhance blood circulation and encourage hair development.

7. Rose Water for Skincare

Rose water is easily combined with other substances and is suitable for all skin types. It functions as a natural cleanser and toner. It cleanses your skin of grime and oils while also hydrating it. Cleaning fully returns your skin’s pH balance to normal.

Rose water aroma has been shown to reduce stress and mood swings. Rose water is beneficial for puffy faces and tired eyes. It is naturally relaxing and removes weariness from your face, leaving you feeling rejuvenated.

How to use:

• Gently apply rose water on the skin using a cotton ball.

Read Also: Baby Skin Care: How Good to Use Rose Water for Baby Skin

8. Lemon and Honey Combo For Skincare

Lemon has vitamins C and B, whereas honey contains potassium, zinc, vitamins B-6, and copper. A combination of these two substances can revitalize your tired skin.

Honey hydrates and moisturizes your skin, while lemon, as an antibacterial and natural bleaching agent, effectively cleans it by removing black and whiteheads, flaky skin, and fine wrinkles.

How to use:

• Combine one or two teaspoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon of honey. This ratio provides the ideal balance for a good face pack. It is sufficient to use this once or twice a week. Add some fine sugar granules if you wish to use the lemon-honey mixture as a face scrub.

9. Gram Flour for skincare

Gram flour is another such substance that Indian ladies employ in traditional beauty tricks. Its gritty texture, often known as besan, makes it a natural exfoliant. It is also a fantastic cleanser, removing all impurities from your face, such as dirt, dust, and excess oil, with only one wash. 

How to use:

• Mix two teaspoons of gram flour with enough water or rosewater to make a paste to make a basic gram flour face mask. Allow the paste to dry on your face and neck for 15-20 minutes, avoiding the eye area. Remove the mask with lukewarm water, gently massaging it off in circular motions. 
• Make a paste with one tablespoon of gram flour, one teaspoon of turmeric powder, and enough milk or yogurt to make a paste. Massage the paste in circular motions over damp skin for a few minutes, then rinse with water. This scrub improves the texture of the skin and leaves it feeling smooth and rejuvenated.

10. Milk And Curd for skincare

Milk and curd are both great natural products to use in your skincare routine to nourish and renew your skin. They wash and moisturize the skin at the same time. You, too, can have baby-soft skin if you consume milk and curd on a daily basis.

How to use:

• Soak a cotton pad in raw milk and gently wipe it over your face and neck to remove dirt, pollutants, and makeup. Wash your face with water.
• Combine two tablespoons of fresh curd and one tablespoon of honey to make a moisturizing face mask. Allow the mixture to sit on your clean face for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water. This mask hydrates and replenishes the skin, leaving it soft and supple.

11. Tulsi for skincare

Tulsi, often known as holy basil, is a revered Ayurvedic herb with several skin benefits. It possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities that can aid in treating various skin issues. Holy basil has numerous medicinal qualities. It is one of those traditional Indian skin care techniques that will help you seem younger.

How to use:

• To make a face pack, crush a handful of fresh tulsi leaves into a paste and combine with 1-2 tablespoons of rose water or plain water. Apply the pack to a clean face and neck and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water. This face pack cleanses the skin, tightens pores, and gives it a healthy glow.
• Apply a paste of fresh tulsi leaves directly to acne-prone areas or specific spots. Tulsi’s antimicrobial qualities can aid in the reduction of inflammation and the promotion of healing.

12. Amla for skincare

Amla, often known as Indian gooseberry, was a popular ancient beauty tip for both skin and hair. Amla juice, which is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, produces a wonderful face pack when combined with honey. It has been used for millennia in Ayurvedic medicine to promote healthy skin and manage numerous skin issues.

How to use:

• Make a smooth paste with a few fresh amla fruits and 1-2 teaspoons of honey or yogurt. Apply the mask for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water. 
• Dilute the juice of a fresh amla fruit with equal parts water. After cleansing your skin, use the diluted juice with a cotton pad as a toner. Amla juice tones the skin tightens pores, and restores pH balance.

13. Ginger for skincare

Ginger is high in antioxidants and has long been employed in Ayurvedic remedies. This is one of the Indian skin care secrets that can help you get clear, radiant, balanced, and even skin.

How to use:

• Grate some fresh ginger and combine it with 1-2 teaspoons of honey or yogurt. Apply the mixture to a clean face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water. This face mask can assist in brightening the skin, reducing acne, and evening out the complexion.
• To make a revitalizing body scrub, combine equal parts grated ginger, brown sugar, and coconut oil. Massage the scrub on your damp skin in circular motions and rinse well with water. This scrub exfoliates dead skin cells and leaves your skin smooth and invigorated.

Read Also: Ginger And Its Health Benefits

14. Coconut Oil for skincare

Coconut oil is a versatile and natural substance that has skin-beneficial properties. It is hydrating and antioxidant-rich, making it an excellent addition to your skincare routine.

How to use:

• After showering or bathing, massage a small amount of coconut oil into your face and body. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated and nourished and is good for dry and sensitive skin.
• Mix coconut oil, sugar, or salt to make a DIY body scrub. Apply the scrub to moist skin in circular strokes, then rinse with water. This exfoliating scrub removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and invigorated.

15. Saffron for skincare

Saffron, which is high in vitamins A, C, and E, is one of the old Indian beauty care secrets used to lighten and brighten skin. When combined with milk, a few strands can improve your complexion like nothing else. This is why, since antiquity, pregnant women have been given saffron-infused milk to consume.

How to use:

• Soak a few strands of saffron in 1-2 tablespoons of milk or rose water for 15-20 minutes or until the saffron releases its color. Apply the saffron-infused liquid to your cleansed face using a cotton ball or your fingertips. This face mask can help lighten the complexion, minimize blemishes, and add radiance.
• Steep a few saffron strands in warm water for 10-15 minutes or until the water turns golden. After cleansing, pour the saffron-infused water into a spray bottle and use it as a face toner. This saffron toner improves skin tone, tightens pores, and promotes a healthy complexion.

Read Also: Natural Herbal Remedies for Effective Wellbeing