Does your quarantine to-do list include taking care of your skin? Well, if it doesn’t, you need to add it right away to seemingly maintain beautiful glowing skin all the time. And with all the dirt and dust around, it's time to make some serious changes in your skincare routine and what better way to do so than turning to herbal ingredients?
One of the best ways to kick your skincare routine into high gear is to stay away from chemical-laden products and take the natural route. While there are a variety of products that form a part of a woman's beauty regime, face washes are the most basic and imminent of them all. From removing impurities to nourishing and moisturising your skin, Ayurvedic face washes and cleansers contain skin benefiting properties of numerous healing herbs, to look after your inversive skin needs.
So, if you’re looking for a new cleanser to tackle your skin woes, here are some bottled herbs to look for in beauty products that can take care of your skin.
Neem: Often referred to as the “miracle tree” in India, with the Sanskrit connotation arishtha meaning “reliever of sickness,” neem is a power herb which has approximately 130 types of bio-active compounds in it. Having been medicinally used in Ayurveda for over 5,000 years, neem is a staple in Indian remedies and is popular for being an effective acne combatant and a great remedy to achieve beautiful, glowing skin. Its antibacterial properties help a great deal in keeping a check on breakouts, pigmentation, skin infections by clearing excess oil and dirt from deep within the skin pores. Little surprise that it’s a wonder ingredient in our books!
Multani Mitti: Oily, acne-prone skin is no match to the power of Multani Mitti (fuller’s earth). This miraculous beauty clay is a form of rich alkaline soil containing minerals and volcanic ash which is super effective in repairing imbalances and neutralizing skin tone. It has absorbent properties and is a rich source of minerals like magnesium, calcium, silica, iron, quartz, calcite, and dolomite that work actively to absorb oil, dirt, sweat and any other impurities trapped in your skin to leave you with a squeaky clean surface.
In other news, fuller’s earth is also a great exfoliating agent to brighten your skin. This highly versatile ingredient can be used with a host of other ingredients like neem, tulsi etc to pack a powerful punch in cleansing, exfoliating and nourishing your face without stripping off the skin’s natural oils.
Turmeric: This bright orange-yellow Indian spice is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. Turmeric has a high concentration of the antioxidant curcumin which is a natural, active ingredient that promotes the healing as well as brightening of the skin. Thanks to the exceeding potency of curcumin in turmeric, the compounds may also help fight melanoma by protecting your skin against the free radicals when the affected skin is treated topically. Although its benefits don’t end here - apart from being an all-natural self-tanner, it also aids in skin regeneration by boosting collagen production to bring about a natural radiance.
Bitter orange: Refreshing and balancing, bitter orange has the striking ability to calm oily skin. The soothing fruit extract inhibits antiseptic, antibacterial and fungicidal properties that detoxifies, fight against inflammations and vitalizes the skin. As an active ingredient in cleansers, it cleanses dirt, oil and impurities from the skin without ransacking its natural balance just like some harsh over-the-counter synthetic formulas would usually do. It has specially made a name in the beauty industry to treat cellulitis.
Calendula: A plant that can do it all, the brightly coloured calendula has extensive skin healing properties. Also known as ‘Pot Marigold’, calendula has proven anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, vulnerary, and astringent effects. It soothes dry, itchy, or irritated skin, promotes the production of collagen, inlays hydration, treats acne and even eczema. It doesn’t end just yet, the effective compounds within calendula help to soothe and visibly improve skin and even feeds the skin to resist early signs of ageing including dull skin, uneven skin tone and dry fine line. We say, refresh your routine to experience the benefits of calendula for your skin.
Chandan: Chandan or sandalwood is one well-praised ingredient in Indian households for its antiseptic nature, soothing qualities and brightening effects. Ever-present in your kitchen shelves, it has been used in body masks and face packs for centuries now. Not only does it maintain oil balance and tackle skin dryness to improve skin tone but also minimise the appearance of pores and deal with acne and blemishes. It is touted to be a one-stop solution to all beauty problems for its proven results in reducing pigmentation and dark circles, and improving skin's elasticity with the constant effort to keep the skin smooth and radiant. Could you ask for any more?
Triphala: The superstar superfruit, Triphala possesses antibacterial, laxative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The three berries composing Triphala have a complementary effect on the skin. The astringent, antibacterial emollient - Haritaki works to deeply purify the skin; Amalaki has an anti-ageing and antioxidant action which helps in maintaining a youthful and zesty appearance; and Bibhitaki tones and regenerates the cells. It’s the high levels of antioxidants in Triphala which gives you an anti-ageing boost and helps to clear the skin.
Aloe vera: The first thing you do in case of a monster sunburn is run aloe vera all over the affected area to soothe your scorched skin. Yes, it's sticky, it’s gooey, but the immediate relief you get from this soothing plant is nothing short of heavenly. It is because aloe vera is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds that provide healing relief from irritation. It deserves a prominent spot in your beauty cabinet as it can combat acne, fade dark spots and acne scars, treat cold sores, moisturize dry skin, effectively reduce puffiness and dark circles and slow down the invariable signs of ageing. So, stash yourself an aloe-full skincare, would you?
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentonite
- https://www.prettyblooming.com/multani-mitti/
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/scientific-health-benefits-turmeric-curcumin/
- https://medcraveonline.com/PPIJ/therapeutic-potential-of-calendula-officinalis.html
- https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/do-you-really-need-a-skin-care-routine