When it’s about taking care of your skin, Indians pride themselves with a long-standing tradition of using natural ingredients which are passed down from generation to generation. Indian skin care routines focus more on achieving healthy and glowing skin using a holistic approach. This involves not only topical treatments but also diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Indian Skin Care
In recent years, Indian skin care has gained popularity worldwide, with many Western brands incorporating traditional Indian ingredients and practices into their products. Indian skin care emphasizes the importance of using gentle and natural products on the skin. Harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients can strip your skin of its natural oils, which leads to dryness and irritation. Indians prefer natural and herbal remedies, which are proven to be very effective over time, to prevent that from happening.
Key Ingredients of Indian Skin Care
Turmeric
One of the key ingredients in Indian skin care is turmeric. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is used in varying ways to treat skin ailments.
One popular way to use turmeric is by making a face mask. Mix a tablespoon of turmeric powder with honey and milk to make a turmeric face mask until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse it off with warm water. This face mask is great for reducing inflammation and brightening the skin.
Sandalwood
Another popular ingredient in Indian skin care is sandalwood. Sandalwood is popular for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-ageing properties, making it a great addition to any skincare routine.
To make a sandalwood face pack, mix a tablespoon of sandalwood powder with rosewater until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water. This face pack is great for reducing blemishes and evening out skin tone.
Amla
Indian skin care commonly uses Amla, or Indian gooseberry, as another important ingredient. This ingredient is rich in Vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and youthful skin.
We can make an amla face pack by mixing a tablespoon of amla powder with honey until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. This face mask is great for brightening the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Coconut oil
One major ingredient in Indian skin care is Coconut oil. Its anti-bacterial properties make this oil a great natural moisturizer.
To use coconut oil as a moisturizer, simply warm up a small amount in your hands and apply it to your face and whole body. Coconut oil is also great for removing makeup, especially stubborn eye makeup. You can check out Virgin Coconut Oil from QNET India’s health and wellness brand Nutriplus.
The extraction of Nutriplus VCO from fresh milk of high quality and organic coconuts, with or without heat application, conserves the oil’s natural properties. Its rich anti-bacterial, anti-ageing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, pleasant fragrance, taste, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and vitamins are well-known attributes of VCO.
Neem
Another natural ingredient in Indian Skin Care is neem, which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Neem has antifungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great ingredient for treating acne and other skin conditions. Crush neem leaves into a paste, then apply to the skin, or add to a bath for overall skin health.
Facial Oils
Indian skin care also includes the practice of using facial oils. Facial oils are believed to nourish and protect the skin and provide anti-ageing benefits. One popular facial oil in India is jojoba oil, which is similar in composition to the natural oils produced by the skin. Jojoba oil can be easily absorbed into the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated without clogging pores.
Rose Water
Another popular ingredient in Indian skin care is Rose water. Rose water is a natural astringent that helps to tone the skin and reduce inflammation. It is often used as a toner or refreshing mist throughout the day.
Important Aspects of Indian Skin Care
Facial Massage
Massage is an important aspect of Indian skin care. Facial massage not only feels relaxing but also helps to improve circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and reduce puffiness.
Use a facial oil or just clean hands to simply perform a facial massage. Gently massage the oil or moisturizer into the skin using circular motions. Focus on the areas where you hold tension or have fine lines.
Healthy Diet
In addition to using natural ingredients, Indian skin care routines also involve paying attention to diet and lifestyle. Indian cuisine is famous for its richness in spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, which are great for adding flavour to food and have anti-inflammatory properties. Indian diets also include a lot of vegetables and fruits. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that are essential for healthy skin.
Yoga
Exercise is also an important part of Indian skin care. Yoga, a practice that originated in India, is a great way to improve circulation and reduce stress, both of which are important for healthy skin. Yoga poses like downward dog, forward fold, bow pose and cobra pose also help to increase blood flow to the face, giving you a healthy glow.
Stress Management
An important part of Indian skin care is Stress management. Stress always has a negative impact on the skin, causing breakouts and premature ageing. Indian practices like meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) greatly reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Revitalize Your Skin with this Skin Care
In conclusion, Indian skin care is all about using natural ingredients to achieve healthy, glowing skin. In these skincare routines, Indians commonly use ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood, amla, and coconut oil. Additionally, diet, exercise, and stress management are also important factors in achieving healthy skin. Adopting some of these practices into your skincare routine can achieve radiant, healthy skin highly valued in Indian culture.
