Indian Beauty Secrets

With a constantly increasing number of Miss World and Miss Universe wins, Indian women are certainly doing something right when it comes to their skincare and beauty tricks. From their flawless complexion to their beautiful hair, many Indian women continue to use ancient beauty treatments.

Discover the most important Indian beauty secrets and give them a chance if you’re interested in reaping the benefits of natural skincare for your own beauty routine.

Neem

Also known as Indian Lilac, neem is a key component in traditional beauty. From neem oil to powder made from dry leaves of the neem tree, this plant has plenty of beauty benefits. Used as a skin toner and a natural cure for acne, neem can regulate the skin’s oil production. Neem is also a great moisturizer, blackhead treatment and can fight dandruff.

Amla (Gooseberry)

Rich in vitamin C, amla oil is one of the most important Indian beauty secrets. While its skin benefits include fighting the signs of aging, amla oil is more often used as a natural treatment for the hair and scalp. Whether they use it as fresh juice, powder or amla oil, Indian women enjoy its nourishing effects for the hair, but it’s also used as a natural remedy for dandruff.

Chandan (Sandalwood)

Used for thousands of years in India, sandalwood powder can be used to make great face scrubs, along with hydrating face packs for a healthy glow. Mixed with either milk, honey or almond oil, sandalwood powder can be used all over your body and fights blackheads and even rashes.

Haldi (Turmeric)

With great antiseptic properties, turmeric is one of the Indian beauty secrets that’s also a staple of Ayurvedic medicine and Indian cuisine. You can use it for excellent exfoliation and in the treatment of acne, but turmeric also has beneficial effects when it comes to wrinkles and stretch marks. Mixed with natural oil, haldi is also an excellent way to treat dry and cracked heels.

Besan (Gram Flour)

Renowned for its great exfoliant properties, gram flour has many other uses in an Indian beauty routine. It can be used as a natural soap when it’s mixes with a hydrating ingredient like cream or milk and it can also be used to clean your hair naturally. Mixing it with a slightly acidic substance, like lemon juice, creates a great facial cleaner with anti-microbial properties.

Gulabjal (Rose Water)

A powerful anti-inflammatory, rose water is the perfect natural solution for irritated skin and acne. As one of the most important Indian beauty secrets, rose water is also used to close pores after steaming and to fight dark under-eye circles. You can use it as a toner or a cleanser while also enjoying its wonderful fragrance.

Shikakai

Another excellent way to clean and nourish your hair naturally, shikakai paste is made from the Acacia concinna shrub and can completely replace shampoo and conditioner. If you want gorgeous and shiny tresses like Indian women, you can use shikakai paste on your hair for its good cleansing properties, along with detangling and leaving your hair soft.

Multani Mitti (Clay)

Also known as Fuller’s Earth, multani mitti consists of clay minerals with powerful oil-absorbing properties. One of the best Indian beauty secrets for oily skin, multani mitti can be used to control oil production and to fight acne, but it’s also used in many different face packs. Some Indian women also use it for their scalp to reduce dandruff.

Curd

The Indian alternative to Greek yogurt, curd is a dairy product that’s very popular in Indian cuisine, but is also used for topical treatments. Used in facial packs that fight blemishes, curd is also useful as a hair conditioning mask, especially for dry hair. Rich in zinc, curd is also a great way to soothe sunburned skin.

Kesar (Saffron)

Rich in antioxidants and potassium, saffron powder is one of the Indian beauty secrets responsible for a beautiful glow. It’s also used traditionally for skin lightening, when mixed with sandalwood powder and turmeric, but it can also fight acne and irritation on its own, while acting as a toner and a great remedy for dry skin.