Gone are the good old days when using natural remedies and ayurvedic treatments for our skin and hair was in great demand. However, in recent times, the prevalence of harmful chemicals in skincare and haircare products has become concerning. Not only do these chemicals promote unrealistic beauty standards, but they also pose significant risks to our skin and health. Yet, if we dare to venture back in time, we’ll find our ancestors basking in the radiant glow of sandalwood “Chandan” and bathing in the healing waters of neem leaves. A time when no face transplants or botox surgeries marred their natural beauty, for they knew the ancient secrets of holistic skincare.
According to the New York Times, certain chemicals found in products, such as Isobutane, propane, and phthalates in fragrances, can be harmful to the skin. As a result, it’s time to return to our roots, grounded in generations-old practices of using natural medicines for our overall well-being. Let’s rediscover the simplicity of natural ingredients, infusing our routines with their timeless wisdom and take note of how it benefits us in our skin and hair care routine.
8 Natural Remedies For Daily Skincare And Haircare Routine:
Aloe vera – Aloe vera, often referred to as the “plant of immortality,” has been cherished for centuries for its innumerable skin and hair care benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, aloe vera gel soothes sunburns, hydrates the skin, and promotes healing. Incorporate it into your skincare routine by applying fresh aloe vera gel directly to your skin or look for products containing high concentrations of this miraculous plant. The aloe vera juice rinse is made by mixing equal parts of aloe vera juice and water and using it as a final rinse after shampooing your hair. This can help moisturize and condition your hair, leaving it soft and shiny.
Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is a staple in many Indian households, cherished for its versatility and nourishing properties. This natural ingredient deeply moisturizes the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Additionally, its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an effective treatment for various skin conditions, including eczema and acne. Apply coconut oil to damp skin after showering or incorporate it into homemade hair masks for luscious locks. The traditional age-old hair champi has a huge benefit for hair proteins, which can help protect the hair from damage caused by heat styling, sun exposure, and environmental pollutants.
Rice Water – Rice water, the starchy water left over after cooking rice, has been used as a centuries-old beauty secret of Asian women, as a beauty treatment for skin and hair. It is renowned for its hair-strengthening and shine-enhancing properties. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, rice water nourishes the scalp, promotes hair growth, and improves hair texture. One can simply rinse their hair with diluted rice water after shampooing to reap its benefits or use it as a leave-in treatment for extra hydration.
Honey – Honey isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s also a potent skincare ingredient packed with antioxidants and antibacterial properties. This golden remedy moisturizes the skin, fights acne, and promotes a youthful complexion. Incorporate raw honey into your skincare routine by using it as a cleanser, mask, or spot treatment for blemishes. Its moisturising properties also make it a fantastic addition to homemade hair masks for shiny, healthy hair.
Eucalyptus Oil – Eucalyptus oil, derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, is renowned for its energizing scent and therapeutic properties. This essential oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent remedy for respiratory issues and muscle pain. Incorporate eucalyptus oil into your skincare routine by adding a few drops to your facial steam or diluting it in a carrier oil for a soothing massage. Its antifungal and antimicrobial properties can help combat dandruff by reducing the presence of fungi or bacteria on the scalp.
Yogurt – Yogurt isn’t just a delicious snack; it’s also a potent skincare ingredient rich in lactic acid and probiotics. This fermented dairy product gently exfoliates the skin, evens out the complexion, and soothes irritation. It also helps in hair care as it benefits a healthy scalp, reducing dandruff and breakage along with scalp irritation. Incorporate plain, unsweetened yogurt into your skincare routine by using it as a cleanser, mask, or spot treatment for acne. Its cooling and soothing properties make it a refreshing treat for sunburned skin as well. You can also make a hair mask by mixing plain yogurt with other natural ingredients like honey, coconut oil, or mashed avocado to create a DIY hair mask. Apply the mixture to damp hair, focusing on the lengths and ends, and leave it on for about 20-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Multani Mitti – Multanni Mitti also known as Fuller’s Earth is best used for skincare. It helps in controlling excess oil on the skin. It has cleansing properties that help it remove all impurities, and dirt as well as dead skin cells. It also helps unclog pores and reduces the occurrence of acne and blackheads. This typical natural ingredient does have a cooling effect and can help in calming irritated or inflamed skin like sunburn, rashes, etc. You can even use Multani Mitti with water, rose water, yogurt to make a paste and apply it on the skin as a facemask for better skin benefits.
Natural Fruits – We always thought of fruits as a source to benefit our health. but many kinds of fruits are beneficial for our skin and haircare routine. Like papayas are a great exfoliator as well as help with dry skin. Next, we look at oranges, one of the best fruits as they are rich in Vitamin C and help with lightening dark spots, acne marks, etc. They act as a natural skin brightener for the skin as well as give it a glow. Other fruits such as strawberries, guava, apple, blueberries and many more are fruits that work as natural remedies as they help with glowing skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, help with detanning, reduce the visibility of pores, and increase skin hydration, leaving your complexion refreshed and rejuvenated. Also, these fruits’ natural acids help in haircare as they help to balance the scalp pH, which reduces dandruff and promotes scalp health. Regular consumption of these fruits can lead to shinier and healthier hair.
In a world where the temptation of quick fixes often overshadows the wisdom of traditional remedies, it’s empowering to rediscover the beauty and efficacy of natural ingredients. Embracing the simplicity and purity of nature not only revitalizes our skin and hair but also reconnects us to our heritage and the earth itself.
By choosing natural remedies, we not only prioritize our well-being but also contribute to a more sustainable world.
