Ghee, a type of clarified butter, is a staple in Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine. Made by simmering butter to remove water and milk solids, it boasts a rich, nutty flavour and a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking. Beyond its culinary uses, ghee is celebrated for its health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and promoting heart health. Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as healthy fats, ghee also serves as a natural moisturiser and healing agent in skincare, making it a versatile and valuable ingredient in both the kitchen and personal care routines.
Juhi Sinha, Noida-based dermatologist and founder of Derma Healing, shares 8 ways ghee can enhance your skin and how to use it effectively.
Moisturises dry skin: Ghee is an excellent natural moisturiser, rich in fatty acids that deeply penetrate the skin, providing intense hydration. It helps soothe and repair dry, flaky skin, making it soft and supple. For best results, apply a small amount of ghee directly to dry areas of your skin. Massage gently in a circular motion before bedtime and wash it off in the morning. Regular use can prevent dryness and keep your skin well-nourished.
Reduces dark circles: The nourishing properties of ghee help in reducing dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Its vitamins and antioxidants improve blood circulation and lighten the skin. Dab a little ghee under your eyes before going to bed. Leave it on overnight and rinse off with lukewarm water in the morning.
Heals chapped lips: Ghee is a natural remedy for healing chapped lips, providing deep moisturisation and protection against harsh weather conditions. It forms a protective barrier, locking in moisture and preventing further dryness. Apply a thin layer of ghee on your lips before bedtime. For best results, use it regularly.
Treats cracked heels: Ghee's moisturising and healing properties make it effective for treating cracked heels. It penetrates deeply into the skin, repairing and softening the tough, cracked areas. Massage ghee into your heels and feet before going to bed. Cover with socks and leave it on overnight for soft and smooth feet. Regular application will not only heal but also prevent future cracking and dryness.
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles: The anti-aging properties of ghee help in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, providing a youthful appearance. Its rich content of vitamins and antioxidants fights free radicals, which are responsible for aging. Mix ghee with a few drops of almond oil and massage it onto your face. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before washing it off. Regular use can significantly diminish the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture.
Soothes sunburns: Ghee's anti-inflammatory and soothing properties make it an excellent remedy for sunburns. It helps reduce redness, pain, and swelling, promoting faster healing of the skin. Apply a thin layer of ghee to the affected area. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and promote healing.
Lightens scars and pigmentation: Ghee can help in lightening scars and pigmentation due to its regenerative properties. It promotes skin healing and renewal, reducing the appearance of dark spots and blemishes. Mix ghee with turmeric and apply it to the scars or pigmented areas. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.
Prevents premature aging: Ghee is rich in antioxidants, which help in preventing premature aging by combating free radicals that damage skin cells. Its nourishing properties keep the skin healthy and youthful. Incorporate ghee into your diet and apply it topically to your skin. Its rich antioxidants help combat free radicals that cause premature aging.
Tips for using ghee on skin
Patch test: Always do a patch test before applying ghee to your face or large areas of your skin to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Pure ghee: Ensure you are using pure, organic ghee without any added preservatives or chemicals.
Consistency: Regular use yields the best results, so incorporate ghee into your skincare routine consistently.
Ghee's nourishing properties make it an excellent natural remedy for various skin concerns, promoting healthy, radiant skin.
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