Home remedies for glowing skin: Here's why ghee is a must-have in any DIY routine

Because of its nutritional advantages, ghee helps in repairing unhealthy skin and give it a glow (Image: Unsplash)

Ghee is a must-have in any Indian kitchen and a critical ingredient in most do-it-yourself home remedies for glowing skin. Numerous studies have established that healthy fat is high in short- and medium-chain fatty acids, making it a safe and healthy ingredient for both your skin and hair, and for your heart health.

Dr Karuna Malhotra, Cosmetologist and Aesthetic Physician from Cosmetic Skin Clinic, New Delhi, says because of its nutritional advantages, ghee helps in repairing unhealthy skin and give it a glow. “You can combine it with other anti-inflammatory substances like turmeric and honey for a quick treatment at home, or use it as a hair mask to hydrate your hair,” says Dr Malhotra.

Benefits of ghee for skin

Skin pigmentation and radiance: Ghee gives the skin a shine and a brighter appearance and stimulates the formation of collagen, says Dr Malhotra. Because it is loaded with antioxidants, which helps in preventing and reducing oxidative stress damage, ghee has a brightening impact on the skin. When a cow's pure ghee is repeatedly washed, it creates a soft, cooling, nourishing, silky cream that is more easily absorbed by the skin than conventional ghee.

Remedy for chapped lips: Ghee is good for chapped lips because it contains phospholipids, which nourish and moisturise the skin.

No more saggy skin: It contains a lot of vitamins, vital fatty acids, and antioxidants. Ghee can improve the general health of your skin when applied topically or consumed internally. Vitamin K guarantees the hassle-free synthesis of collagen, a protein that prevents the skin from drooping and maintains its integrity.

Great for exfoliation: Ghee helps brighten and exfoliate the skin when combined with sugar, lemon juice, turmeric, and baking soda.

Smoothens the skin: Ghee's advantageous components enhance skin suppleness when consumed or applied topically. It strengthens collagen as it permeates the tissue level.

Other benefits of ghee

A rich source of vitamins A, D, E, and K, ghee can be used as a natural moisturiser for the baby's dry skin. It is also an excellent remedy for treating diaper rash and cradle cap, says Nikita Kohli Kathuria, the Co-Founder of Kinu Baby Care. "A regular message of ghee before bath enhances the secretion of peptides and endorphins. It is also empowered to soothe and calm skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis," she adds.

Here's how to use ghee for maximum benefit

For babies:  "Apply a small scoop to baby's skin soon after bath. For babies with dry skin, you can apply it twice. It helps stop further cracking and makes it smoother," says Kathuria. Ghee also helps treat newborn eczema because of its anti-bacterial properties.

For adults: Ghee works well when used as a facial cleanser or mask. Apply a small amount to the face and massage it in circulation motion. After a few minutes, rinse the face with warm water and pat dry.

Homemade DIYs with ghee, suggested by Dr Malhotra:

* Mix ghee with aloe vera gel, and apply to a clean and dry face. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it with lukewarm water. Your skin will get a natural moisturiser.

* Mix ghee with coconut oil or almond oil. Apply on your hands for smooth, supple skin.

* Mix ghee, sugar, and honey together and rub them on your lips in circular motions. It will be a great lip scrub.

* Make natural body butter with ghee, coconut oil, and shea or cocoa butter. Take everything in equal quantity. Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste. Apply on skin, hands, knees, and elbows in a circular motion.

* For body scrub, take ghee, gram flour, cow milk or coconut milk, and sugar. Mix ingredients together and scrub the skin gently in circular motions. Rinse with warm water.