8 Ancient Beauty Secrets of Indian Women That You Must Know About

“Old is gold”. We realize this eventually. Who is not fond of the ancient beauty secrets. The older generation always seems to have the best beauty secrets at their disposal. The mystery behind their ancient beauty secrets lies in the organic ingredients women used long before modern beauty products existed. A beauty product can be expensive, fancy, and chemically formulated for specific treatments, but nothing equates to the resilience, glow, and fine aging that natural ingredients give to your skin and hair. 

Today, we pay tribute to this culture and its hidden Indian beauty secrets for incomparable beauty. We discuss some of the best Indian beauty secrets passed down to us by our grandmothers and mothers, to pass down to our future daughters and granddaughters. Here are 8 ancient Indian beauty secrets of Indian women that every Indian woman must know about ! 

8 Ancient Indian Beauty Secrets

The ancient Indian beauty secrets are so prized that modern beauty products boastfully commercialize in their name. Not to miss the mention of the glorious legacy of Indian queens who were a great inspiration, both in beauty and bravery. Read ahead to learn more about our Indian treasures and the timeless royal rituals that have molded our Indian skincare traditions.

• Turmeric

Turmeric has been a constant spice in Indian recipes for centuries now. No Indian Indian household is found without turmeric. There is less possibility you have not been told about how useful and nourishing this spice is for the skin by your grandmothers!

Forget using turmeric as a home remedy, it literally has a popular marriage ritual associated with it, called Haldi. This multiple uses of turmeric can be taken back to Ayurveda. Ayurveda used turmeric to heal wounds, infections, and as skin brightener for ages. There are a lot of products that contain turmeric in the market today. Nalpamaradi thailam/oil is amongst the most known ayurvedic products which contains turmeric for skin brightening. Turmeric was one of the first ingredients used by Indians to cleanse and bathe their skin, thanks to its bright yellow color and amazing healing properties. With all of that said turmeric is an outstanding Indian beauty secret. 

Beauty benefits of Turmeric

• It evens out the skin tone- Historically, turmeric used to be the protagonist in ointments applied on wounds. This means that it can, not only help you with cuts and wounds, but it can speed up the healing of your acne scars, hyperpigmented spots, and give you an even skin tone. 
• Brightens the skin- The bright yellow color of turmeric might be a concern for staining, but many times it proves effective in giving your skin a warm glow. But that’s not all! The antioxidant and anti-ageing qualities of turmeric work in your favor to reduce signs of aging, heal and add life to any dull areas, and clean impurities off of your skin to bring back a natural glow that belongs to your skin.
• Treat and prevent acne- Turmeric has components that fight off impurities and bacteria on your skin. This is one of the many reasons it is used to treat not just acne scars but also active acne on your skin. It further prevents bacteria and fungus to multiply in your pores - preventing the most dreaded problem of all - acne.

DIY | Turmeric-Yogurt Face pack for glowing skin

• Put about two tablespoons of yogurt in a bowl.
• Add ½ a teaspoon of turmeric powder. (Do not put too much turmeric powder or the yellowish-ness on your face will be hard to get rid of later!)
• Mix well. Apply this yellowish paste on your face and neck. Leave it on for about 10 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water or a mild cleanser.
• Do this twice a week for acne-free, even-toned skin

• Henna

Henna, the aesthetic Indian beauty secret, more popularly known in Indian culture as Mehendi, may have been first brought to the country by Mughals, but has gone on to become a favorite for practically all Indian cultures! Whether it is weddings, big festivals, hair dyes, hair spas, or temporary body art - Henna leaves traces of its beautiful pigment all around.

Mehendi’s rich red-brown pigment is certainly what first catches the eye, but don’t underestimate it - there is more to this fascinating plant than just being a pretty dye. The henna plant is an evergreen shrub and has medicinal properties that are amazing for your hair. Read on to find out how!

Beauty benefits of Henna

• An amazing natural hair conditioner- Henna has natural oils that leave behind a barrier on your hair. It prevents moisture to leave your hair and protects your hair from external damage. This leads to frizz-free, soft, and shiny red hair!
• Can help prevent dandruff- Henna is traditionally not just applied on hair shafts but used as a hair mask from root to tip. This means that your scalp absolutely does not miss out on its fantastic benefits. The plant is cooling and soothing to your scalp and prevents scalp infections or fungal dandruff to get worse. Think of it as working like an ointment for your irritated scalp.
• Henna strengthens your hair and prevents hair fall- The henna plant is rich in oils, sugars, proteins, and flavonoids - all of which nourish your hair with everything it can ever need. Regular use of Mehendi on your hair can prevent further graying and hair fall, ultimately leading to shinier, healthier, and stronger locks.

DIY | Henna Hair Mask

For a DIY using henna, you can use henna powder but ensure that you buy it from a trusted brand that does not contain additives. Ideally, it would be wise to dry henna leaves yourself and make henna powder. 

We do love coloring our hair in all manner of colors, but hair dyes contain those nasty chemicals that include ammonia. However nourishing your synthetic hair dye is trying to be, it would not be as nourishing or soothing for your hair as a natural hair dye like Mehendi would. This is the reason why Mehendi was Nani's favorite hair dye!

• Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan and add 1 tablespoon of coffee into it.
• Leave it for simmering so that one cup of coffee remains in the saucepan. Then turn off your stove and add four tablespoons of Henna to the coffee, still warm. Stir well so that a lump-free smooth paste is obtained.
• Let this mixture cool down. Now take a medium-sized lemon and slice it in half. Squeeze the juice out of one of the halves and add to the paste.
• The hair mask is set. Now you need to section your hair neatly then apply the paste onto your hair using your hair dye brush from the roots of your hair up to the tips without forgetting your scalp. Do not forget to put on your gloves and drape that gown that you would have donned with a towel to protect your clothes from getting stained.
• Once you've applied the mask, wear a shower cap over it so it stays there for 4 hours.
• Once the waiting time has passed, wash your hair with plain water with caution.
• You can proceed with your hair-washing routine.
• The heavy shabby color of your coffee and henna will appear when your hair is dry.

• Nalpamaradi Thailam

Well, if you haven't heard of this miraculous ancient herbal oil before that we are counting in our Indian beauty secret, now is as good a time as any! The Nalpamaradi thailam originates from the formulations of Ancient Ayurveda and consists of natural nourishing herbs that make it perfect for skin brightening and de-tanning. Nalpamaradi thailam is a known effective remedy in Ayurveda for Skin problems. Traditionally, this Nalpamaradi thailam has been used by Indian queens and princesses to boost skin health.

The main active ingredient found in Nalpamaradi thailam is turmeric. It heals and helps skin become lighter. Other miraculous natural elements found in this skin brightening oil are manjistha, sesame, red sandalwood, and more.

Beauty benefits and uses of Nalpamaradi Thailam / Oil

• Nalpamaradi Thailam treats hyperpigmentation and acne scars- Nalpamaradi oil has a composition that has been carefully structured to give one an even skin tone. The essential herbs like turmeric in this oil make sure to lighten your scars, heal existing infections, prevent the overproduction of melanin in pigmented areas and bring you perfectly smooth and glowing skin. Nalpamaradi thailam/oil makes the perfect skin brightening oil.
• Hydrates and moisturizes the skin- The base used for Nalpamaradi thailam/oil is sesame oil which will ensure a good proportion of skin brightening oil on your skin. Nalpamaradi thailam/oil can be applied on the face and body for hydrating and moisturizing purposes.
• Nalpamaradi Thailam prevents skin aging- Nalpamaradi thailam has a sufficient amount of herbs and concoction which make it anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It also creates a barrier on your skin that is unbreakable which external factors cannot harm your skin. So, using it regularly to achieve this miraculous skin brightening oil you can preserve the youthfulness and radiance of your skin .

How to use Nalpamaradi Thailam/ Oil

• The Nalpamaradi Thailam/oil is used as a face or body massage oil
• Nalpamaradi thailam/ oil can be applied on the face by cleaning the face.
• A few drops of Nalpamaradi thailam/ oil can be taken and applied in circular motions all over the face and body.
• Let it be there for about 30 minutes as it lets your skin absorb the massaged oil.
• This routine is to be followed regularly. Leaving the oil overnight is not recommended, however Nalpamaradi thailam/oil can be beneficial in treating dark circles with an overnight treatment. This could be another best dark circle remover cream too

• Amla

The goodness of this super fruit we popularly call Amla is probably not unfamiliar to any Indian woman. This does not just go for beauty benefits, but overall health benefits. The Amla or the Indian Gooseberry or the superb Indian beauty secret is loaded with everything your hair might need - which is why it is so popularly advertised as the key ingredient in so many Indian hair growth oils, hairfall shampoos and conditioners. You might have heard about the benefits of amla for hair, but few people know that it is equally good for your skin. The antioxidant property of vitamin C from amla in Nalpamaradi oil helps skin tanning and softening. 

Traditionally, amla is known to be a thirst-quenching, healing, and hydrating herb - which is what makes it a popular ingredient in medicinal kadhas and health drinks. It is commonly added to henna hair masks too!

Beauty Benefits of Amla

• Soothing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial- All three of these qualities in Amla can be credited to its composition of magnesium and Vitamin C. While magnesium is what makes Amla an excellent soother for any irritated areas in your skin and scalp, Vitamin C fights microbes that may be present in your skin. This results in clean, dirt-free skin and scalp. It can treat acne, heal acne scars, fix hyperpigmented areas, and give your skin a natural glow and hair a radiant shine.
• Hydrating and conditioning- Amla is rich in ascorbic acid which acts as a humectant for your skin and hair. It breaks down and clears dead skin cells from the surface of the skin/scalp, and attracts water to hair and skin resulting the application of Amla to your hair, in smoother, softer, and bouncy locks
• Prevents dandruff and promotes scalp health- Dandruff can often be caused by fungal infections and worsened by inflammation. Amla’s anti-microbial and soothing properties prove successful in treating dandruff. Moreover, the rich composition of Vitamins and calcium in Amla promotes better health for your scalp. Shampoo infused with Amla could once again be the best anti dandruff shampoo for your hair.

DIY Hair Mask Using Amla

• Chop 3 medium-sized Amla fruits into little pieces and add them to your mixer jar.
• Next, add about 10 curry leaves into the mixer.
• Grind these ingredients in your mixer. If the consistency is too thick, you can add some water.
• After grinding, pour the paste into a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of honey into it. Mix well.
• Use this final paste on your scalp to treat dandruff. Apply it both to your hair shafts and hair tips.
• A 15-minute patience, then rinse it. Follow-up with your regular hair wash routine.
• To reap the benefits of both hair conditioner and an anti-dandruff remedy, use this hair mask regularly at least two times in a week. 

• Neem

Neem is a favorite in the organic medicine world and arguably one of the best Indian beauty secret. It may be bitter in taste and might have had you making faces when your mother mentioned its fabulous goodness - but it’s true! Neem juice is extremely astringent and anti-bacterial making it perfect to fight infections, clean skin (even teeth), and prevent any damage caused by external impurities just like nalpamaradi oil does. All parts of the neem tree are used to make oils, powders, paste, and juices that treat a variety of health concerns.

Beauty Benefits of Neem

• Prevents and cures acne- Neem is known particularly for its antimicrobial property. The astringent nature of neem ensures that any impurities present like oil, dead skin cells, and dirt are cleaned out on applying neem to the skin. This makes it an excellent cleanser. This is what makes it to be popularly used as an ingredient for most face washes, soaps, and face scrubs.
• Prevents scalp infections and dandruff- Neem contains flavonoids that are highly antioxidant in nature. The plant is also very effective in fighting bacteria and fungus that may stick to your scalp and cause infections or fungal dandruff.
• Helpful in treating a lice problem- Neem is an ingredient you will find in any anti-lice shampoos or oils available in the Indian organic market. This is because neem’s antimicrobial nature works wonders in killing lice that have leached into your scalp.

DIY | Neem and Turmeric Acne Treatment

• Take about 10 to 15 neem leaves and grind them in a mixer to extract their juice. Add water if needed.
• Add about two pinches of turmeric into this mix.
• Use this face pack for glowing skin paste directly in areas of your skin where you feel a breakout coming or an active acne breakout. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash with a regular cleanser.
• You can also add sugar to this mix of neem and turmeric to make an organic face scrub. This will work best for those with oily ski

• Milk

Milk being a staple in ancient beauty treatments and therapies should probably not come as a surprise.After all, we are a land that thrives off of agriculture and animal husbandry. Cow milk is an integral part of the Indian culture and traditions be it food and beverages, religious ceremonies, or beauty treatments.Being a rich source of calcium, protein, lactic acid, Vitamins, and much more, milk has everything your skin needs for optimal health! So do not ignore this Indian beauty secret.

Beauty Benefits of milk

• Moisturizing: Rich in fats and proteins, one application of milk on your skin kept on for even 10 minutes is sure to leave behind a nourishing glow on your skin. Milk or its preserved forms like ghee or yogurt are often used as a base for many moisturizers for the face because it is excellent for treating dry and flaky skin.
• Effective for cleansing and tan removal: Milk is rich in lactic acid. Lactic acid is an ingredient that can dissolve into accumulated dead skin cells, oils, and dirt on your skin and wash it all away with it. This removes any tanning and dullness and reveals your naturally glowing skin underneath.
• Preserves skin health: As mentioned before, milk is rich in proteins and calcium. These ingredients enable it to boost collagen production in your skin while also adding water to your skin texture. The result? Plump, youthful, and radiant skin - that will last for years to come. 

Milk and Chandan to Brighten Skin

• Take like a cup of full-cream milk into a bowl.
• Then Add two tablespoons of sandalwood powder (Chandan) into the bowl. (Chandana enhances the properties of softening and skin-toning)
• Mix well to make a thick face pack for glowing skin paste.
• Apply this face pack for glowing skin directly to your face and neck. Leave it on for about 20 minutes.
• Use a warm towel to wipe off the paste from your face.
• Next wash your face with a mild ayurvedic face cleanser. I advise you to not skip this step as milk can leave a strong residual smell on your skin.
• This can be used as a moisturizing and brightening face pack for glowing skin once or twice a week.

• Multani Mitti

Did you know that the popular use of fuller’s earth or Multani Mitti for acne and oily skin treatment has roots in the Indian Subcontinent! Traditionally, this clay-like substance derived from the mud in Multan (now in Pakistan) was used for many purposes ranging from decontaminating medical equipment to producing special effects in movies.

Even today, there is no way clay masks are not constantly recommended to you if you have oily or acne-prone skin. This ancient Indian ingredient makes its appearance in face masks, hair conditioners, dry shampoo, make-up, and much more. Here are some of the reasons why:

Beauty Benefits of Multani Mitti

• Cleans and absorbs oils & impurities- The rich texture of fuller’s earth absorbs any dirt, dead skin cells, and oil on your skin. This leaves your skin feeling as good as new, exfoliated, and hydrated (thanks to the heavy minerals). This makes it effective for acne treatment, blotting oil from the face, and preventing build-ups & breakouts on your skin.
• Great for tightening the skin- Multani Mitti is abounding in many minerals such as aluminum silicates, magnesium, calcium, and chlorine. The usage of this clay on your face will lead to better strength and nourishment of the cells in your skin because of the rich minerals.
• Gives you an even skin tone- With dirt and oil out of the way, you will likely notice an instant glow after using fuller’s earth. But that isn’t all - Multani Mitti improves blood circulation to the skin, which means that all your acne scars, fine lines, dark spots on face, and dark circles are healed with an increased pace. This results in lasting even skin tone.

DIY with Multani Mitti for Tan Removal

• Add 3 tbs of Multani Mitti and put it in a bowl.
• Add enough rose face water into the Mitti so that you can make a thick paste. If you would prefer it to be a little thinner, you can add more rose mist to it.
• Add a pinch of turmeric into the mix. Mix the paste well so that there are no lumps.
• Apply this paste all over your face and neck. Have some patience for 15-20 minutes. Then use lukewarm water to wash it off.
• Do this twice a week if you are having oily skin and mostly traveling in the sun. Or else, if your skin is feeling dry, you can apply nalpamaradi thailam/oil, or else use kumkumadi tailam.

• Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a product from ancient India, used in food preparation as well as skin and hair care, mainly in South India. Since it's derived from the fruit which contains minerals, coconut oil works as a peacemaker for dehydrated skin, particularly in hot weather. Traditionally used for infant massages, moisturizing, nourishment of the scalp, sunburn remedies, and many more treatments.

Beautification Benefits of Coconut Oil

• Amazing moisturizer for face: One of the thickest oils in existence; coconut oil will definitely moisturize your skin in a way that nothing else likely will. It stands as an organic, fruit-based alternative to mineral oil. There is a good chance you will be sealing much of the moisture of your skin if you happen to use coconut oil regularly to moisturize your skin.
• Prevent dry dandruff flakes: For people with dry skin, dandruff flakes often come through due to dryness on the scalp that causes an excess of dead skin cells. Though it might not be a good idea to keep the oil in your scalp for too long, rubbing coconut oil into the scalp before sleep and leaving it overnight can do magic! It would keep the moisture on your scalp while you are working with it, and would not introduce dry flakes on your scalp even after you have shampooed. Coconut oil functions as a covering  around your hair so that hydration does not escape out from the hair locks. This way, hair becomes softer, smoother, and shinier.
• Moisturizes cracked skin: Since coconut oil is high in lipid, it is the fundamental  ingredient used in most organic foot creams and lip balms. In almost no time, coconut oil heals broken heels and lips when applied regularly.

DIY Coconut-Oil and Beetroot Lip Balm

• Take one medium-sized beetroot. Wash, peel, and cut it into smaller pieces. Put this beetroot into a mixer to extract its juice. When done, filter out any remaining solid particles using a strainer.
• Take a small container (maybe use an old lip balm container) and pour your filtered beetroot juice into it.
• Add two teaspoons (more if you wish for a thicker consistency) of melted coconut oil into the beetroot juice. Mix well.
• Now, put this container into a refrigerator. Coconut oil solidifies in colder conditions, making your beetroot juice and oil mix into a solidified lip balm with a soft pink tint.
• Use this all-natural lip balm whenever you need to, but remember to always keep it refrigerated. It stays good for at least a month this way.

Parting Note 

India is a vast land full of diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines. The love for nature and the organic goodness of natural products, however, keeps us all united. All of the ingredients mentioned in this article have a rich Indian history behind them, which adds to their enticing charm.

These ancient beauty secrets and beauty tips of Indian women have been passed down for generations now, preserving the legacy, culture, and beauty of natural ingredients available in our land like nalpamaradi thailam/ oil, kumkumadi oil, bhringraj oil, saffron. Not only do they work just as good as professional products - but many times, they prove to be better and provide many benefits to skin. So, if you’re looking to switch up your skincare and haircare routines, all of these 8 ancient beauty secrets of Indian women are guaranteed to come in handy!

References:

Srinivasan, K. (2014). Turmeric and curcumin: Biological actions and medicinal applications. Current Science, 87(1), 44-53.

Saha, S., & Mukherjee, P. K. (2017). Henna (Lawsonia inermis): An overview of its traditional uses and scientific research. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 215, 19-34. 

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Kumkumadi Tailam Face Serum for Glowing Skin with Pure Sandalwood & Saffron

Briganantadi Bhringraj Hairfall Control Oil | Hair Nourishment & Healthy Scalp

Shubhr Rose Face Tonic Mist | Skin Toning & pH Balance

Nalpamaradi Turmeric Brightening Massage Oil | Skin Rejuvenation & Even Tone

Shubhr Turmeric Star Anise Ubtan Face Pack & Mask for Glowing Skin & Tan removal

Shubhr Neem Face Cleanser | Acne Control & Oil Balancing