How to use neem for all your skin, hair and body issues?
An ancient method - Neem! Whether you agree or not, our grandparents were always right about their methods and now look at us, incorporating the same old natural ingredients into our skincare, haircare and body health. Neem has always been that old age method that still gives out astonishing results and maybe that’s why it was a cult favourite of our mothers and grandmothers and widely used. And why shouldn’t it be? The advantages it serves are amazing. The word “neem” is derived from the sanskrit word “Nimba” that means “bestower of good health”
It’s no doubt or surprising that Indians use it the most for their skin, body or medicinal purpose. It’s even native to the Indian subcontinent and is said to have been found in countries such as India, Burma, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal and a lot more. The thing about this tree is that it is even wild in dry forest and cultivated in all but the highest, coldest part of the country.
Did you know that neem is also widely known as “Wonder Tree”? It has excellent medicinal properties and that’s why it is given this name.
Neem is filled with antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties. The seeds of neem contain azadirachtin (an active compound used to fight skin and hair affecting parasites. The oil of this is made up of vitamins, omega fatty acids, triglycerides and other components. All these are enough to let us know that this will be of an excellent use for all of us! The use of neem is so wide - skin, hair and body! Some of them being -
1. Neem for skin soothing
A component known as ‘nimbidin’ is present in neem through which it gets its anti - inflammatory properties. Because of this only, neem is one of the major natural ingredients used to soothe skin. Problems such as itchy skin, inflamed skin, rashes, sunburn and even major skin irritation concerns like eczema and psoriasis can be nicely covered.
2. Neem for acne & breakouts
The same component - nimbidin, is what makes it useful here too and a great agent for anti - acne treatment. A great source for long term use, it gets rid of existing acne and the bacteria that causes acne ahead. A plus point being it balances the oil production of skin and balances pH level of skin - ensuring there are lesser blackheads, clogged pores and acne.
3. Neem for dandruff
Itchy scalp issues are a hot concern for everyone. Due to antifungal and antibacterial properties, neem is good if you want your scalp to be dandruff free and healthy. It works if you want to get rid of flakiness, dryness and itchiness and keeps your scalp moisturised. It’s actually a natural ingredient if you want a healthy scalp.
4. Neem for hair growth
Due to its regenerative properties, it’s a great way if you are in need of hair growth. The anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antioxidant properties increase blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles - resulting in hair growth. All of these results in neem giving your hair a lustrous, shiny and thick texture.
5. Neem for bacteria
Our body has a wide range of bacteria and they’re a mix of both good and bad. The good ones help us to digest and we won’t be able to function without them. Neem is helpful here because it helps the body to combat harmful bacteria and makes sure it doesn't overgrow. The consumption of neem makes sure your colon stays clean and free of infection.
6. Neem for dental or oral health
This one might be a surprise but neem contains antiseptic and astringent properties that are great for dental and oral problems. It has been used since old times extensively for removing cavities and gum diseases - all the credit goes to its antibacterial properties present because of the component nimbidin.
The real question arises here… How can we use it in our routine? For all of the above, we can incorporate it into our skincare and haircare routine, in many ways.
A. For oily skin
People with oily skin spend half of their life wiping off oil from their face and the other half worrying about acne or pimples. As said, neem is effective in controlling the sebum production and oil - that makes it a wonderful ingredient for oily skin or acne prone people. It can be used as a cleanser or toner and serve as a great astringent. The products recommended by Sublime Life are -
- WishCare Neem Tea Tree Face Wash - This cleanser purifies skin by breaking down dead skin cells and increase turnover and helps control acne breakouts.
- Ekavi - Keva | Soft Resurfacing Toner - This works by actively exfoliating dead skin cells, stimulate collagen production, refines the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores.
B. For dry skin
Dry skin types have the hardest time looking for a suitable serum, cleanser or moisturiser that doesn't dry out their skin. Because of fatty acids and Vitamin E, it’s a great ingredient for healing dried and damaged skin and because of antiseptic properties keeps bacteria at bay. Products with the shot for dry skin are -
- Coccoon Purifying Face Cleanser With White Tea & Neem - With anti-ageing properties, it’s best if you want your skin to be hydrated and out of wrinkles, fine lines and acne but need intense hydration.
- Ras Luxury Oils Ultra Hydrate Multi Purpose Gel- When in need of plump and soft skin, this is all you need. It even soothes skin and boosts collagen.
C. For normal skin
If normal skin people are dealing with any kind of problem - hyperpigmentation, sunburn etx, neem is of use here. It helps with uneven skin tone, reduces dark spots, redness, fine lines, wrinkles and gives healthy and glowing skin. You can always go for -
- Dr. Sheth’s Neem & BHA Spot Clarifying Serum - Gets rid of dark spots or pigmentation, increases cell turnover and collagen production and clears out acne and blackheads.
D. For hair
When it comes to hair issues - dandruff, combating hair loss, promoting hair growth, cleansing scalp and lice, you can always make hair packs at home.
- Coconut oil and neem hair mask - Mixing up 2-3 tbsp of coconut oil and 20-30 fresh neel leaves is a great way to promote hair growth, combat dandruff and improve hair texture. Apply it onto your scalp for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with a gentle shampoo. This one surely is the solution to all your hair woes.
-Aparna Das
