Ghee is one of those natural products that have stood the test of time in India. Sweets, dals, biryani, khichdi, chapati or even in milk, the addition of ghee makes it all so much better. Its over-arching properties have now caught on in the rest of the world, and the Internet is rife with the virtues of this superfood. From helping with constipation to clearing up acne, ghee can pretty much do it all. For now though, we’ll just talk about how to use ghee topically on your skin and the very good reasons for doing so.
Ghee isn’t the most popular when it comes to using topically save for maybe on the lips during winters – but here’s why you should be using it on your face.
Moisturiser
The rich fatty acids in ghee help moisturise and make skin supple and soft. It’s particularly useful in the harsh winters. Apply a thin layer of ghee to chapped lips before going to bed. It’s delicious so try not to lick it off! You’ll wake up to noticeably softer lips.
While ghee moisturises the skin, you cannot use it as a leave-in moisturiser. To use it effectively warm some ghee till it’s lukewarm and then apply it on your face and neck 10 minutes before a bath. It’ll create a great barrier between the face wash and your skin and prevent it from drying out too much. With consistent use, you might even have to skip the moisturiser altogether. Imagine the amount of money you’ll save!
Soothes burns
Ghee has medicinal properties whether topically applied or ingested. Indian mums have been applying it to mild burns for hundreds of years. Not only does it soothe the burned area it also helps heal the skin quickly.
Heals cuts and small wounds
A bit of ghee mixed with turmeric is magic on wounds. The turmeric acts as an antiseptic and the ghee soothes and heals the wound. Together, the combination is unbeatable.
Skin smoothing
Either you include ghee in your diet or apply it topically for smoother skin. The effects on the skin would take longer to show if you ingest it, but applying it to the skin, increases elasticity and smoothens out any wrinkles or unevenness. Acne, rough skin, bumpy skin – ghee can help. The only caveat is, it must be used consistently. To see results use it at least 3 times a week, for a month.
Helps defy skin age
The beauty market is bloated with age-defying creams and lotions and serums. But you really don’t need to look further than the jar of ghee sitting in your kitchen. Regular application of pure ghee to skin can work wonders. Without fail, apply some ghee to your face and neck before a bath. The fatty acids will plump up your skin and hydrate it to hide wrinkles and crow’s feet. Do not expect miracles in one or two applications. Consistency is key. That being said, the application of ghee will not make you look ageless. It’ll just help reduce the visibility of wrinkles and add a glow to your skin.
Elbows and knees
These are pain points with most people. Knees and elbows tend to darken and look patchy. Rub ghee into your knees and elbow before bed. Ensure it’s fully absorbed into your skin like a moisturiser, else it’ll stain your bedsheets permanently. One of the reasons knees and elbows turn darker is because they aren’t moisturised adequately and tend to dry out easily. Application of ghee over a period of time can slowly reduce the patchiness.
