7 Super benefits of Neem leaves for our skin

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The neem or Azadirachta indica has a harmonious relationship with the people of India and other Asian countries. It not only provides cool shade but offers numerous health benefits to mankind.

If you’re searching for a natural herb to help you solve your skin problems, then there is none better than the neem leaf. Popularly known as the ‘wonder leaf’, neem is often not recognized for its beauty benefits. By including neem in its various forms, we can assure glowing and healthy skin.

The most common way to use this herb is to grind the leaves into a paste. All that needs to be done is to dry the leaves, make a powder and add a little water to form a paste. Oils, soaps and creams are also available options in the market. But let’s go natural for now.

Here are 7 major benefits of neem for your skin:

It lightens scars:

Regular usage of neem paste is helpful for treating blemishes on the skin such as the scars left by wounds, acne, pimples and burns. Apply a little turmeric, tulsi and sandalwood powder to the neem paste before applying it to the affected area to see best results.

It treats acne and pigmentation:

Neem leaves can work as an effective face pack against acne. Just boil a few neem leaves in water, apply it onto your face and leave it to dry. You can also benefit from the marvellous benefits of tulsi/basil leaves by adding them to the mix. Wash it off after a few minutes. The anti-bacterial properties of the herb will prevent new breakouts of acne. Adding gram flour and lemon to the paste can prove to be an excellent remedy for pigmentation issues. Dark circles around the eyes can also be treated.

It controls the effects of oily skin:

You can counter the excessive oil secretion by sebaceous gland using a neem cucumber face pack.  Using a facepack consisting of neem leaves, yogurt and lemon for twenty minutes will keep your skin free from grease and oil. It effectively sets a smooth skin tone.

It is an effective skin moisturizer:

For those who suffer from dry skin, a neem pack is an excellent moisturizer. Add some neem powder with a few drops of honey or grape seed oil and apply it on your face. Leave it to dry for a few minutes. Rinse the pack off with cold water to keep your skin hydrated at all times.

It aids exfoliation:

Dead skin cells can be easily removed from your skin using neem leaves. With age, our skin can get a dull complexion due the death of many skin cells. Exfoliating the face on a weekly basis will bring back your glowing skin. Adding ground orange peel powder and olive oil to the neem paste will act as the perfect face scrub. Wash it off after fifteen minutes using lukewarm water. Doing this clears the skin pores and causes the blackheads and whiteheads to vanish slowly.

It treats infections:

Regular baths in neem water will protect you from skin infections. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties soothe irritations, reduce body odour and prevent inflammation without causing the skin to dry.  Neem paste is renowned for the treatment of common skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis.

It has excellent anti-aging properties:

Neem leaves help you look young by fighting the pathogens below the skin surface. You can reduce the effects of aging like wrinkles by applying neem powder mixed with sandalwood powder on the skin. Dull and wrinkled skin will make way for soft and shiny skin.

These days, neem is often replaced in favour of more expensive skin care products. However, for overall well-being and health, Ayurvedic and Homeopathic practitioners highly recommend its natural use.

Joel M Jacob