7 Most Popular South Asian Beauty Tips
Around For Centuries
Asian Beauty culture has long seemed attractive to the rest of the world. These beauty tips and ingredients have been around for centuries. Homemade DIY recipes are passed down from mothers to daughters.
South Asian beauty standards and health traditions are far more than just a passing fad.
Amongst all the DIY homemade products, a few stand out and have stood the test of time. Here are 7 most popular South Asian Beauty tips around for centuries.
Must-Haves In Your Cabinet - South Asian Beauty Tips
1. Turmeric (Haldi)
Turmeric(Haldi) has both topical and medicinal properties.
Homemade turmeric(Haldi) paste and scrubs are used on the face and body to brighten and bring out the skin’s natural beauty.
In South Asia, brides have used Ubtan, a paste made with turmeric(Haldi), for thousands of years. This scrub is still used for brides before their big day.
South Asians have been applying turmeric’s(Haldi) topical directly to the skin for centuries. However, at that time, they did not know its numerous health, cosmetic and beauty benefits.
For example, it can help relieve chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and atopic dermatitis.
Turmeric(Haldi) was also used as medicine. I can remember my mother using it on a cut I got when I was young as an antiseptic.
Haldi Ka Doodh, AKA golden milk, was a regular drink in my childhood home. Haldi(turmeric) has many benefits like curcumin. Studies show that it is anti-inflammatory, has antioxidants, can help prevent cancer, depression, arthritis, and much more.
If you would like to read more about the benefits of turmeric(Haldi), Healthline.com has an awesome article.
2. Henna (Mehendi)
Applying Henna(Mehendi) paste is a South Asian beauty tradition that is old as time. Mehendi paste is made from the henna plant, so sometimes, it is called henna and/or mehendi.
The paste is made with dried henna leaves crushed then into a paste with water or black tea.
South Asians have a mehendi night function for most weddings, religious holiday celebrations, for example, Eid.
Mehendi Night function is when henna(mehendi) is applied to the hands, arms, and/or feet. It is also used as a hair coloring and cooling effect.
3. Mustard Seed Oil
What is mustard seed oil good for?
South Asian Beauty routines for healthy shiny hair is to use mustard seed oil. Mustard seed oil has multiple benefits and uses, from the skin, hair to preserving food.
Massaging the oil into your hair can help strengthen it and remove fine wrinkles from the skin.
However, mustard oil has been used in recipes to add flavor and preserve food like achar(pickled mango).
If you would like to read more about the benefits of Mustard Seed Oil, Healthline.com has an awesome article.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is a high-quality, 100% natural product with tons of benefits. It has internal or external uses. Internal uses include cooking with it by adding it to your diet. External use can be anywhere from head to toe.
Coconut Oil has so many benefits, including slowing down signs of aging, providing relief for skin-related ailments, improving your hair quality, and maintaining a proper healthy weight.
Coconut Oil is a South Asian Beauty staple.
As a child, coconut oil was used regularly in my hair and massaged into my scalp.
If you would like to read more about the benefits of Coconut Oil, Healthline.com has an awesome article.
5. Honey
Honey has so many amazing properties that I don’t know where to start. It has dietary benefits, topical and medicinal properties, and cosmetics uses.
Honey is a gentle exfoliator, so it has been used in South Asian Beauty routines to make skin look refreshing and smooth.
If you would like to read more about the benefits of honey, Healthline.com has 2 awesome articles.
6. Besan (Chickpea Flour)
Chickpea Flour(Besan) has lots of vitamins and nutrients.
So many multiple uses of chickpea flour(Besan) are why it’s commonly found in most South Asian households. It is part of a daily diet routine with its many health benefits.
However, because chickpea flour(Besan) is a natural cleaner and gets rid of dirt, South Asians have used these scrubs as a natural cosmetic routine for glowing skin.
Some of the benefits of using chickpea flour(besan) are decreased tanning of the skin, lightened skin tones, and a natural exfoliator.
Check out their great face pack recipes on 24mantra.com.
If you would like to read more about the health benefits of chickpea flour, Healthline.com has fantastic article.
7. Curd (Dahi, Yogurt)
Curd is an excellent rejuvenation moisturizer. Using curd for the face or skin can help with a variety of skin problems. The lactic acid content present in curd stimulates cell turnover, which aids in fighting against wrinkles and early signs of aging.
South Asian Beauty recipes for face cleaning have included curd as the main ingredient for soft skin and natural beauty.
If you would like to read more about the health benefits of Curd (Dahi, yogurt), Healthline.com has fantastic article.
Conclusion
Have you ever thought about what all these ingredients have in common? They are found in a South Asian kitchen most of the time, and their multiple uses have been proven over many generations.
There are many natural alternatives to harmful products you can try.
Your body is your temple – keep it well moisturized and glowing!
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