All-Natural Amla Oil Brightens, Firms and Hydrates for Youthful Skin from Head to Toe
It’s been used for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine thanks to its long list of skin (and hair) benefits
Oiling our skin has been around for centuries, thanks to the plentiful skin-loving benefits that come with many natural oils. Still, today, applying oil to both our body and facial skin is a common practice in many’s skincare routines to combat dryness, firm skin, brighten and more. Moreover, a huge plus to many of the skin care oils available is that they’re natural, and don’t have to break the bank. One of our personal favorites is amla oil, an ingredient that has traditionally been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for both skin and hair. And we’re not the only ones who think so—we tapped a skincare expert and doctor to find out why they love amla oil for skin as well. Keep reading for the benefits of amla oil for skin, how to apply it and the best amla oil-infused skin care products.
What is amla oil?
Amla oil originally comes from the fruit of the Indian gooseberry tree, which is why you may hear it called Indian gooseberry oil. The fruit is dried and then cold pressed to extract the oil. Amla oil is very high in vitamin C and abundant in fatty acids and antioxidants, making it a hero ingredient to use on hair and skin.
The benefits of amla oil for skin
Pratima Raichur, an Ayurvedic physician, doctor of Naturopathy and founder of Pratima Skincare, says that amla oil offers many skincare benefits. Per Dr. Raichur, the oil does the following for skin.
Amla oil promotes collagen production to firm skin
Collagen is an essential protein that our bodies naturally produce but make less and less of as we age. It helps with the elasticity in our skin as well as our hair health and many other skin functions. One reason why we love amla oil is that it promotes collagen production thanks to its high vitamin C concentrations which support collagen.
Amla oil brightens and evens out skin tone
In the winter, you may notice particularly dull skin. Amla oil can help give skin a brightening boost and even out your skin tone. Again, this is thanks to its vitamin C, which is known to brighten and enliven skin tone, as well as protect from environmental damage.
Amla oil protects skin from sun damage
Speaking of protection, amla oil not only guards skin against environmental damage and photoaging, but it also repairs and protects skin from sun damage, due to antioxidants in the oil.
Amla oil hydrates skin
Additionally, Mona Gohara, MD, a Yale-trained dermatologist based in Connecticut says, “like other oils, amla oil can help to combat skin dryness.” This is due to the oil’s fatty acids and vitamins C and E that work together to restore the skin’s moisture levels.
Amla oil purifies skin
Amla oil is considered an astringent, meaning it can help with oil production in both your skin and scalp.
Amla oil can heal wounds
Not only does amla oil give your skin beautifying benefits, but it can also treat inflammation and aid in wound healing.
How to use amla oil for skin
Use amla oil as a face mask
One way to try out amla oil for your skin is by making a DIY amla oil face mask. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbs. of plain yogurt (its lactic acid whisks away dead, dry skin cells), 1 tsp. of honey (it hydrates skin) and 2 drops of amla oil. Apply evenly all over a clean dry face and let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat skin dry with a towel. Immediately follow up with your go-to moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Use amla oil as a body scrub
You can also reap the benefits of amla oil as a scrub. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbs. of amla oil and 2 Tbs. of brown sugar (its granules gently exfoliate skin). While showering, massage the scrub onto damp skin using circular motions for one minute and focus on areas that may need exfoliation the most, like elbows, knees and heels. Rinse off with warm water, then pat skin dry and moisturize with body lotion to seal in hydration.
Best amla oil skin care products
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