7 benefits of applying neem paste on your skin

For centuries now, we have read about the ayurvedic benefits of neem in skincare. It is an herb that plays a key role in all ayurvedic medicines that help in improving the glow of our skin.  It has Nimbin, Nimbolide, Nimbinen, Ninbinene, Nimandial, and several other beneficial compounds that are used for adding to the glow of our skin and in treating any problems related to it. These compounds have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for the skin.

Why is neem good for the skin?

Neem for skin works almost like an elixir. It has countless benefits when it comes to improving the skin and making it clear. Not only does it help in curing a lot of skin problems, but it also helps in restoring its sheen. Applying neem paste on the skin directly has several benefits. You can soak the neem leaves in clean water for a while and mix it to create a paste in an electric mixer or a mortar and pestle.

• Toning of the skin

Neem leaves can be used to make an excellent toner for your skin. You can boil neem leaves in water and once the water cools down you can dip a cotton ball in it and use it as a toner. A paste can also be made by boiling neem leaves with orange peel in water. Add some yogurt, honey, and milk to this water once it has boiled down a little to form a smooth paste. Apply it on the face till it starts to feel dry and then rinse it off with cold or lukewarm water.

• Moisturizing

A very important step in your neem skincare regime is moisturizing your skin with neem to give your skin a little extra care. Using a moisturizer that as neem leaves as a component helps in keeping the skin soft and supple.  Alternatively, you can make a paste out of neem leaves and a few drops of rapeseed oil to apply on your face as a moisturizer. Keep this paste for 15 minutes and then rinse it off only with water. 

• Skin lightening

You can use neem paste for skin whitening as its anti-fungal properties help in lightening any scars and pigmentation that has been caused by acne. You can mix neem paste with turmeric and apply it on your body also for perfect, glowing skin. A paste of neem leaves made with sandalwood powder or turmeric along with rosewater also helps in removing any tanning that you have on your face or arms.

• Removing pimples

Neem leaves are known to cure pimples on your face. A paste or decoction made out of neem leaves can be applied directly to your pimples for drying them out and for getting smooth skin. You can leave this paste on your skin overnight. If you have dry skin you can add a few drops of any essential oil to this paste which will prevent the skin from feeling dry. You can apply water boiled with neem leaves on your face overnight without any side effects.  This water helps in will clearing acne, acne scars, pigmentation, skin discoloration, whiteheads, and blackheads.

• For a healthy scalp

Simply add a cup of fresh neem leaves to boiling water and then use this water as the last rinse after you have shampooed your hair. Neem water helps in moisturizing a dry scalp, curing dandruff and hair fall issues. You can also apply neem paste to your scalp for an hour and then wash it off with the shampoo if you do not want your hair to smell of neem. Make sure you use the conditioner along with the shampoo otherwise your hair might feel a little dry.

• Removes dark circles

In case you do not have access to fresh neem leaves, you can use neem powder which is easily available to make a neem paste. Mix this with plain water or rose water to make a smooth paste and apply it on the dark circle around the eyes. Leave the paste for fifteen minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. You need to do this regularly for the dark circles to disappear.

• Anti-aging properties

The regenerative properties of neem help the skin in fighting the pathogens under it. This leads to a supple and smooth skin devoid of any wrinkles. Regular application of neem oil on the face or a face pack mixed with neem powder has an ant-aging effect on the skin. 

Side effects of neem

You can apply neem paste to your skin daily without any side effects. In case you feel that it tends to dry out your skin, add any skin oil to the neem paste and do not keep it on the face overnight. Once you rinse it off, apply a moisturizer on your skin.

Neem has been called a wonder herb because its benefits are not only restricted to skincare. This bitter plant has the power to add sweetness to your life by making your skin glow like the sun.