7 Homegrown Natural Indian Beauty Ingredients That Promise Glowing Skin

GHEE : "I am a huge believer in the power of fats, not just to be used topically but also consumed orally. And, ghee is an excellent moisturizer for your skin inside out! During my Ayurveda course I learnt to make the Shatdhautaghritam or '100 times washed ghee with copper utensils'. I often use this salve for very dry patches on my skin or as a healing ointment for skin related injuries. I also consume 1-2 tablespoon of warm ghee on an empty stomach in the morning to nourish my body."

BESAN: "Every Indian woman is familiar with besan. This natural clay is very alkalizing and can be used directly on damp skin as a cleanser. It is more portent when used with a few pinches of turmeric, yoghurt and honey."

SAFFRON: "I love Kashmiri kesar and the beautiful original aroma that it spreads when used in food, I also love the effects kesar has on skin. It is very potent when it comes to removing scars and a few strands mixed with milk work wonders as a healing moisturizer (and a delicious drink too!)"

COCONUT: "Everyone is aware of the benefits of coconut oil in haircare and even food. However, coconut meat is an equally effective moisturizer. You can blend it with some natural aloe vera and use it as a mask directly on your skin . It is extremely nourishing, soothing and would definitely make you feel very rejuvenated."

COPPER AND BRONZE BEAUTY TOOLS: "Heavy metals such as copper (tamba) are associated with sun in Ayurveda and Kansa is one of the most nourishing alloy of copper and zinc for the skin. Using a facial tool made of these heavy metals is great for lymphatic drainage from the face and improves skin health. While this isn’t part of the traditional cleansing, toning and moisturising routine, it can be a great addition to it."

TURMERIC: "Any compilation on Indian beauty ingredients would be incomplete without referring to turmeric - an ingredient to which an entire ceremony called haldi is dedicated during Indian marriages. This antiseptic spice is very healing and potent for the skin when mixed with yoghurt, natural clay such as multani mitti or fuller’s earth and besan."

ROSE WATER: "Last but not the least , fabled to be invented by the Indian Mughal Queen Mehrunissa or Nur Jahan, the rose water has beautiful toning properties for the skin and works with all skin types including the sensitive skin."