Amla Benefits For Skin + 5 Top Ways To Use It

Many people don’t realize that amla can be used for skin care. Amla is truly a magical ingredient with many skin care benefits, this is mainly due to its powerful antioxidant, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

I make a number of skin care products with amla which includes amla bath powder, face pack body massage oil, serum and face cleanser. Though we get number of amla based skin care products in the markets, making them at home with fresh amla will give you the best benefits.

Amla Skin Care Benefits:

1.Promotes Procollagen:

Amla promotes procollagen production, procollagen is the precursor of collagen. Collagen is the protein which serves as one of the main building blocks for our bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It keeps the skin firm and prevents it from sagging giving us a youthful glowing skin. Due to its powerful antibacterial properties, it also helps heal wounds very very fast. We can boil amla in water and use it as a wound wash too.

2. Protects Against UV Induced Photo Ageing:

It is very effective against UV induced photo aging too. At a concentration of 0.5 mg per ml, amla extract was very effective in in protecting the skin from UVB induced collagen damage. You can read the study that supports this claim here. Amla is a rich dietary source of many essential vitamins and minerals for good skin health like vitamin C, minerals, amino acids and phenolic compounds which also keeps our skin glowing when consumed regularly..

3. Rich In Antioxidants:

Amla is a rich antioxidants and antioxidants are very essential for fighting off free radicals which are the major cause of premature aging of our skin. Because of its antioxidant properties it helps reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of various health problems which includes skin problems too.

Amla Juice & Skin Care:

Not only external application but oral intake of amla juice regularly also helps improve skin condition significantly. In a study, 99 healthy female subjects were divided into three groups. The first group received a drink containing 25 mg of lingonberry and 30 mg of amla fruit extract.

The second group received a drink containing double the volume of extracts of the first group and the third group recoeved placebo drink. Each participant drank 50 ml of their assigned drink everyday for 12 weeks.

After 12 weeks, there was a significant improvement in skin thickness, skin elasticity, stratum corneum water content and there was improvement in wrinkles too. The improvement was more in the second group compared to the first group.

5 Top Ways To Use Amla For Skin Care

1. Amla Face Cleanser

This amla face cleanser is an effective anti acne face cleanser. To make the cleanser, soak 2 reethas after removing their seeds in water overnight. The next day, they will be soft to touch, to that add 2 deseeded amlas and 2 cups of water and boil for 10 minutes till the water has reduced and strain. Use this as a face cleanser. To use, take it in a piece of cotton and apply all over the face and neck, massage for a few seconds and then wash it off.

2. Amla Face Pack

For the face pack, take a tbsp amla powder and orange peel powder in a bowl. Add in rice water to form a paste and apply as a face pack. Wait for it to dry and then wash it off. This face pack brightens dull skin very effectively.

3. Amla Bath Powder

I usually make a bath and face wash powder with amla powder, besan, orange peel powder and kasturi turmeric powder. It is very effective for reducing dark spots and blemishes. For using, you can mix it with either rose water, rice water or milk depending upon your skin type, you can find the recipe for it here.

4. Amla Juice:

Amla juice is one of the best ingredients for skin care and it can be made in many ways. In my opinion, amla juice doesn’t taste good on its own so I always prefer to add it to juices to mask the taste. Try  making the juice when the amlas are still fresh for better taste. You can find my favourite amla juice recipe here.

5. Amla Oil For Skin:

For the body massage oil, grate 5 amla in a bowl, sun dry till crisp and take it in a bowl. Add in 1/4 cup dried rose petals to it and add in a cup of virgin olive oil. Let it steep for a week and then strain. Use this as a body massage oil, it will help treat all skin problems.