8 Amazing Benefits Of Neem For Skin

Indian lilac, commonly known as neem, is a popular evergreen tree that grows up to 50 feet high. Scientifically named Azadirachta indica, neem tree belongs to the Meliaceae or mahogany family. Neem is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, but it can also be found in the Middle East.

Neem is highly popular as a medicinal plant. Its leaves and leaf extracts are commonly used for their antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing properties. The seeds, bark, roots, and neem oil extracts are also used for different medicinal and beauty purposes.

Neem is used in the treatment of eczema, acne, psoriasis, blackheads, and pigmentation, among others. Neem leaves can also improve the health of your skin and hair; that is why they are a common ingredient in soaps, lotions, shampoos, and creams.

# Treats acne

Neem leaves are highly useful in controlling oil production in the skin and can therefore be useful in the treatment and prevention of acne. Additionally, the antibacterial properties of neem fight acne-causing bacteria, thus reducing acne flares.

How to use:

- For spot treatment, apply neem oil to your acne or pimples.
- For daily use, mix neem oil with water or other carrier oils such as rosehip oil or jojoba oil to make a face oil. Apply this face oil to your face every day before bedtime.
- You can also mix neem leaves with orange peel and water and boil. Once the leaves soften, sieve them out and grind them into a paste. Mix the paste with lemon juice and honey. Apply the mixture to your face and wash it off once dry. Repeat this remedy 1–2 times a week.

# Cleanses and shrinks pores

The use of neem on your face can help cleanse your skin pores and tighten them. This, in turn, helps in the management of blackheads and whiteheads.

How to use:

- Mix 1 tsp of neem bark paste with 2 pinches of turmeric. Apply the paste to your neck and face, and wash it off after 5–10 minutes.
- Dry some neem leaves and grind them into a fine powder. Add a few drops of rosewater to the neem powder to form a paste. Apply the paste to your neck and face, and wash it off after 15 minutes.

# Moisturizes skin

Neem is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that nourish, condition, and moisturize the skin. Using neem can relieve skin dryness without making the skin oily.

In addition, the vitamin E in neem helps in skin repair and protects the skin from environmental damage. These properties of neem, in the long term, can make your skin clear and youthful.

How to use:

- Mix a few drops of grape seed oil with 1 tbsp of neem powder to form a paste. Apply it to your face, and wash it off after 20 minutes.
- Mix mashed papaya with neem powder, and apply the paste to your face. Wash it off with cold water after 30 minutes.

# Fades under-eye dark circles

It is common to develop dark circles under the eyes, often due to fatigue. Neem can be beneficial in fading these dark circles owing to its antioxidant and moisturizing properties.

The antioxidants improve the skin pigmentation, giving your skin an even skin tone.

How to use:

- Make a paste by combining neem powder with water and a few drops of sweet almond oil. Apply the paste around the eyes, and wash it off after 15 minutes. Repeat this remedy once a day.
- Use neem oil diluted with olive oil to massage the skin around your eyes at least 2–3 times a week.

# Fights signs of aging

Skin aging is a natural phenomenon that causes skin sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. However, these aging signs may also appear in young individuals, known as premature aging, due to constant exposure to UV rays.

Therefore, it is vital to take care of your skin from a young age to prevent or delay skin aging. You can use neem powder for the same, as its abundant nutrients and antioxidants exhibit antiaging effects.

Applying neem to your face can tighten and tone your skin. Using oatmeal with neem exfoliates and nourishes your skin. Similarly, milk and honey soften and moisturize the skin.

How to use:

- Mix 1/2 cup of oatmeal with 2 tbsp of milk, 2 tsp of neem paste or powder, and 1 tsp of honey. Apply the mixture to your face and scrub in circular motions for a few seconds. Wash your face using cold water once dry.
- Boil neem leaves in 2 cups of water until the liquid reduces to half and sieve the mixture. Use this neem-infused water to wash your face two times daily.

# Soothes skin

As mentioned above, neem has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin. Neem also has a cooling effect on the skin, which can be beneficial for treating skin sensitivity.

In addition, the moisturizing properties of neem have a soothing effect on dehydrated or dry skin.
Cleansing your skin with a mild neem soap or dabbing the area with neem tea (soak neem tea bags in water and use it) can help you get rid of the irritation.

How to use:

- Use neem soaps to cleanse your skin daily.
- Using a cotton ball, dab some neem tea on the affected area.
- Make a paste by combining neem powder and aloe vera gel, and apply it to the cleansed skin. Massage in the paste, and wash it off after 15 minutes.
- Dilute neem oil with coconut oil, and use the oil blend to gently massage the irritated skin. Wash off the oil with lukewarm water after 45 minutes.

# Treats wounds and scars

Neem has been shown to aid in wound healing and prevent scar formation. Its antiseptic properties prevent infections, and its rich fatty acids can boost wound healing and support skin health.

How to use:

- Apply neem oil to your scars or wounds daily.
- Boil 15–20 neem leaves in one cup of water, and use this neem tea to wash the affected areas.

# Prevents skin infections

As mentioned above, the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of neem help control the growth of infection-causing microbes. This is why neem is often used in the treatment of athlete’s foot and other skin infections.

Neem can also help treat the skin redness, inflammation, dryness, and itchiness associated with different bacterial or fungal infections.

How to use: Dilute 1 tsp of neem oil with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Use the oil blend to massage your feet or other affected areas before bedtime. Repeat this remedy daily.