Struggling With Acne And Dry Hair? Neem Is Your Answer 

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Our skin and our hair – like the rest of our body – can be damaged by our daily experiences. Environmental issues include excess pollution and high heat. Modern-day treatments like hair dye, bleach, harmful skincare products, and hair dryers can also cause damage, especially if they’re overused or used incorrectly. 

Thankfully, we have neem to help combat some of these damaging effects. 

Understanding Neem

Neem is a natural herb that comes from the Indian lilac tree, which grows in tropical climates. Each part of the tree is useful, from the bark to the flowers to the leaves. 

This herb is actually widely used for health products including toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and mosquito repellant. Due to neem’s antimicrobial properties, it proves especially useful for hair and skin care. 

Key Properties of Neem

Neem is anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal, making it helpful for clearing up skin problems like acne. It is also a great source of fatty acids and Vitamin E, giving it anti-aging properties, too. These same acids, coupled with its anti-bacterial nature, can help with wound healing and the reduction of visible scars. 

Neem possesses a wide range of health properties that can transform our skin and hair. No matter what your needs are, there’s likely a type of hair or skin care that includes neem and can help address your concerns. 

Face Massage

After washing your face and patting it dry, you can take a few drops of neem oil on your fingertips and massage it into your face and neck for 5-7 minutes. Depending on your needs, you can dilute neem oil in carrier oils like olive oil or jojoba oil. When finished, gently wipe off any excess oil. 

The Vitamin E and fatty acids found in neem help to nourish dry skin. This, combined with a face massage, can help to restore moisture, combat dryness, and improve skin texture. As long as this practice is done consistently, it can even reduce the appearance of fine lines, lighten dark spots, and protect your skin from pollution. 

Face Wash

Boil a handful of neem leaves in 500 ml of water, until the leaves become soft and the water turns a light green color. After filtering this water, you can use it for washing your face once daily. 

The high fatty acid content, coupled with the anti-inflammatory properties of neem, can help to soothe and heal sensitive skin. It can also prevent blackheads, treat acne, and even soothe skin conditions like eczema. 

Facial Steaming

In a wide-mouthed vessel, add one liter of water, a handful of neem leaves, and ¼ tsp of turmeric powder. After bringing it to a boil, remove it from the fire and lean over the vessel so that your face is just above the water. Cover your head with a towel and steam your face for 7-10 minutes. Pat your face dry. 

This serves as a deep cleanse for your skin, helping to soften and remove blackheads. It also increases blood flow which improves circulation and promotes collagen production. If you’re wanting to use a face pack or mask, the best time is immediately following this steaming process. 

Scalp Massage

Warm 20-30 ml of neem oil. Part your hair, apply the oil directly to your scalp along that part, and repeat all over your head. Apply any remaining oil to the palms of your hands and massage your scalp with your fingertips for 10-15 minutes. Leave the oil in your hair for 20-30 minutes and then rinse using an herbal shampoo. 

Massaging with neem oil can help improve blood circulation and strengthen the roots of your hair. If done consistently, it can also promote the growth of stronger and healthier hair. 

Hair Mask

Warm 50 ml of coconut oil and mix in 1 tsp of neem powder. Apply this mixture to your hair from roots to tips. After it’s been applied everywhere, gently massage the roots for a couple of minutes. Then, leave it for 20 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo. 

This is especially useful for anyone experiencing hair loss, struggling with frizz, or looking to add more volume. If you regularly use heat tools to style your hair, be sure to integrate this into your routine at least once each week. 

Neem Infusion

Boil 10 neem leaves in a cup of water until the leaves become soft. Filter the water and drink it after it has cooled some and is lukewarm. 

Drink this neem infusion daily to help support the overall health of your skin and hair. Whether you deal with dandruff, blackheads, or psoriasis, this regular practice can help to ease your symptoms. 

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