Ghee has been a staple in Indian households for a long time. It has multipurpose uses that include adding flavor to the dishes, improving digestion, and healing the skin. You can also use ghee for skin care woes. Topical and oral use of ghee benefits the skin in many ways. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the benefits of ghee for your skin.
If you want to try using ghee for your skin, we can help you with the proper steps. Read this article to know more about how ghee benefits your skin, its use, and its side effects. Scroll down.
In This Article
Is It Good To Apply Ghee On Your Face?
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No. The topical application of ghee may trigger the overgrowth of Malassezia furfur, a naturally occurring yeast-like fungus, on the skin. Like any other clarified butter, ghee contains fats and cholesterol, and Malassezia feeds on lipids. A study observed that Malassezia could flourish in ghee or butter (1).
Overgrowth of Malassezia furfur can cause pityriasis versicolor (yeast infection that causes flaky patches) and seborrheic dermatitis (1). If you have oily and acne-prone skin, applying ghee can aggravate the issue. Moreover, it may also clog the skin pores and cause breakouts.
Did You Know?Cow-milk ghee is a revered ingredient in Ayurveda. In ancient practices, people got full-body ghee massages for nourishment and luster.
However, many people have used ghee on their skin, claiming it to function like a natural moisturizer. Let’s take a look at the benefits of ghee for the skin.
The Benefits Of Ghee For The Skin
Ghee is made up of carotene, butyric acid, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, B12, D, E, and K, and offers the following benefits:
1. May Moisturize The Skin
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A study found that ingesting ghee can keep the skin moisturized and reduce erythema (dryness), scaling, and itching associated with dry skin. Another study evaluated the effect of a ghee-based cream and concluded that it could help hydrate the skin (2), (3).
Related: 38 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dry Skin On The Face
2. Prevents Dark Circles
Anecdotal evidence suggests that ghee’s nourishing and hydrating properties may help maintain the delicate under-eye area and eliminate dark circles.
3. Wound Healing
A study found that a ghee and honey dressing can facilitate wound healing. The dressing has antimicrobial properties and is effective on drug-resistant microbes, promotes healthy tissue growth on the wound, and reduces foul smell, pain, and ulcers (4).
Related: How To Get Rid Of Mouth Ulcers – 15 Natural Remedies To Try
4. Good For Chapped Lips
The phospholipids from ghee help retain moisture in the skin, making ghee beneficial for cracked or dry lips.
Ghee may be beneficial for the skin when used with different ingredients and as a part of a skin care formulation. There is no scientific proof supporting the benefits of topical ghee application when used alone. All evidence is based on individual experiences. If you are not allergic to milk and want to give this age-old remedy a try, we have some recipes. Scroll down.
Related: Get Rid Of Chapped Lips Fast Using These 11 Home Remedies
How To Use Ghee For Skin
1. Gram Flour And Ghee
Gram flour is used in herbal face masks. It exfoliates the skin, reduces oiliness, and minimizes pimples (5). The lactic acid present in milk may work as a mild exfoliator and stimulate new cell growth (6).
What You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons of ghee
- 2 tablespoons of gram flour
- 1 tablespoon of milk
What You Have To Do
- Mix all the ingredients and prepare a thick paste.
- Apply the paste all over your face and neck.
- Leave it on to dry and wash it off with cold water.
How Often To Use
Use this two times a week.
2. Honey And Ghee
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Honey has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties (7). The antioxidants in it can help fight free radicals, improve skin health, and minimize signs of aging. This face mask can moisturize your skin.
What You Will Need
- ½ tablespoon of ghee
- ½ tablespoon of honey
What You Have To Do
- Mix both the ingredients.
- Apply this mixture all over your face and neck.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
How Often To Use
Use it once a day.
3. Turmeric And Ghee
Topical and oral turmeric have therapeutic benefits. It can help soothe skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, radiodermatitis, and photoaging (8). This face mask can soothe and heal your skin.
What You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of ghee
- ½ tablespoon of turmeric powder
What You Have To Do
- Mix the ingredients and apply the mixture to your face and neck.
- Leave it on until it dries.
- Wash your face with cold water.
How Often To Use
Use it twice a week.
4. Ghee For Dark Circles
Applying ghee can soften and hydrate the delicate under-eye area and improve dark circles.
What You Will Need
- 2-3 drops of ghee
What You Have To Do
- Massage the ghee under your eye.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Wash your eyes with cold water in the morning.
How Often To Use
Use it once a day.
5. Sandalwood Oil And Ghee
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Sandalwood oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has shown promising results in soothing acne, psoriasis, eczema, and warts (9). Turmeric has therapeutic benefits. When used with ghee, these ingredients can keep your skin healthy.
What You Will Need
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- 2-3 drops of sandalwood oil
- 1 tablespoon of ghee
- ½ tablespoon of turmeric powder
What You Have To Do
- Mix all ingredients to form a paste.
- Apply it to your face and neck.
- Leave the mixture on for 20 minutes.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
How Often To Use
Use it 2-3 times a week.
Fun FactThe ayurvedic way of using ghee for skin is called ‘Shata Dhauta Ghrita.’ Cow-milk ghee is washed 100 times with water during the process, and the airy whipped cream left behind is used as a moisturizer.
These are a few ways you can use ghee for skin care benefits. However, it is best to avoid ghee if you have any skin conditions or milk allergies. Scroll down to understand how ghee can have adverse effects on your skin.
Disadvantages Of Using Ghee On Your Face
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We mentioned earlier that ghee could facilitate an overgrowth of Malassezia furfur on your skin and worsen an existing skin condition. Avoid using ghee if you:
- Have eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis.
- Have oily and acne-prone skin, as ghee may clog the skin pores and cause breakouts.
- Are allergic to milk.
Using ghee may cause eczema and psoriasis flare-ups and lead to:
- Skin rashes
- Redness
- Itching and irritation
- Allergic reactions like hives
Ghee helps your health in several ways and adds flavor to the dishes. However, ghee can also benefit your skin in many ways. Consuming ghee can keep your skin glowing and improve its texture. However, it is not advisable to use ghee on the face. Applying ghee on the face can cause fungus growth and aggravate your skin issues like acne. However, many people have tested it on the skin, and claim ghee helps moisturize the skin, prevent dark circles, and heal wounds. Still, it may not suit all skin types, and you may have to be extra careful if you plan to apply it to your skin.
