6 Skin and Hair Benefits of Amla

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), also known as Indian gooseberry, emblic or myrobalan, is a small to medium deciduous tree with edible fruit, referred to by the same name. The fruit are quite fibrous and have a sour taste with bitter and astringent notes. They are valued for their high content of ascorbic acid and tannins that give these fruits antioxidant properties.

Amla powder (dried and powdered fruits) and amla oil are widely used in skin and hair care. This plant is believed to boost hair growth, combat skin aging, brighten complexion, eliminate acne, etc. Let’s learn more about the beauty benefits of this Ayurvedic plant and how you can use it to take care of your skin and hair.

Has Anti-Aging Properties

As we’ve already mentioned above, amla is rich in antioxidants, and antioxidants neutralize free radicals that are considered one of the primary causes of skin aging. Facial packs with amla help reduce fine lines and prevent premature wrinkles, reduce age spots and other kinds of pigmentation, boost the production of collagen to maintain the skin’s natural elasticity, and give the skin a natural glow, making you look healthy and well-rested.

Combats Acne

Acne is a skin disease caused by a combination of clogged pores and bacteria reproducing on the skin surface. Amla eliminates both causes of acne: on the one hand, it normalizes sebum secretion and balances the skin, keeping your pores from getting clogged; on the other hand, it kills pathogenic bacteria and prevents inflammation thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, amla exfoliates and cleanses the skin, brightens complexion, and prevents greasy shine throughout the day.

Reduces Pore Size

Thanks to its astringent properties, amla shrinks enlarged pores and restores skin firmness and elasticity. If you have oily skin, you can make a face pack by mixing amla powder with rose water. If you have dry skin, add some sweet almond oil or olive oil to the mixture, or use plain unsweetened yogurt instead of rose water.

Prevents Dandruff

Amla oil is a popular scalp treatment. It prevents dry scalp, relieves itching and flaking, and kills the bacteria and fungi responsible for dandruff. If you have oily scalp, you can substitute amla powder mixed with water for amla oil. Amla hair packs are as effective as amla oil, but they are less likely to make your hair look greasy and untidy.

Strengthens the Hair and Boosts Hair Growth

Scalp massages with amla oil boost microcirculation in the scalp and improve the nourishment of hair follicles, stimulating the growth of stronger and healthier hair. To achieve good results, massage your scalp with warm amla oil at least once a week. If you don’t have any amla oil, you can make DIY massage oil by mixing amla powder with melted coconut oil.

Conditions the Hair

If you soak amla powder overnight and than strain the water, you can use this water as the last rinse when washing your hair. It will act as a natural conditioner, providing your hair with nutrients and making it softer and more manageable. However, you need to keep in mind that amla can color the hair, so you should use this conditioner with caution if you have light hair. But if your hair is medium to dark in color, you have nothing to worry about.