Moringa Leaf Benefits in Skin Care

If you haven’t heard of Moringa Leaf yet, you’re about to hear it mentioned everywhere. This ancient ingredient is packed with benefits and has been used for thousands of years, and it’s about to be ubiquitous in the skin care market. Read on to learn more about why you are about to see this ingredient in skin care products everywhere.

What is the Moringa Tree?

Moringa Leaf comes from the Moringa Tree, of course. Also known as the drumstick tree, this plant is most commonly found at the base of the Himalayas in India, but Moringa Trees also grow in Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, and scattered throughout the rest of the world. The tree is named for the distinctly long pods that it produces: “Moringa” comes from a Tamil word meaning “twisted pod,” the same fruit that gives the name “drumstick tree”. These pods are edible, along with almost every other part of the tree: the seeds, leaves, flowers, and oil are also all edible and provide many benefits.

The seeds and pods are highly nutritious; they contain large amounts of protein, Vitamins A, B, C, and K, and various other nutrients that have earned it the “superfood” title. They’re often cooked like Green Beans, and are used in many international dishes. The leaves are also edible, and used similarly to herbs or Spinach as a finish in soups or atop sandwiches. The flowers and their buds are soft and can be incorporated into myriad recipes, both sweet and savory.

The oil is also edible, but it’s more known for its medicinal and cosmetic benefits. The use of Moringa Oil can be traced back thousands of years; for example, it’s mentioned inBhava Prakash, one of the texts of ayurvedic medicine, the Romans used it as a perfume, and vases of it have been found in Egyptian tombs.

How are its leaves used?

As mentioned above, the leaves are edible, but they can also be used as a health and beauty supplement. The leaves are sun-dried and then crushed, creating a bright green powder. The seeds and roots can also be turned into an oil through cold-pressing. Both the leaves and the oil can be used to reduce inflammation, heal wounds, prevent bacterial infection, and more.

Benefits of Moringa Powder

Moringa Powder is eye-catching, thanks to that bright green color, but the benefits are not to be overlooked. It’s packed with nutrients and natural chemical compounds that can be used to treat a wide variety of skin conditions and complaints, and prevent new issues from emerging. Even from ancient times, Moringa Powder has been known as a wonder ingredient.

Reduces signs of premature aging

As we age, our body slows down the production of collagen, which is what keeps our skin plump and youthful. Thanks to Vitamins C and K, Moringa preserves and boosts collagen, reducing premature signs of aging and repairing skin cells. In addition, Moringa also helps neutralize free radicals, which is also a cause of reduced collagen. Well-maintained hydration also keeps the skin looking plump and youthful.

Hydrates dry skin

Moringa Powder has a high omega content, making it a great moisturizer. Omegas regulate the skin’s natural oil production, so not only does it provide short-term benefits, but it also means that your skin will be able to restore its barrier and maintain natural hydration. The power and oil are light enough that even those prone to acne can apply it without worrying about clogging pores and creating breakouts.

Relieves inflammation

Inflammation can be caused by the environment, a specific irritant or injury, or chronic issues. When skin inflammation occurs, the skin is responding to stress by becoming swollen and red, and maybe even itchy or painful. Vitamin E slows down this response and calms the irritation, soothing the skin and restoring its natural appearance.

Boosts healing

Moringa Oil and Powder have been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes, mainly for healing wounds. Small cuts were treated with the antiseptic and healed more quickly. The same science is evident in Moringa’s ability to clear up acne quickly. By gently cleansing the spots and preventing further infection, breakouts clear up much faster when Moringa is applied.

Fights bacteria

In addition to its antiseptic properties, Moringa is also antibacterial. It’s great for treating breakouts, but can also prevent them before they even occur by keeping the skin clear of the bacteria and irritants that cause acne in the first place. By detoxifying and purifying the skin, it curbs acne, and also helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier.

Minimizes dark spots

Moringa also encourages skin cell turnover, thanks to its very high concentration of Vitamin C. This vitamin is one of the most effective nutrients for healing the skin, so not only does it help with the above issues like acne and inflammation, but it also evens skin tone by reducing the presence of discolored skin cells that create hyperpigmentation, such as acne scars. As skin cells turn over, the ones with excess melanin in them – the dark spots – are replaced with normal ones, creating a more even appearance. 

Restores your skin’s natural oils

Moringa Oil has emollient properties, meaning that it softens the skin. The composition of Moringa is also similar to the oils naturally produced by our skin. This makes it not only a great, non-greasy surface-level treatment, but also one which balances the production of natural oils. With long-term use, Moringa restores and maintains our skin’s natural hydration.

Protects against pollution

As an antioxidant, Moringa prevents the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are present thanks to pollution, and they attack the skin by penetrating into the deep layers of the epidermis and oxidizing and breaking down collagen (which, as we know, expedites signs of aging). Antioxidants, such as those present in Moringa, neutralize the free radicals, protecting the layers of the epidermis and helping the skin defend itself against pollution. Not only that, but Moringa can even heal the skin to reverse any damage that has already occurred.

How to use Moringa Leaf in your skin care ritual

If you’re wondering how you can incorporate this “miracle ingredient” into your skin care ritual, Moringa and Turmeric face masks are a great place to start. You can make your own at home and use the formulation as a mask or a spot treatment. Just step into the kitchen and follow this simple recipe:

• 1 tablespoon Moringa Powder
• ½ tablespoon Turmeric Powder
• 1 teaspoon Raw Honey
• Rose Water or Lemon Juice

Mix the ingredients together, adding Rose Water or Lemon Juice until it has reached the desired consistency. Apply for 15 minutes. Rinse and follow with moisturizer and sunscreen.

While it can be fun to DIY, the benefits of Moringa are amplified when supplemented with products that are precisely formulated to maximize the benefits. Skin Care experts have created treatments that take this ancient ingredient to the next level.

Moringa on the rise

Now that you know more about Moringa, you’ll be ahead of the curve as this ingredient emerges on the skin care market. Its newfound popularity is well-earned; not only does Moringa have many benefits on its own, but when combined with other natural ingredients like Lychee Fruit and Tamarind Seeds, expect to see incredible results. Check out our lightweight Moisturizing Hydra-Cream, sure to be a great solution for any skin type.