Moringa offers so many benefits for the whole body. Did you know that moringa can help support a healthy immune system, improve energy, and even support thyroid function? Not only does moringa support our health internally, but also it helps support the body externally through the skin.
The moringa tree is traditionally used by people throughout India and Ghana as more than just a nutritious food source. The seeds, flowers, and bark are also utilized in medicines, teas, and even for hair and skin. Here are 5 ways that moringa benefits the health and look of the skin.
We offer three simple DIY recipes for moringa skincare towards the second half of this post!
5 Reasons Moringa is Good for Your Skin
If you’re ready for the DIY recipes, scroll to the second part of this article! We’ll provide a little bit of the health background first, offering insight into why moringa is so good for your skin.
1. Moringa boosts skin’s natural collagen production.
Moringa is high in vitamin C which is an essential nutrient for the body to produce collagen naturally. Collagen helps to give the skin a younger look by supporting the structure of the skin. More collagen in the skin helps to increase the firmness of the skin and decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin C stabilizes collagen because it’s a cofactor for the enzyme responsible for securing and cross-linking collagen fibers.
Moringa face mask DIY recipes below!
2. Moringa can slow signs of early aging.
While the vitamin C in moringa helps to support collagen and the look of skin externally, it also plays an important role internally as well. As the body ages, it becomes less efficient at neutralizing the free radicals that begin to build up in the body. Free radicals from oxidative stress cause damage to different organs and tissues in the body, including the skin.
That’s why increasing antioxidants is important to maintaining a youthful glow and look to the skin. Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants, along with vitamin A and B, which moringa also contain. Moringa is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties which also helps to decrease oxidative stress and free radicals.
3. Moringa can help dry or oily skin.
Whether the skin is oily or dry, the properties in moringa can help to benefit both skin types. The high antioxidants in moringa mentioned above, helps the body switch from a state of stress to a state or repair, moving from sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system. This down regulation of the stress response decreases the inflammatory markers that triggers oil production.
For drier skin, the B vitamins in moringa can help act as a natural humectant which retains and preserves moisture in the skin’s outermost layer. The oil in moringa can even penetrate into the skin tissue and bring moisture in.
4. Moringa can help with acne.
Most breakouts are caused by sebum, an oily secretion, from the sebaceous glands mixing with dead cells and blocking pores. Since moringa can help with reducing oil production on the skin, this helps with reducing the build up that blocks the pores. In addition, moringa helps to balance the hormones and reduce the negative impacts of stress because of the high antioxidant content. Hormone imbalances and increased stress are both associated with acne.
5. Moringa can support wound healing.
While this is not scientifically proven (yet), there are studies that point towards moringa having an effect on wound healing. We all know that when a pimple gets popped, it often gets worse before it gets better. This is because an open wound or cut on the skin leaves it vulnerable to bacteria and infection. Moringa may be able to help with wound healing because of the effect it has on collagen production.
3 DIY Moringa Skin Concoctions
By now, you’re probably read to open a pouch of moringa powder and get going! We offer three easy ways to use moringa at your “home spa.” Enjoy!
1. Moringa Avocado Face Mask
Moringa is abundant in vitamins A, C, E and antioxidants. Unsurprisingly, all of these healthy nutritients are also great for your skin. Create a thick, luxurious moringa face mask to feedyour skin all the nutrients necessary for a natural, smooth and radiant glow.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Kuli Kuli Moringa powder
- 1/2 avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 tsp. lemon juice or water
Directions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Apply the mask evenly on your face as a mask, gently avoiding eye area.
- Leave on for 15-20 min.
- Rinse with warm water for refreshing and nourished skin.
If you would like to try a different moringa face mask, we love this DIY recipe from Mindbodygreen. If a face mask doesn’t work well for you, adjust and personalize recipes.
Some people’s skin responds very well to honey and avocado, while others have better luck with bananas and yogurt!
2. Ancient Moringa Triple Blemish Blaster
Moringa leaves used outside of consumptionare known fortheiranti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Tea tree oil and honey have also been used forcenturiesfor their anti-bacterial properties.
Most instant blemish remover creams on the market tend to dry out your skin, so the banana in this recipe helps to keep all the ingredients combined and moisturized, without drying out your face. This anti-bacterial, acne-fightingcombo willkeep your blemishes under control.
Ingredients:
Moringa Body Scrub
- 1/2 banana, mashed
1 tablespoon of moringa powder (1 single serving packet - 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 tsp tea tree oil
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Apply generously on problem spots.
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat as needed
This is a natural blemish blaster that not only smells good, but is also smooth and hydrating for your skin.
3. Moringa Oatmeal Exfoliating Body Scrub
Winter is coming, and along with it comes dry arms and legs. What better way to combat winter dryness than the classic soothing oatmeal scrub with the unlocked secrets ofmoringa toboost the vitamin E levels for your sensitive skin?
Dry and sensitive skin can be prone to inflammation, especially with frequent shaving. The added moringa contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial features to helpprevent red and itchy skin.
Coconut oil and oatmeal both act as an emollient to help soften while sugar exfoliates your skin.
Ingredients:
Moringa Oatmeal Mask
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons of moringa powder (2 single serving packets)
- 1 cup granulated
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
Directions
- Process oats until flour-likeor into small pieces.
- Mix in moringa powder and sugar.
- Add in coconut oil and mix until well combined.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Enjoy!
We hope you enjoy these three easy DIY face mask ideas! The secret ingredient every time? Moringa! The superfood is excellent at nourishing the body from the inside out.
Here’s to healthy, happy, and glowing skin! Did you try any of these DIY moringa face masks?This article was co-written by Ada Yim and Shannon Miller.
Follow us @kulikulifoodsso we can see some of your favorite ways to add this superfood to your hair care routine.
