The human obsession with beautiful skin dates back to the onset of civilization. This craze has led to the discovery of various herbal plants suitable for returning the glow. Ancient cultures used to rely on herbs for treating skin-related problems as well as for normal skincare routines. The ancient medicine system has a holistic approach towards beauty, just like any aspect of health. The skin glow was described as something that reflects from the inside out. That is why, many herbal skin-care routines range from topical application to herbal teas and scrubs. Thousands of years back, Ayurveda recognized the importance of babchi oil in skin care. Many groups in India also use babchi oil for treating skin cure. Let us explore some of the babchi oil benefits for skin through this article.
Also Read: How to Use Manjistha for Skin Whitening
What is Babchi Oil?
Babchi Seeds – Image courtesy: Wikimedia.org
Babchi oil, also known as bakuchi oil, is derived from the seeds of the babchi plant (botanical name – Psoralea corylifolia).
The word Psoralea has come from the Greek psoraleos, which means “affected with the itch or with leprosy”.
The Babchi plant is a traditional medicinal herb widely used in the Ayurvedic and Chinese systems of medicine.
The herb has been valued for centuries for treating various skin disorders.
The babchi oil is derived from the seeds of babchi.
There are strong pieces of evidence to support that babchi seed extracts are effective in treating skin diseases.
What Makes Babchi Oil so Special in Skin Care?
Groups such as Gond, Bharia and Korku in Madhya Pradesh use babchi seeds for leucoderma.
Let us see what special ingredients make babchi oil so effective that it is getting used for centuries in skin treatment.
The presence of natural compounds in babchi oil like flavonoids, coumarins, and the powerful component Bakuchiol makes babchi oil effective.
These compounds give unique properties to the oil including the following:
- Antioxidant Property: This helps protect skin from environmental damages.
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Helps to fight bacteria causing acne and other fungal infections.
- Anti-inflammatory Property: Reduces redness and gives relief from irritation.
Top Babchi Oil Benefits for Skin
Babchi Plant – Image courtesy: Wikimedia.org
Ayurveda mentions the use of babchi seeds for treating skin problems like vitiligo, psoriasis, eczema, and ringworm.
Modern science, too, has confirmed the potency of babchi oil for most of these conditions.
1.) Benefits for Acne
The anti-bacterial qualities of babchi oil fight off the bacteria causing acne.
Its anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing inflammation.
In comparison to the harsher and costlier treatments for skin problems, like acne, babchi oil is gentle on the skin making it a safer and long-term option for skin treatments.
2.) Babchi Oil Benefits for Skin Aging
The bakuchiol is an impressive compound in babchi oil.
It can help reduce the aging effects of skin, such as fine lines and wrinkles, by boosting collagen production.
Bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol and has fewer side effects.
This makes it effective for people with sensitive skin also.
Also Read: Giloy Juice Benefits You Must Reap
3.) Treats Vitiligo
Image courtesy: pexels.com
Vitiligo is a condition where white patches appear on the skin due to the loss of melanin, a pigment responsible for the skin color.
Traditional medicines have used babchi oil to treat and manage vitiligo.
Its compounds, like psoralen, are known to stimulate the production of melanin.
Using babchi oil over time can help reduce the white patches and restore the skin’s natural tone.
4.) Babchi Oil Benefits for Skin in Eczema and Psoriasis
Studies have proved that cosmetic products, such as creams, containing babchi oil significantly reduced the symptoms of eczema like itching, redness, and inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory properties of babchi oil make it a natural remedy for treating many skin conditions.
5.) Babchi Oil Benefits for Skin Healing
Babchi oil is also beneficial for treating scars, wounds, and infections as it speeds up the natural skin’s recovery process.
How to Use Babchi/Bakuchi Oil for Skin?
Image courtesy: pexels.com
Below are some general guidelines for using babchi oil.
However, experts strongly recommend consulting your treating physician or a specialist before using babchi oil if you have any specific skin condition.
- Dilution – To avoid any irritation on the skin, always dilute babchi oil with carrier oils like coconut or jojoba oil.
- Creams or Serums – Nowadays, many cosmetic products like creams or serums use babchi oil as an ingredient.
You can choose any such product from a reputed company suiting your skin’s needs.
- Patch Test – Test a small amount of babchi oil or product containing it on your forearm to check for sensitivity issues before applying it on your skin or any other body part.
You can use babchi oil on your skin daily but start after a proper consultation and with a small amount to see how your skin reacts to it.
Is Babchi Oil Safe?
Babchi oil is mostly considered safe to use.
However, you should take certain precautions to ensure safety: while using babchi oil.
- Issue of Photosensitivity – Babchi oil can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. It is, therefore, recommended to use sunscreen when using babchi oil.
- Allergic Reactions – Mostly considered safe to use, some people may experience allergic reactions such as redness or irritation.
Perform a patch test before applying babchi oil to your face or any other area.
If you experience allergies after using babchi oil, consult your dermatologist immediately.
- Not for Pregnant Women – It is best to avoid using babchi oil during pregnancy unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
Is Babchi Oil Good for Skin?
Image courtesy: freerangestock.com
Babchi oil stands out in skin care regimes because of its powerful and unique compounds.
It provides the benefits of modern retinoids with gentle care and no side effects.
Its beneficial compounds make it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Due to the growing craze for safer, natural, and organic products, babchi oil is now a common ingredient in many herbal formulations and other cosmetic products.
Takeaway Message
Babchi oil is an herbal remedy for skin problems.
It provides a natural, safe, and economical way of achieving healthy and radiant skin.
Babchi oil benefits for the skin range from fighting skin aging to acnes.
However, just like any other skin care product, you should use it wisely.
Take proper expert advice for any severe skin condition before using babchi oil.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are for general awareness and should not be considered a substitute for an expert’s or physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.
