This tree is mainly found in Africa and India and helps treat malnutrition (1). Owing to its high nutritional benefits, it has become quite popular. You can consume it as well as use it on your skin. Moringa extract is natural and does not irritate the skin when used topically. You can blend moringa leaves and prepare a thick paste. You may also buy moringa powders, capsules, and oils available on the market. The pulp, powder, and oil can do wonders if applied to your skin. It has been used by the ancient Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks to protect the skin against sun and dust (2). This article explores the benefits of moringa and how to use it on your skin for the best results. Keep reading to learn more. In addition, the sun’s UV rays account for almost 80% of the usual signs of skin aging (3). The anti-inflammatory benefits of moringa may also reduce the damage caused by UV radiation. Moringa has more than 7 times the amount of vitamin C than an orange (4). Vitamin C is an active ingredient that helps manage collagen production in the body. This way, it may help delay the onset of wrinkles and fine lines.
2. May Help Fight Acne
Acne is caused when the tiny pores on the skin are blocked due to excess oil or dead skin. Moringa boasts strong anti-bacterial properties that help reduce acne breakouts. Excess oil is not the only cause of acne. Stress and acne have long since been linked (5). The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of moringa oil may also help fight acne (6). Some believe those with dry skin may also benefit from moringa. Moringa is a natural humectant; it pulls moisture to the surface of the skin and gives a subtle natural glow.
3. May Help Shrink Pore Size
Large pores on the face make the skin look craggy and rough. The main cause of large pores can be traced to excess oil production. Large can genetic or caused by a loss of skin elasticity. due to chronic sun exposure. Moringa is rich in vitamins A and C that are vital for collagen production in the body (7). Applying moringa oil, moringa paste, or even moringa powder to the skin may stabilize collagen on the face (8). It may also help shrink those pores.
4. May Help Improve Skin Complexion
Pollution, stress, and other factors may make your skin complexion dull. As per anecdotal evidence, moringa oil, moringa powder, or even fresh moringa ground to a textured paste may help restore your natural skin complexion. A study found that applying 3% moringa cream enhanced skin volume and texture and reduced wrinkles (9). An application of moringa in any form oil, powder, or paste can keep the skin soft and supple. Moringa may also help heal any wounds, cuts, or burns (10).
5. Cleanses And Rejuvenates Skin
In addition to pollution and stress, acne and other spots could appear on the skin if dirt accumulates on the surface. Even makeup that is not properly cleaned could lead to build-up. Moringa is famous for its cleansing properties. Moringa oil, moringa powder, or fresh moringa paste may help remove the dirt accumulated on the skin. It is also believed that moringa can reach into the skin pores and cleanse skin deeply. However, more research is warranted to further understand this benefit of moringa. In the following section, we will look at the process of making moringa powder/oil at home.
How To Make Moringa Powder/Oil At Home
You can get moringa oil or moringa powder readily in shops. Almost all of the products in the market are organic. However, it is quite easy to make moringa powder and oil at home. For the powder, start by sun-drying fresh moringa leaves. Once they have completely dehydrated, you can pulse the leaves in a grinder to get the fresh moringa powder. Preparing moringa oil can consume a little more time:
You will need the seeds of the moringa fruit (a drumstick). Separate the seeds from the pulp and wash them. Dry roast them in a pan till the seeds turn brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Blend the seeds to a fine powder in a dry grinder. Add the powdered seeds to a pot of boiling water. Keep boiling the water for about 20 minutes till you see a layer of oil floating on top of the water. Skim the oil and freeze to separate the oil from the water.
Here are a few DIY moringa masks that help you achieve clear and clean skin at home.
DIY Moringa Masks
1. Moringa Face Mask With Honey
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of moringa powder 1 tablespoon of honey Rosewater (if necessary)
Method
Mix the moringa powder and honey to form a thick paste. If the paste is too loose, you can add a few pinches of moringa powder to get the right spreadable consistency. In case the paste is too thick, you can add a few drops of rosewater to dilute. The rosewater also adds to the rejuvenating properties of moringa. Apply the paste all over your face. Avoid applying over your eyes and nostrils. Let the mask sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Clean with lukewarm water.
This face mask helps reduce acne and cleanses the skin right down to the pores.
2. Moringa Leaves And Aloe Vera Cleanser
Ingredients
A handful of moringa leaves 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
Method
Wash moringa leaves in water to remove any dirt. Blend to a thick paste in a grinder. Add aloe vera gel to the paste to achieve a spreadable consistency. Apply over the face and leave for a few minutes until the pack becomes dry. Wash with plain water. Dab with a clean towel to remove excess moisture from the face.
3. Moringa And Sugar Body Scrub
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of moringa powder 1 cup of finely granulated sugar/brown sugar 2 green tea bags 1 cup of hot water 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Method
Dip the tea bags in the cup of hot water. Allow the tea to steep. Once the water cools down, discard the teabags. Add the sugar, moringa powder, and coconut oil and mix well. Ensure the mixture is well combined. The mixture should neither be too dry nor too wet. The consistency should resemble wet sand. Add coconut oil or sugar to adjust the texture accordingly. Use the scrub twice or thrice a week. The ingredients in the scrub help remove dead cells and rejuvenate the skin.
While the masks are easy to prepare and use, do they cause any side effects? We will explore the same in the next section.
Side Effects Of Using Moringa
Topical application of moringa (in its various forms) is largely considered safe. That said, perform a patch test on a very small area before using moringa on your skin. Also, be mindful of the concentration or quantity of moringa. It is best to use moringa extract in low quantity. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions. Consumption of moringa may lower blood pressure (10). It could cause issues in those already on medications for lowering blood pressure. Moringa may also cause uterine contractions (11). Some believe intake of moringa may also impact fertility. However, research is limited in this regard. Stay safe and avoid use.
Who Can Use Moringa?
Although there may be restrictions on who may consume moringa, almost all can use it on the skin. Just be wary of any allergic reactions. Remember to do a patch test before using it on the skin.
How Frequently Can You Use Moringa On Skin?
You can use moringa in your skincare routines quite frequently. However, like with any scrub or mask, there should be at least a days gap before applications. There are no age restrictions for using moringa. However, its use is not recommended on children as they have sensitive skin. How long does moringa take to start working? Moringa can take a few weeks to three months to produce any results. Can moringa heal stretch marks? Yes, you can apply moringa oil to your skin during and after pregnancy to increase skin suppleness and heal stretch marks and scarring. There is, however, no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Sources
Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) grown in Nigeria,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3341715/ Traditional Uses, Pharmacological Efficacy, and Phytochemistry of Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori. A Review,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958191/ Ultraviolet Radiation, Aging, and the Skin,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4344124/ Current Status and Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaf as an Alternative Protein Source for Animal Feeds,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7054280/ Brain-Skin Connection: Stress, Inflammation, and Skin Aging,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082169/ Promising features of Moringa oleifera oil: recent updates and perspectives,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5146848/ Enhancement of human skin facial revitalization by moringa leaf extract cream,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4112252/ Scoping Review: Evaluation of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) for Potential Wound Healing in In Vivo Studieshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9457785/ Enhancement of human skin facial revitalization by moringa leaf extract cream,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4805140/ Wound Healing Properties of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Moringa Oleifera in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4805140/ Moringa oleifera leaf extract lowers high blood pressure by alleviating vascular dysfunction and decreasing oxidative stress in L-NAME hypertensive rats,https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30668387/ Possible Role of Moringa oleifera Lam. Root in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1924986/
