Ingredient Focus: Chebula
Ingredient Focus: Chebula
In the beauty & skincare worlds, there is and always will be something new and exciting to try!
As an esthetician and a consumer, I can say firsthand how overwhelming the amount of info is that is thrown at us, especially when it comes to ingredients in our products. Let me do you a solid and shed some light on an oldie but a goodie: Chebula.
We’ve all been hearing about the magical ingredient Chebula and I’m here to help you get a brief understanding of what all the hype is about. Maybe you’ve heard of it in Ayurvedic medicine terms, seen it in some food recipes or on skincare product labels, or maybe you have no idea what I’m even talking about right now. Hopefully after reading this article, you can spread the word about what an amazing ingredient Chebula is.
What is Chebula?
Chebula, also known as Terminalia Chebula or Haritaki, is a tree that is native to South Asia and India. Its fruit, which is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, is a rich source of antioxidants and has been found to have a number of potential health benefits, especially for the skin. Chebula oil comes from an oval-shaped fruit that grows from the Terminalia Chebula Tree. The fruit has a thick outer shell with a seed inside, which is cold pressed and extracted into oil.
Chebula has been used as an herbal cocktail for a number of things over the past few centuries, ranging from digestive issues, detoxification, wound healing, and skin issues. Chebula is filled with Vitamins antioxidants along with Vitamins C and K. It is also used in medicinal ways and even in some cooking.
Why It’s Good For Your Skin?
One of the reasons that Chebula may be good for the skin is that it has both antioxidants and strong anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a key factor in many skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, dermatitis and psoriasis so using anything to calm those conditions is best. Reducing inflammation can help to improve these conditions, making it great for all skin types.
Chebula also has antimicrobial properties, which means that it helps to fight off harmful bacteria on the skin. This could be particularly helpful for people with acne or other skin conditions caused by bacteria. In addition, Chebula contains high levels of vitamin C, which is important for the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that is essential for healthy skin, and increasing your intake of vitamin C can help to improve the strength and elasticity of your skin’s barrier.
Used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine for its skin-healing properties, Chebula has gained more attention in the Western beauty industry recently as a natural ingredient in skincare. It can improve skin tone and texture, and it is often used in products that aim to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to protect the skin from damage that can be caused by free radicals and inflammation.
Often found in skincare products such as toners, serums, and moisturizers, Chebula is usually listed on the label as "Terminalia Chebula" or "Haritaki". It is generally considered safe for topical use, but as with any new skincare ingredient, it's always a good idea to do a patch test first to make sure that you don't have an adverse reaction. If you're interested in trying Chebula in your skincare routine, look for products that contain high-quality, organic extracts of this powerful plant.
Six Reasons To Try Chebula
Anti-aging properties: Contains antioxidants that can protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging. These antioxidants can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin brightening: Has natural skin lightening properties and can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Moisturizing: Can help to moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and supple.
Anti-inflammatory: Has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated or inflamed skin, making it especially wonderful for acne prone skin types.
Acne treatment: Has antibacterial properties that can help to fight acne-causing bacteria and reduce the incidence of breakouts. Can help with redness and irritation as well.
Wound healing: Can help to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, and abrasions, and can also help to reduce scarring.
How to Use
Chebula can be found in many products, and being as it is a trending product this year, I’m sure it will start popping up in more products than ever. It is a product that is used in moisturizers, serums, or on its own. It also can be bought in powder form so you can add it to other products to increase the effectiveness of your skin care routine.
Cleanse the skin
Pat the skin dry
Apply toner
Apply a few drops of Chebula serum to the skin
Top with moisturizer
Apply SPF to protect your skin from future damage in the AM
How long does it take to work?
Chebula is still being researched clinically to prove its effectiveness on the skin but topical usage has so far been shown to give results within a week of use. When using Chebula topically, it also has an immediate protective effect on the skin, protecting us from the harsh sun rays and oxidative stress caused by air pollution.
Overall, we know Chebula is an amazing powerhouse product to have in your cabinets at home and it has a wide variety of benefits on the skin. Chebula has been used topically for centuries due to its high antioxidant content and anti-aging benefits and it continues to be an outstanding ingredient for the skin. As an esthetician, I give it a thumbs up and highly recommend adding it into your routine.
