By Shahnaz Husain
Orange peels can be easily used in beauty care. They contain nutrients that actually benefit the skin and the hair. In fact, they have healing properties too and are said to help reduce acne conditions, as they absorb excess oil. Mixed with other ingredients like fresh cream or yogurt, they can help to nourish and soften the skin, keeping it healthy. Orange peels mixed with yogurt helps to remove tan.
Orange peels are a rich source of Vitamin C. In fact, the peels are said to contain more Vitamin C than the fruit itself. It also contains antioxidants that help maintain and restore health to the skin. Peels can be applied all over the body like a scrub or “Ubtan.” Orange peel by itself can be added to masks and scrubs for oily skin, as they absorb oil and also tighten the pores. Dried and powdered orange peels make a good scrub when mixed with cream of milk or yogurt. They help to remove dead skin cells and add a glow to the skin. Orange peels also contain calcium and pectin.
Collect orange peels and dry them thoroughly in the sun. Powder the peels without adding any water and keep them in an airtight container. Prepare in small quantities to ensure that they remain fresh. This is more so in warm and humid weather.
For normal to dry skin, mix together 2 teaspoons of dried and powdered orange peel, one teaspoon each cream of milk, honey, rose water, ground almonds and wheat bran. Apply it on the face, avoiding the lips and area around eyes. Wash it off after 20 minutes.
For oily skin, mix fuller’s earth with rose water, dried and powdered orange peels and yogurt to mix into a paste. Apply on the face and wash it off after 20 minutes.
Fresh orange peel can be ground into a paste. Add multani mitti and rose water and apply as a pack on the face. It is said to benefit oily skin and acne conditions. The pack can also be used to minimize blemishes and dark spots.
Orange rinds may be used in hair packs too. They are said to contribute to hair luster and nourish the hair. Keep orange peels and simmer them in water over a low fire. Cool and strain. Use the water to mix hair packs. It cleanses, reduces oiliness and adds body and shine.
About Shahnaz Husain
Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets” She was honored with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.
