The Top 7 Benefits Of Ghee For Skin & How To Use It

Since childhood, our grandmothers and mothers have fed us ghee in foods, saying that it has several health benefits. Sometimes, they would also add a spoonful to our chapatis, pulses and rice to show their love. Relatable? Have you ever heard that there are some miraculous benefits of ghee for the skin? Yes, you’re hearing us right!

In this blog, we’ll talk about this wonder ingredient and its magical benefits that you have not heard of before. So, let’s hop on this skin-foody journey exploring ghee benefits for the skin. And yes, obviously, when you’re convinced, do try adding it to your daily skincare routine too. Let’s get started, beauties!

Ghee - The Golden Elixir

Ghee is a form of clarified butter obtained from milk. For centuries, our ancestors have sworn by the magic of ghee! Not only does it add unparalleled richness and depth to our favourite dishes, but it's also packed with incredible skin benefits that the world is just starting to catch on to. ¹

From curries to kheer, daals to desserts, ghee is the ultimate game-changer. You have been treating your taste buds till now! So why not give your skin and your body a boost with ghee benefits? We’ll eventually talk about it, but before that, let’s see how it is prepared.

What’s The Ghee-Making Process? 

1. The first step is to obtain milk (from a cow, buffalo or goat) and derive butter out of it by churning the milk or cream. ^{2 3}
2. Then this derived butter is heated, allowing water to evaporate and the milk solids (protein and lactose) to settle at the bottom. ⁴
3. Now, heat the butter to a low flame. Maintain the temperature of around 110-120 degrees Celsius for 10-15 minutes. ^{2 3}
4. After the water evaporates, the milk solids settle at the bottom. The clear, golden ghee is then carefully poured or strained into a new container, leaving the leftover residue behind. ^{2 3}

Types of Ghee

There are different types of ghee based on the source of milk:

1. Cow Ghee – Made from cow’s milk, this type is considered the purest and cleanest animal fat. It’s thin, greasy and has no water, lactose and other milk particles; therefore, it doesn't spoil for long. ⁵
2. Buffalo Ghee – Sweet in rasa, buffalo ghee has a great amount of butyric acid (short-chain fatty acids). Where cow milk is known to reduce all three doshas in Ayurveda, buffalo ghee increases pitta. ¹
3. Goat Ghee — Made from goat's milk, this ghee exhibits astringent properties and has a pungent effect. It is widely known for its respiratory health benefits. ¹
4. Sheep Ghee – Rich in nutrients, it has a distinct flavour. Like buffalo ghee, ghee obtained from sheep’s milk is full of short-chain fatty acids. Furthermore, it’s known for its amazing excretory system benefits. ¹

Ghee Nutritional Value

Ghee can be considered a source of essential omega-3 α-linolenic acid. Except for cow's ghee, all ghee contains an omega-6 fatty acid docosadienic acid. ⁶ Let us know the other key components. ^{7 8 9}

• 98.9% of fat
• Caprylic and capric acid
• Monounsaturated fatty acid
• Stearic acid
• Minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus
• β-carotene

7 Benefits of Ghee for Skin

1. Deeply Moisturises the Skin

Ghee is an excellent emollient known for its moisturising properties. It penetrates deep into the skin layers, providing long-lasting hydration. It helps combat dryness, flakiness, and dullness, leaving the skin soft and supple. ^{10 11 12 13}

2. Delays Signs of Aging

The antioxidants and essential fatty acids in ghee help fight free radicals, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Regular use of ghee maintains skin elasticity and promotes a youthful glow. ¹⁴

3. Brightens Complexion

One of the important components of ghee is Vitamin E. It plays a significant role in the treatment of melasma. Additionally, it reduces UV-induced hyperpigmentation effectively and improves skin tone. Therefore, using ghee-based products may help reduce pigmentation and uneven skin tone. ^{15 16}

4. Heals Chapped Lips and Cracked Heels

Due to its wound-healing properties, ghee is a miracle solution for dry, chapped lips and cracked heels. Applying ghee overnight restores moisture and soothes damaged skin effectively. ¹⁴

5. Treats Skin Inflammation and Irritation

The anti-inflammatory properties of ghee help soothe skin irritation, redness, and inflammation caused by conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and sunburns. ^{11 17} 

^{6. Reduces Appearance of Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes}

Applying ghee under the eyes helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, thanks to its high vitamin E content. It nourishes the delicate under-eye skin, making it look fresh and rejuvenated. ¹⁸

7. Protects Against UV Damage

The fatty acids and Vitamin E  in ghee form a natural barrier on the skin, protecting it from harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants, preventing premature aging and sun damage. ¹⁶

Benefits of Eating Ghee for Skin

Consuming ghee regularly provides skin benefits from within: ¹ 

• Keeps the skin hydrated and prevents dryness.
• Enhances collagen production, improving skin elasticity.
• Reduces inflammation that may cause acne and skin conditions.
• Detoxifies the body, promoting clear and glowing skin.

How to Use Ghee for Skin?

1. As a Moisturiser – Apply a thin layer of ghee on your face and other dry areas of the body before bed, for deep hydration.
2. As a Lip Balm – Use a small amount of ghee on chapped lips for instant softness.
3. As an Under-Eye Treatment – Gently massage ghee under the eyes to reduce dark circles and puffiness.
4. As a Face Mask – You can mix ghee with honey or turmeric for a nourishing face mask.
5. As a Massage Oil – Warm ghee can be used for a relaxing body massage to improve skin texture.

While making packs or any ingredient with ghee to avail its natural benefits, make sure to add only natural ingredients to avoid any allergies.

Conclusion

Incorporating ghee into your skincare routine can be a game-changer for achieving healthy, glowing skin. Packed with rich nutrients, antioxidants, and deep moisturizing properties, ghee nourishes, protects, and rejuvenates your skin. Whether you're struggling with dryness, acne, or fine lines, the benefits of ghee for skin are numerous.

If you're looking for skincare products that harness the power of ghee, you're in luck! We’ve made the search easier for you. AreoVeda—India’s first EWG-verified, Ecocert-certified, and cellularly-proven skincare range—offers a thoughtfully crafted selection for pregnant women, new moms, and their babies. From stretch mark cream to baby massage oil and postnatal massage oil, AreoVeda blends the goodness of ghee with science-backed formulations to provide safe and effective skincare.

Embrace the natural power of ghee with AreoVeda and experience the nourishment your skin truly deserves!