💛 Introduction
Many of us don’t realize this, but we only get one skin in this lifetime — no replacements, no do‑overs. That’s why a simple, consistent routine matters more than expensive treatments or complicated products. Heres the first part of this series on why I prefer natural skin and hair care.
For years, I’ve followed a ritual that works beautifully for my busy life: Before a shower, I apply one of my favourite herbal products, tidy my room for 10–15 minutes, and then wash it off. It’s simple, affordable, and incredibly effective.
After working in the medical sector, I saw firsthand how commercialized the skincare industry is. Natural remedies like aloe vera, turmeric, sandalwood, rosewater rarely get mentioned — not because they don’t work, but because they don’t make anyone money.
This series is my way of bringing us back to basics. Today’s post covers my top seven natural products:
- Rosewater
- Sandalwood Powder
- Ubtan
- Aloe Vera
- Petroleum Jelly
- Besan / Gram Flour
- Multani Mitti
Let’s dive in.
🌹Rosewater
Rosewater is one of the gentlest, most versatile skincare staples. It:
- Reduces redness and inflammation
- Cleanses clogged pores
- Acts as a natural astringent
- Refreshes tired eyes
- Helps you sleep better thanks to its calming aroma
I use it:
- As a toner
- Mixed with ubtan or sandalwood for masks
- To remove makeup
- To soothe skin after bleach
- As a light hair conditioner
- As an eye refresher (spray on closed eyes)
It’s truly a must‑have for every woman.
🌼 Sandalwood Powder
My absolute favourite. Sandalwood powder has a cooling, healing, antibacterial effect that works beautifully for:
- Pimples
- Rashes
- Itchy skin
- Dullness
Mix it with rosewater for a quick mask, or add:
- Turmeric for extra antibacterial power
- Lemon juice for marks
- Milk for glow
It’s gentle enough to apply overnight — though maybe not ideal if you share a pillow!
✨ Ubtan
Ubtan is a timeless South Asian beauty ritual — and for good reason. It exfoliates, brightens, and nourishes the skin without chemicals.
Benefits include:
- Natural glow
- Reduced pigmentation
- Fewer acne marks
- Anti‑aging support
- Gentle reduction in facial hair over time
I prefer Norangi Ubtan, mixed with rosewater into a slightly watery paste. Keep it airtight to avoid moisture and fungus.
🌱 Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a miracle plant for both skin and hair. I always keep the real plant for its best form:
For skin:
- Hydrates deeply
- Soothes irritation
- Locks in moisture
For hair:
- Reduces dandruff
- Calms itchy scalp
- Adds shine
- Strengthens roots
- Balances pH
- Helps with hair growth
The best form is fresh gel straight from the leaf.
🧴 Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline): Not Natural — But Still Safe & Effective
Petroleum jelly is not a natural ingredient. It is derived from petroleum — but the version used in skincare (like Vaseline) is highly refined, purified, and approved by dermatologists worldwide. The concerns you may read online usually refer to unrefined petroleum, not the cosmetic‑grade version.
✔️ Why I Still Use It
I’ve tried switching to natural alternatives like coconut oil, but nothing relieves my dryness the way petroleum jelly does. That’s because it is an occlusive — it seals moisture into the skin better than almost anything else.
If your skin barrier is compromised or extremely dry, petroleum jelly can be a lifesaver.
✔️ Is It Harmful?
No — not when it’s cosmetic‑grade and used correctly. Dermatologists consider it safe for:
- Hands and feet
- Lips
- Cracked heels
- Dry patches
- Winter “slugging” over moisturizer
✔️ When to Avoid It
Because it seals the skin, avoid using it on:
- Acne‑prone areas
- Sweaty or unclean skin
- Areas where you’re using active acne treatments
✔️ Natural Alternatives (But Not Equivalents)
Coconut oil, shea butter, and almond oil are beautiful moisturizers — but they are not occlusives. They hydrate, but they don’t seal moisture in the way petroleum jelly does.
So while petroleum jelly isn’t natural, it is:
- Safe
- Effective
- Affordable
- A barrier‑repair hero when nothing else works
The most popular ingredient in all lotions, creams is petroleum jelly or Vaseline. My grandmother (nani) and my mother have always only used Vaseline and Johnsons baby lotion. If you have a tendency for oily facial skin like mine, then you may only use it on your hands, feet before going to bed.
🥥 Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of those classic “all‑rounder” products that almost every home has—and for good reason. While it doesn’t seal moisture the way petroleum jelly does, it’s a beautiful nourishing oil for both skin and hair.
For skin, coconut oil can:
- Moisturize after a shower when applied on slightly damp skin
- Soothe tired muscles and give a relaxing massage effect
- Work as a gentle makeup remover
- Help as an eye de‑puffer when used very lightly
- Double as a shaving cream or lip balm in a pinch
For hair, it can:
- Reduce frizz and flyaways
- Add shine and softness
- Help with split ends when used on the lengths
- Support hair growth when massaged into the scalp regularly
In winter, coconut oil often turns solid. I like to gently warm it, pour it into a small jar, and use it in its balm form for both skin and scalp. Many people also find that with consistent use, it can help:
- Lighten the look of age spots
- Soften the appearance of stretch marks
- Improve overall skin texture
Coconut oil is not a miracle cure for everything, but as a natural, multi‑purpose moisturizer, it’s a beautiful addition to a simple, intentional routine.
🌾 Besan / Gram Flour
Besan is a gentle cleanser and exfoliator. It:
- Brightens skin
- Removes tan
- Smoothes texture
- Helps with acne when mixed with sandalwood + turmeric
I keep a small airtight jar in my bathroom and use it instead of face wash.
🧡 Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth)
The perfect pre‑shower mask for oily or acne‑prone skin. It:
- Absorbs excess oil
- Deep‑cleans pores
- Tightens skin
- Reduces pigmentation
- Softens and brightens
Mix with rosewater, milk, honey, or sandalwood depending on your skin’s needs.
This is the end of this part. Would love to know your experience and thoughts about these natural skincare solutions.
