Did you know that this pretty aquatic plant, with its pink or white flowers, not only symbolises purity but also beauty? Its extracts, being rich in linoleic acid, vitamins B and C, proteins, iron and phosphorus, have been proven to be extremely beneficial for the skin.
While the West is still catching on to its many benefits, in Ayurveda, lotus or kamal has been used for centuries. In fact, the flower, its leaf, root and seeds are all used for medicinal purposes in Ayurveda. It’s also used on facial skin for its soothing, cooling properties, as well as its anti-ageing benefits. Many don’t know that kumkumadi oil, which is an ayurvedic preparation with over 20 ingredients, often uses its extract along with its main ingredient of saffron as well.
The flavonoids present in the lotus flower boost skin care formulations with their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This helps enhance blood circulation, increase collagen production, maintain skin’s elasticity and help diminish fine lines. The plant extracts are also used as a brightening agent that helps reduce sun spots, age spots and other pigmentation.
A well-known antioxidant, kaempferol present in the plant helps restore the sebum balance and even protects the skin from environmental aggressors and sun damage. Is there anything this striking flower can’t do? For those who enjoy skincare rooted in nature, lotus-based products are clearly a win-win. If we’ve piqued your interest, take a look at some lotus-infused products you can try…
82°E Lotus Splash
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Part of the skincare range from Deepika Padukone-backed beauty brand, this conditioning cleanser is packed with purifying lotus extract that is rich in antioxidants and bioflavonoids. A gentle, foaming cleanser, it helps remove impurities like dirt, oil, dust and makeup, and is clinically proven to condition the skin and maintain its pH by restoring the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Kama Ayurveda Shea Lotus Body Butter
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There’s nothing more luxurious than a good body butter. With ingredients such as lotus, shea butter, kokum butter, and aloe vera, all blended in a base of cold-pressed coconut and organic sweet almond oil, this rich and creamy one absorbs easily into the skin. It provides deep-skin nourishment, alleviates dryness or flaking and induces long-lasting softness and smoothness. Antioxidant-rich natural butters of kokum and shea help maintain the plumped-up, youthful appearance of the skin, while essential oil extracts of soothing lotus help induce a deep sense of relaxation and restoration.
Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil
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Made from 100% pure plant extracts, this treatment oil is infused with a blend of rosemary, geranium and lotus extracts, which purify the skin, tighten pores and refine skin texture. A natural astringent for oily or combination skin, it utilises the principles of aromatherapy and phytotherapy by combining plant extracts and essential oils to help balance the skin. It doesn’t contain any parabens, sulphates, phthalates or preservatives.
SoulTree Lotus & Kokum Butter Lip Balm
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Lips in need of some TLC? Then try this lip balm. Prepared with fresh extracts of pink lotus, organic ghee and kokum butter, this Ayurvedic formulation help in healing and moisturising your lips. With a hint of lotus fragrance and with the goodness of seven cold-pressed oils, it makes for the perfect lip care all year through.
Shankara Naturals Timeless Moisturizer
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Infused with the brand’s award-winning kumkumadi oil, this moisturiser is a rich formulation that uses time-tested ingredients like lotus, saffron, manjistha and vitamin C that give your skin a silky, smooth feeling. It provides long-lasting hydration to all skin types along with a renewed ageless glow.
Rovectin Lotus Water Cream
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With a high content of lotus flower extract, 75 % to be exact, this cream protects your skin from fine dust or toxins with its self-purifying features for a clearer and cleaner complexion. It is a gentle moisturiser for all skin types, that hydrates skin with only clean ingredients sourced from nature.
Luxaderme Detox Bio Cellulose Sheet Mask With Acai Berry & Lotus
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Love your sheet masks? Then refreshes and rejuvenates the skin with this one. Enriched with a lotus water base, and formulated with Effipulp, a patented concentrate of avocado peptides, it soothes skin, provides anti-aging benefits, restores cellular function and stimulates the release of hyaluronic acid leaving the face energised and healthy. It has been clinically proven to restore the skin’s natural defences & detoxification systems and help preserve moisture content.
