5 Natural Ingredients in Asian Tradition for Flawless Skin

Asia is not only rich in cultures and traditions but also in ancient medication practice. Some of them are Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and acupuncture. Asian traditions also have abundant beauty secrets that have existed for centuries. These beauty secrets include the use of natural ingredients to brighten the skin and reduce skin flaws.

It is no wonder since many Asian people admire and long for white and flawless skin, especially the women. 

Here are five traditional Asian treatments which bring radiance and youth for your skin:

#1 Pearl Powder

It is said that pearl powder was used to whiten the skin of royal women in the Chinese imperial period. Even Wu Zetian, the only empress in Chinese history, included pearl powder as one of her beauty regimes due to some benefits provided by this powder. 

Pearl powder contains many vitamins and minerals that make your skin glow. It has an organic protein, called nacre, which gives whitening effect and decreases the presence of sunspots and scars as well.

Beside nacre, pearl powder carries another organic protein, conchiolin. According to William Cole, D.C., IFMCP, conchiolin stimulates collagen production. This protein also works as a skin exfoliator that removes dead skin cells, plus moisturizes the skin. As a result, your skin looks brighter, younger, and suppler. 

Furthermore, the amino acid inside pearl powder locks the pores to prevent acne production. Last but not least, the use of pearl powder protects the skin from UV rays, thus avoid skin damage and pigmentation.

Although pearl powder can be found in many beauty products, including face powders, face masks, and skin lotions, you can enjoy its benefits by making your own homemade pearl powder mask. 

How to Make Pearl Powder Mask at Home:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of pearl powder with 2-3 teaspoons of rose water or olive oil for the dry skin 
• Apply the mask to the skin and leave it on for about 15 minutes 
• Rinse with warm water

#2 White Rice

White rice is widely consumed by Asian people, particularly on Eastern and South-Eastern parts. Although those on the diet program often avoid it, it amazingly gives “magic” both for hair and skin. 

Washing your face with white rice water takes off the dead skin cells and makes your skin smoother and brighter. Besides, regular use of this water increases collagen as well as keeps the skin elastic. The vitamins B1, C, E, minerals, and ferulat acid provide anti-aging benefits. Also, it contains allantoin to reduce excessive oil production thus preventing facial acne.

There are two ways to gain the benefits of white rice for beauty purposes; white rice skin mask, and rice water.

How to Make White Rice Skin Mask at Home:

• Grind the rice
• Add some water to it to form a mask
• Apply the mask to your skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes 
• Rinse it well

How to Make White Rice Water: 

• Soak the rice in water for a night 
• Use the water to wash your face in the morning. 
• Water can be used to wash your hair, too. It is believed that rice water can revitalize your hair and keeps it healthy and strong.

#3 Cherry Blossoms/ Sakura

Cherry blossom or sakura is identical to Japanese culture. That’s why this flower is considered the national flower of Japan. There is even an annual event held in spring to enjoy the beauty of this flower, which is called Hanami.

Cherry Blossoms are not only beautiful but also beneficial for the skin. 

Similar to pearl powder and white rice, modern science has revealed that sakura brings anti-aging benefits, too. This is due to its antioxidant properties, which prevent premature aging and protect the skin from free radicals.

Fatty acids inside the flowers repair skin’s natural barriers to promote smooth and supple skin. The anti-glycation stimulates collagen production, brightens uneven pigmentation, and decreases melanin production as well. Additionally, it overcomes sunburn caused by excessive sun exposure.  

How to Make Cherry Blossom Facial Mask:

• Mix the flowers with yogurt
• Put a thin layer of the mask on your skin and leave it on for 15 minutes
• Wash it with warm water. 

#4 Turmeric 

Turmeric is commonly used for dishes, especially in Asian culinary. However, its usage as a skin treatment has been famous for hundreds of years.

Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which bring a natural glow to your skin. This powerful component also solves hyperpigmentation as well as reduces melanin.

Just like other ingredients mentioned previously, turmeric also can decrease signs of aging with its antioxidants. Furthermore, if you suffer from acne, curcumin could help since it has anti-bacterial properties. 

The regular use of turmeric helps to avoid skin damage by the sun. Turmeric decreases MMP-2 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-2), an enzyme which diminishes collagen between the outer and middle layer of the skin.

How to Make Homemade Turmeric Mask 

You can make the turmeric mask at home by following these simple steps:

• Grind the turmeric route
• Apply the mask on your skin 
• Wait 15 minutes before you wash it off.

#5 Jicama 

Jicama is a native Mexican plant that has been used as a whitening mask for centuries. Similar to turmeric, jicama was used by the queens and the princesses in the past. 

The starch in jicama eliminates the dark spots and overcomes dull skin. Moreover, it has high levels of vitamin C, which promote whitening effect and collagen production. Also, jicama moistens and freshens the skin because of abundant water content.

How to Make Jicama Mask at Home:

To make a jicama whitening mask, you need fresh jicama. 

• Peel off the skin and wash it
• Grate the jicama 
• Use it as a facial mask 
• Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing it.

Those were five natural beauty remedies that have been used for centuries by Asian society. Although these ingredients are relatively safe, you should consult your doctor first, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

About the author

Maharani Rikadewi is a content writer in natural wellness and beauty. She specializes in organic beauty and holistic health. She believes that nature provides effective, safe, and affordable solutions for human well-being.