The tamarind fruit is widely used in Asian cuisine, as it adds a tangy, sweet and sour taste to a dish. That aside, it is a very versatile fruit that is used also used in medicine, skincare, and even household purposes for centuries. Its medicinal benefits lie in its dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Eating it boosts the metabolism, digestion, and can prevent cancer. Usually, the fruit is eaten, but the seeds and leaves are also edible.
Why Use Tamarind In Skincare?
As beneficial tamarind is for medicinal use, so it is in skincare. The fruit has been passed down for centuries as a beauty secret for skin and hair care. It’s rich in vitamins, notably vitamin a, b, and c. It also contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). If you can find tamarind seed extract, you have a wonderful source of xyoglucans.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
The tamarind fruit pulp contains different kinds of AHAs. These are malic acid and tartaric acid. As it does not contain citric acid as in the citrus fruits, it sourness is different from the sourness of lemons and limes, and it is also not as bitter. AHAs are widely used in cosmetics as a chemical exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells. The AHAs in tamarind have antioxidant properties. They improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging by improving skin cell turnover rate. They can also penetrate lower levels of the skin to boost new collagen formation.
Xyoglucans – Botanical Alternative To Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide in the body. It is often referred to as ‘the fountain of youth’, as it fills the gap between the skin cells. It is a natural lubricant and keeps the skin plump and smooth as it helps retains or even absorbs moisture from the environment. Youthful skin has this substance in abundance. But with aging, the skin loses HA which makes it appear dry, sagging, and even wrinkly. With age, collagen production slows, weakening the skin tissue even more. That is where hyaluronic acid shines. It repairs, renews, and supports skin tissue.
The seeds of the tamarind fruit contain a complex sugar (polysaccharide) called xyloglucan. This complex sugar can hold on very well to water molecules so that it is a fantastic hydrating agent and a natural alternative to the widely used hyaluronic acid (HA). Research has even shown that xyloglucan outperforms HA in terms of skin hydration, and therefore in plumping up the skin and smoothing wrinkles.
How To Use Tamarind For Youthful And Radiant Skin
You can buy the ready to use package tamarind paste, but it’s preferable to make your own tamarind paste. It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.
De-seed a a small lemon sized tamarind and soak it in half a cup of boiled water for 5 minutes. When it’s soft, squeeze the tamarind with your hands to extract the pulp. Separate the veins and flesh.
After the application time, rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and follow up with your usual skincare.
Go-To Tamarind Mask
Use this mask whenever you feel your skin needs the extra oomph. It will plump up your skin and make your skin glow. The honey humectants and antioxidants will enhance the properties of the tamarind.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp tamarind
- 1 tbsp honey
Mix both ingredients well then apply it to your face (neck and chest if so desired). Let it dry for 20 minutes. You can use this mask up to twice a week.
Tamarind And Tumeric Mask
The tumeric will clear your skin by killing the acne-inducing bacteria. Both tumeric and tamarind are rich in antioxidant that will reduce blemishes, the signs of aging, and dark spots. You can also use this mask even if you don’t have acne prone skin. This mask has an overall antiaging and brightening effect.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp tamarind
- 1 tbsp honey
Mix all ingredients together until you have a smooth paste. Apply the mask to your face and leave for 20 to 30 minutes. You can apply this mask once or twice a week.
Tamarind, Yoghurt, And Lemon Mask
All three ingredients have AHAs that act as a gentle exfoliator. The yogurt will boost the moisturizing effects of the tamarind fruit. It will also reduce dark spots.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp tamarind
- 1 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon
Blend all ingredients together until you have a smooth consistency. Apply the mask to your face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Use this once or twice a week.
If you don’t like the idea of sitting around and waiting for a face mask to work its wonders, you can use tamarind toners. Or you can use the toners in combination with the masks.
Tamarind And Green Tea Toner
Both tamarind and green tea are packed with antioxidants. Green tea also has a soothing effect. This toner will hydrate, reduce wrinkles, and keep your skin smooth and plump.
Ingredients
- 10 grams tamarind pulp
- 2 tsp green tea
- 1/2 l water
Boil the water and add the tamarind pulp. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Add the tea leaves and simmer for another 5 minutes. Strain the decoction and allow it to cool.
Use this decoction as your toner after double-cleansing. Soak cotton balls or pads with the toner and apply them to your face. If you have a spray bottle, you can also fill the toner into it and spray it on your face whenever your skin needs a pick me up.
Tamarind And Rose Water Toner
This calming and refreshing toner will make your skin soft and clear. The rose water helps soothe skin irritation, reduces redness, is antimicrobial, and balances your skin’s pH levels.
Ingredients
- 5 grams tamarind pulp
- 1/4 l water
- 1/4 l rose water
Boil the water and add the tamarind pulp. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Strain the decoction and let it cool. Mix the decoction with the rose water. Use this as your normal toner after double cleanse or fill it into a spray bottle and use it as a mist toner.
Do you have other tamarind beauty recipes? Leave them in the comments below.
