Spas have become a hot spot not just for wellness therapies but also focused beauty treatments. Most spa-goers regularly seek natural skin and haircare antidotes that make them feel and look better. Natural ingredients like aloe, moringa, and neem are some of the most sought-after beauty ingredients as they promise to deliver clean and holistic beauty. With powerful medicinal properties, neem has gained a prominent place in natural beauty treatments.
Believed to originate from India, neem has traditionally been known as the panacea of ailments and crux of beauty routines. Diane Elizabeth, founder of Skin Care Ox, says the unique blend of compounds in neem oil makes it one of the most advanced natural and holistic skin ingredients. Natural compounds such as azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbidin, and quercetin have antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties that soothe irritated skin, treat skin infection, and protect the skin against signs of aging.
Caleb Backe, health and wellness expert at Maple Holistics, says the abundance of Vitamin E in neem helps boost collagen production that tightens and strengthen the skin, giving it a natural lift. “Most of our clients that have used products containing neem have always come back for more,” says Backe. Research shows quercetin, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound, work wonders as an anti-aging nutrient. “Quercetin has also been shown to increase circulation," says Elizabeth. "This helps our skin to look plump, wrinkle-free, and radiant."
As an antibacterial, neem effectively curbs the growth of acne-causing bacteria and alleviates inflammation. The high concentration of essential fatty acids is beneficial in treating acne scars. As a non-comedogenic, neem can be used as a nightly spot treatment after cleansing and toning. “I use neem oil as a spot treatment for facial and body acne, and it works wonders,” says Elizabeth. “After just a few days of use, blemishes are noticeably less red, active, and irritated.”
Neem is also beneficial for clients with inflammatory skin disorders. Ancient Ayurvedic treatments have used neem to treat skin conditions like eczema, skin infections, and acne. When paired with natural clay, neem oil makes an excellent exfoliator that pulls toxins and impurities that leaves the skin smooth and radiant. According to Backe, the Vitamin E and antioxidants present in neem not only moisturize and nourish the skin, but also improve blood circulation to help in skin renewal.
The rich source of active compounds makes neem an ideal ingredient for spa or salon patrons with hair disorders. It can be used as a beneficial and restorative scalp treatment that strengthens and revitalizes damaged hair from dandruff and lice. “Neem is a wonderful treatment for those with folliculitis or other types of scalp irritations because neem oil works to reduce bacterial infections and inflammation,” says Elizabeth. “The best way to use neem is to find a shampoo and conditioner that uses neem an active ingredient,” says Elizabeth. A warm scalp massage with neem oil not only improves frizzy hair but also nourishes the scalp and the hair-roots.
Used in a facial mask, massage oil, shampoo or conditioner, the diverse and nourishing properties of neem offer a holistic way to treat clients without the guilt of using chemical-laden products.
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