Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a small, green fruit that packs a powerful punch when it comes to health and beauty.
Traditionally used in Ayurveda for centuries, amla is well known for its ability to promote longevity, strengthen the immune system, and nourish the body from the inside out.
However, one of its lesser-known but equally impressive uses is in skincare. Amla is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can work wonders on your skin.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of amla for skin and how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine for glowing, youthful skin.
Amla Benefits for Skin
Amla offers a wide range of benefits that make it a valuable addition to your skincare routine. From reducing wrinkles to soothing irritation, here’s how this powerful fruit can support healthier, glowing skin.
May Reduce the Signs of Aging
One of the most remarkable benefits of amla for the skin is its potential to reduce signs of aging.
Rich in antioxidants—especially polyphenols and vitamin C (with 100 grams providing an average of 455 mg or 506% of the daily value). Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are major contributors to oxidative stress and premature aging.
Vitamin C also plays a crucial role in collagen production, the protein that maintains skin’s elasticity and firmness.
As we age, collagen levels naturally decline, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. By supporting collagen synthesis, amla may help keep your skin plump, smooth, and youthful.
Not just eating it has such benefits—topical application may also provide similar effects. For example, a 2023 study tested a skin cream with amla and Centella extracts on 60 women. After 60 days, it showed no irritation and significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, and reduced wrinkles. The cream was safe, stable, and effective for anti-aging.
Regular use of amla, whether in your diet or skincare routine, may visibly reduce wrinkles and promote a healthier glow, along with the hydration benefits.
May Help Reduce Hyperpigmentation
If you are struggling with uneven skin tone, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, amla can be your go-to solution.
Amla is a natural skin brightener, thanks to its high vitamin C content, which may help inhibit the production of melanin—the pigment responsible for dark spots and uneven skin tone.
By reducing melanin production, amla may lighten dark spots, blemishes, and scars, giving your skin a more even complexion.
However, there are limited studies on amla for its effect on hyperpigmentation and the effect of vitamin C on melanin production is debated.
May Help in Wound Healing
Amla may support faster wound healing, thanks to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its high vitamin C content helps boost collagen synthesis, which is essential for repairing damaged tissues and forming new skin.
A study on aging rats found that Nishamalaki—a combination of turmeric and amla—sped up wound healing. It improved tissue formation, reduced inflammation, restored key healing molecules like PDGF and AMPK, and worked better when used both orally and as a gel compared to oral treatment alone.
While this study suggests Nishamalaki may aid in healing slow skin wounds in older adults, future studies are needed for its use in diabetic wounds.
May Soothe Skin Irritation and Inflammation
Amla has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. If you suffer from conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, applying amla topically may help calm inflammation and reduce itching, redness, and discomfort.
A cellular study tested amla fruit extract on UVB-exposed skin cells and found it reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death. The antioxidants in amla boosted catalase activity and blocked harmful proteins like cytochrome c while suppressing inflammatory signals such as AP-1 and NF-κB, showing strong potential for skincare use.
However, as this was a preclinical study, clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.
How to Use Amla for Skin
Incorporating amla into your skincare routine is simple and effective. Here are some ways to use amla for healthier skin:
1. Amla Face Mask
To brighten your skin and reduce pigmentation, you can create a DIY amla face mask.
- Simply mix amla powder with honey and yogurt to form a paste.
- Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
- This mask will help exfoliate your skin, lighten dark spots, and give you a radiant complexion.
2. Amla Juice for Skin
Drinking amla juice is an excellent way to nourish your skin from within. The high vitamin C content in amla juice boosts collagen production and fights free radicals, promoting healthy, youthful skin.
You can also apply amla juice directly to your skin as a toner.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the juice to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off.
- This will help tighten the skin, reduce pores, and give your skin a healthy glow.
3. Amla and Aloe Vera Gel
A combination of amla and aloe vera gel can work wonders for hydrating and soothing your skin.
- Mix equal parts of amla juice and aloe vera gel and apply it to your face as a moisturizer.
- This blend will provide deep hydration, reduce inflammation, and leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed.
4. Amla and Turmeric Pack
For acne-prone skin, you can create a powerful anti-acne pack using amla powder and turmeric.
- Mix a teaspoon of amla powder with a pinch of turmeric and some rose water to form a paste.
- Apply the pack to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing it off.
- This pack will help control oil production, reduce acne breakouts, and leave your skin clear and smooth.
5. Amla Scrub
To exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells, you can make an amla scrub.
- Mix amla powder with ground oats and some olive oil to create a gentle scrub.
- Massage the scrub onto your skin in circular motions to slough off dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin.
Safety and Considerations
While amla is generally safe for most people, it’s important to perform a patch test before using it extensively on the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
Apply a small amount of amla extract or powder to a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
Final Thoughts
Amla is more than just a traditional Ayurvedic remedy—it’s a powerful ally for healthy, radiant skin. Its richness in vitamin C and antioxidants makes it a natural solution for reducing signs of aging, brightening skin tone, healing wounds, and soothing inflammation. Whether you apply it topically or include it in your diet, amla can help nourish your skin from the inside out.
While some benefits are well-supported by traditional use and emerging research, more clinical studies are needed to confirm its full potential. Still, with its long-standing reputation and natural properties, adding amla to your skincare routine may be a simple yet effective way to support glowing, youthful skin.
For personalized advice, especially if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin, it’s best to consult a dermatologist before trying new remedies.
You may also learn about
8 Powerful Benefits of Amla Aloe Vera Juice
6 Unbelievable Benefits of Curd for Hair
6 Wonderful Benefits of Sesame Oil for Hair
