Rooted in homegrown wisdom and passed down through generations, India’s local beauty rituals are something you can truly swear by for bridal glow.
India has always been the land of Ayurveda, where everything from beauty and wellness to healing exists in the garb of nature. Long before luxury skincare labels and multi-step routines filled vanities, Indian households relied on the kitchen shelf, backyard gardens, and the inherent wisdom of dadi-nani. These beauty rituals are the well-kept secrets passed down through generations by grandmothers whose remedies always carried magic. For those raised in Indian households, beauty was never introduced through fancy dropper bottles or high-end labels; it arrived with beauty rituals and mixed with generations of love.
From the different terrains of India’s diverse geography, Wedding Affair brings you a curated bridal skincare boon. With gifted ingredients that form the backbone for bridal glow, each region introduces beauty rituals to protect, heal and enhance the skin for skin that turns heads.
Table of Contents
- Jammu & Kashmir: Saffron
- Himachal Pradesh: Walnut
- Rajasthan: Multani Mitti
- Tamil Nadu: Sandalwood
- Kerala: Coconut
- Assam: Crushed Lentils and Turmeric
- Manipur: Rice Water
- Punjab: Besan and Malai
Jammu & Kashmir: Saffron
Often called the ‘Royal Elixir’, saffron is India’s most treasured ingredient. The silky threads once reserved for royalty are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally soaked in milk before applying to the skin, saffron helps to brighten and even the complexion while reducing pigmentation. It improves skin texture for red gold bridal glow, making the skin luminous and moisturised.
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Himachal Pradesh: Walnut
High altitudes and cold weather conditions demand serious skin protection, and walnuts are here to save the day. They are used both as an oil and a scrub that deeply nourishes the skin while removing dead skin cells. Often associated with skin-smoothing benefits and circulation-boosting tendencies, walnuts are a gem for bridal skincare, leaving the skin soft, supple and resilient.
Rajasthan: Multani Mitti
Multani Mitti or Fuller’s Earth has always been a saviour for bridal glow. It is a mineral-rich clay that purifies the skin by absorbing excess oil, grime and impurities. Thanks to its cooling properties, it is a great ingredient for calming inflammation, preventing acne and leaving the skin fresh and balanced. For those seeking an unmatched bridal glow, it is truly a godsend.
Tamil Nadu: Sandalwood
Sandalwood has been synonymous with the beauty of South India for centuries. Often lauded for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, it keeps tanning at bay while soothing sun-exposed skin. The sandal paste is especially effective in hot summers to enhance skin tone and give a natural bridal glow.
Kerala: Coconut
In especially humid climates, coconut is nothing short of a miracle ingredient. It is often used as oil, milk and scrub to deeply hydrate the skin while protecting it from irritation and inflammation. Rich in fatty acids, it strengthens the skin barrier, locking in moisture to keep the skin soft, radiant and nourished.
Read Also: Pre Bridal Wellness Guide You’ll Thank Yourself For
Assam: Crushed Lentils and Turmeric
This traditional Assamese ubtan is magical for bridal skincare, combining lentils with the golden spice, turmeric. Turmeric is revered for its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When mixed, they gently exfoliate, reduce acne and impart a natural glow to the skin. It is a beauty ritual that enhances skin brightness while maintaining its overall health.
Manipur: Rice Water
The hottest-selling beauty product in the market is rice water. Taking the internet by storm, this blessing is what Manipur women have sworn by for generations. It is used to rinse both skin and hair to enhance their natural shine while smoothing and enhancing the elasticity. Packed with amino acids and vitamins, rice water strengthens the skin barrier and boosts the lustre.
Punjab: Besan and Malai
Punjab’s beauty rituals are synonymous with nourishment. Vatna, a concoction of besan (gram flour), turmeric, mustard oil and rose water, gently exfoliates the skin while brightening and cleansing it. The beauty rituals often pair well with malai (fresh cream), which delivers intense hydration, making flaky, dry skin soft, and giving an unmatched glow.
Read Also: Lymphatic Drainage Before Your Wedding? Here’s What It Does
The shift from traditional beauty rituals to Western products to the age-old beauty rituals, again, is undeniable. What was brushed off as old-fashioned has now emerged as the pinnacle of sophisticated self-care. These beauty rituals from across India form an essential part of bridal skincare. They have been repackaged and reintroduced to the global audience, which craves authenticity and wellness. For brides seeking an incomparable bridal glow, embracing these time-honoured practices is about connection with heritage to glow from within. If you are a bride looking for bridal skincare tips for the ultimate bridal glow, incorporate these beauty rituals into your regimen and let tradition do its magic.
FAQs
Question 1. What is the 60-second beauty ritual?
The 60-second beauty ritual is when the skin is most receptive right after cleansing, when pores are open and primed. Waiting too long before applying products can mean missing this vital absorption window.
Question 2. What are the Indian skincare rituals?
Indian skincare rituals focus on skin-type–specific routines using natural ingredients like haldi and besan, regular exfoliation, nourishing oils or aloe, daily sunscreen, and holistic wellness.
Question 3. What is rose water used for?
Rose water calms and hydrates the skin, tightens pores, balances pH levels and leaves the skin with a natural, dewy look and a refreshed finish.
Question 4. What is commonly used in traditional Indian skincare treatments?
Indian skincare has its roots in Ayurveda, using time-honoured ingredients like turmeric, multani mitti, and coconut oil to naturally cleanse, heal, and enhance the skin’s glow.
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