Cambodia & Beauty: Some local beauty recipes

Despite the abundance of cheap cosmetics imported from neighbouring countries, Cambodian women still use many local recipes based on natural products to preserve their beauty. From rice water and clays to coconut oil, aloe vera and cucurma, Cambodian women have no shortage of natural beauty secrets.

Cambodian beauty. Photo CG

Coconut oil: the basic ingredient

Cambodian women know that beauty doesn't have to be expensive; it starts with the basics. Coconut oil is a key ingredient in beauty rituals. Not only is it an excellent moisturiser and an effective conditioner for the hair, it also has anti-ageing properties that keep the skin healthy.

Coconut oil can be used as an exfoliant. A paste of turmeric, honey and coconut oil gently removes dead skin cells without irritating the complexion, evening it out and lightening brown spots. This paste can also help to restore the skin's radiance.

Finally, coconut oil can be used as a night-time hair treatment. Most women use a combination of warm water and coconut oil to create an effective hair mask that helps nourish hair strands and the scalp. The result? Shiny, healthy hair.

Tip: If you want to buy coconut oil from a supermarket and make sure it's natural and of good quality, it should set in the bottle at below 23 degrees C.

Turmeric: A natural skin lightener and healer

In Cambodia, turmeric has long been regarded as a beauty ingredient. It's an incredibly versatile product with many uses for skin and hair care.

Whether it's to treat sunburn, redness and irritation, even out skin tone or lighten dark spots, it's no wonder turmeric has been dubbed 'the queen of beauty ingredients'.

Turmeric: A natural skin lightener and healer

One of the most popular beauty recipes involves mixing turmeric with natural yoghurt to create a face mask. The lactic acid in the yoghurt helps to reduce inflammation, while the turmeric helps to lighten dark spots on the skin.

You can also make a paste of turmeric and honey for quick relief from sunburn or other skin irritations.

However it's used, turmeric is a natural ingredient that can help make the complexion brighter and smoother.

Aloe vera: A soothing remedy for skin and hair

Aloe vera is one of women's favourite skin and hair remedies. This plant has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to treat skin problems. It is incredibly soothing and refreshing, rich in vitamins, alkaloids and minerals that help nourish the skin, and can be used for both dry and oily skin types.

Aloe vera : A soothing remedy for skin and hair

What's more, aloe vera's gel-like consistency means it's quickly absorbed by the skin, providing relief from sunburn, eczema, acne, psoriasis, insect bites and other skin conditions. And unlike many other moisturisers that contain harmful chemicals, aloe vera is 100% natural!

Applied topically to the hair and scalp, aloe vera can help treat dandruff while adding shine and softness to the hair. Aloe vera's antibacterial properties also help to eliminate dead cells from the scalp while promoting healthy cell renewal.

Tip: gently cut the gel, avoiding the skin.

Rice water: A simple solution for smooth, radiant skin

Refreshing, simple and natural, rice water is the solution for smooth, radiant skin.

Rice water: A simple solution for smooth, radiant skin

Rice water contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help keep skin hydrated and healthy. It's also a natural exfoliant that helps to remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells, while being gentle on the skin.

And it's so easy to prepare: just soak a spoonful of uncooked rice in a bowl of warm water for 15 minutes and voilà!

You can also filter the rice before applying it as a face mask or body cleanser.

Lemongrass: an aromatic refreshment with antibacterial properties

Lemongrass is one of the most popular plants in Cambodia. Its aroma is refreshing, but it also has powerful antibacterial properties that can help give the skin a beautiful, healthy glow.

Lemongrass: an aromatic refreshment with antibacterial properties

Research has shown that lemongrass can reduce inflammation and help calm sensitive skin. It is particularly effective as a toner or for acne-prone skin, as it can help reduce excess sebum on the face and provide a degree of hydration without irritation.

What can I do with citronella?

Lemongrass can be used to make simple masks and cleansers. For example:

Lemongrass cleanser: Mix equal parts of water and stir in 2 tablespoons of dried lemongrass leaves and leave to infuse for 30 minutes to an hour before straining. Apply this cleanser twice a day for best results.

Lemongrass masks: Make a paste using 2 teaspoons of lemongrass powder, a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of oatmeal powder. Leave on the face for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water for refreshed skin.

Lemongrass spray: Mix 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped or grated lemongrass with a cup of boiling water and leave to infuse for an hour before filtering into a spray bottle. Use this spray on the face after cleansing or throughout the day to soothe stressed skin.

Moringa oil: A nutrient-rich moisturiser for skin and hair

Moringa oil - available from Bodia - is a much-loved beauty product among Cambodian women, and no wonder. This natural product is derived from the moringa tree, also known as the 'miracle tree', and has many benefits for the skin and hair.

Moringa oil: A nutrient-rich moisturiser for skin and hair

Moringa oil is light, easily absorbed by the skin and extremely rich in nutrients. It's packed with vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and other elements that help revitalise skin cells.

What's more, because it's rich in antioxidants, it can protect the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution and sun damage.

Used on the hair, moringa oil provides intense hydration and can also contribute to the health of the scalp by nourishing it, revitalising hair follicles and promoting healthy growth.

To use moringa oil on the face or body, you can apply a few drops directly to the skin or mix it with your favourite moisturiser or lotion for extra hydration. For hair care, simply rub a few drops of moringa oil into the scalp or apply to the ends for a revitalising treatment.