Skincare 101: Dates can solve your skin and hair problems

No points for guessing that dates are loaded with nutritional and health benefits. But did you know that these little brown wonders can do your skin and hair a world of good, when included in your wellness routine.

We get experts to share just how you can do that.

ANTIAGEING FIX

Dates, which are known to be rich in calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and zinc, are also great antioxidants. The Vitamin A in dates fights free radicals and can help impart a naturally healthy glow to your skin. Dates are also a rich source of vitamin C, which helps in improving skin elasticity.

Here’s how to make a skin-loving potion using dates, whole milk and fine semolina. Warm half a cup of whole milk. Add a clean, fresh de-seeded date to it and let it soak for at least half an hour. Once the date palm is soft, you will be able to infuse its flavour into the milk by squeezing and rubbing it a little. Now, add fine semolina (suji) and mix well to form a face masklike consistency that’s easy to apply. The semolina, when wet, becomes soft and here, it binds the dates and milk together forming a massage-able mask.

Apply tiny dollops of this mask all over your face, and in lightly massage your face and neck with it for about 5 to 10 minutes. Leave on until dry and wash off.

FIGHT ACNE

Dates are rich in vitamin B, which can cure several skin problems, including acne. Dates also have antiinflammatory properties that help in case of a skin infection, as they can heal damaged skin. Here’s a face mask you can try during the hot summer months. Soak clean dates in warm water, grind, and apply to the face for instant rejuvenation.

SAY BYE TO HAIR AND SCALP WOES

The Vitamin B and iron in dates is good for your hair and scalp, and can treat split ends and brittle hair. Boil some dates in water and use the mix to nourish your scalp once a week.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK Dates have a high ratio of pantothenic acid, which slows down the skin’s ageing process