In today’s era, where chemical-based cosmetics dominate the skincare industry, many individuals face side effects like skin irritation, premature aging, and long-term damage. Amidst this, Mukhalepam offers a safe, natural, and holistic alternative rooted in the wisdom of Ayurveda. It is a traditional Ayurvedic skincare therapy that involves the application of specially prepared herbal pastes (lepams) on the face to treat various skin conditions and enhance natural beauty. The herbal paste is selected based on the individual's prakriti (constitution) and skin disorder (if any).
What is Mukhalepam?
Ayurveda,an ancient science has a vast description of topical application in the name of lep kalpa described both as treatment for some skin disease as well as for beauty.The medicinal herbs in the form of paste when applied on face is known as mukh lepam."Mukha" – meaning face,"Lepam" – meaning application or paste made from a blend of herbal powders, fresh herbs, and medicated liquids, Mukhalepam not only nourishes the skin but also helps in treating conditions like acne, pigmentation, dullness, and wrinkles without any harmful chemicals.
Ayurvedic Herbs Used in Mukhlepam
- Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) – botanically known as Rubia cordifolia, is one of the most powerful Ayurvedic herbs for skin care. It is well-regarded for its Raktashodhaka (blood purifying), Varnya (complexion enhancing), and Kushtaghna (skin disease relieving) properties.
- Chandan (Sandalwood) – is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda for skincare. Known for its Shita veerya (cooling nature), Varnya (complexion-enhancing), and Tvachya (skin-nourishing) properties
- Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) – known as Symplocos racemosa, is a potent Ayurvedic herb widely used in skincare, especially in Mukhalepam due to its Kashaya (astringent), Raktashodhaka (blood-purifying), and Varnya (complexion-enhancing) properties. It is especially effective in managing oily, acne-prone, and inflamed skin.
- Kumari (Aloe vera) –Aloe Vera (called Kumari in Ayurveda) is a highly valued herb in skincare for its sheetala (cooling), vrana-ropaka (healing), and tvachya (skin-nourishing) properties. Its fresh gel is commonly used in lepams (herbal face packs) due to its ability to deeply hydrate, soothe, and rejuvenate the skin.
- Haridra (Turmeric) – commonly known as Turmeric, is one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurveda for skin health. Known for its Kusthaghna (skin disease-relieving), Raktashodhaka (blood-purifying), and Varnya (complexion-enhancing) properties, Haridra is widely used in lepams (herbal pastes) to treat various skin issues and enhance natural glow.
- Multani Mitti – absorbs excess oil and tightens pores
- Sariva- is a well-known herb in Ayurveda used for its Rakta-shodhaka (blood purifying), Pitta-shamaka (Pitta pacifying), and Varnya (complexion-enhancing) properties.
- Yasthimadhu- (Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a powerful and gentle Ayurvedic herb widely used in lepams (herbal pastes) for skin care due to its soothing, brightening, and healing properties.
- Padmaka- botanically known as Prunus cerasoides (Wild Himalayan Cherry), is a cooling and complexion-enhancing herb listed in the Varnya Mahakashaya group by Acharya Charaka. It is highly valued in Ayurvedic skincare for its Pitta-shamaka, Raktaprasadaka, and Varnya (skin-glow enhancing) actions, making it an excellent ingredient in lepams (herbal face packs).
Benefits of Mukhalepam in Ayurveda
"मुखवर्णविकारेषु लेपनं श्रेष्ठमुच्यते।" – Ashtanga Hridaya
(Lepanam is the best therapy for facial skin disorders and complexion issues.)
1.Improves Facial Complexion (Varnya)
2. Cleanses and Detoxifies Skin
3. Hydrates and Moisturizes Skin
4. Reduces Acne, Pimples & Inflammation
5. Delays Ageing Signs
6. Soothes Sunburns and Hyperpigmentation
7.Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Application of Mukhlepam-
"लेपस्तु द्व्यंगुलः कार्यः" – Ashtanga Hridaya
The Lep should be applied in two angula (fingerbreadth) thickness.
Mukhlepam According to Skin Type-
1.Oily Skin-
Oily skin can be correlated to pittaj type of skin.Hence the lepan dravya used for oily skin should be of sheet veerya (cooling effect).Multani mitti,Manjistha,Chandan,Neem,Sariva,Lodhra herbs churn can be used for oily skin with rose water or aloe vera gel.
2.Dry Skin-
Dry skin can be correlated to vaataj type of skin according to Ayurveda.Manjistha, Yasthimadhu ,Sariva, Chandan can be used for dry skin .Paste should be made by adding ghrit(ghee), honey, milk for dry or vataj skin type.
Frequency
Use 2–3 times a week for nourished, glowing skin.
Why Choose Mukhalepam Over Chemical-Based Cosmetics?
No Side Effects
No Preservative or fragrances added
Therapeutic and Healing Properties
Cost-Effective and Sustainable
Conclusion-
Mukhalepam is more than a beauty treatment—it's a skin-healing ritual rooted in Ayurveda. With the right herbs and regular practice, it brings long-term radiance and skin health naturally.Mukhlepam not only enhance the glow and texture of the skin but also address underlying doshic imbalances responsible for various skin issues.
