The Power of the Mystical Lotus Flower

We spotlight the benefits of lotus in skincare

Revered as one of the most sacred plants in the world—celebrated in mythology and lore, while holding great symbolic as well as religious weight in many Eastern cultures, the lotus flower is synonymous with serenity and purity. Known as ‘padma’ in Sanskrit, the lotus roots and seeds are used for devotional practices in many rituals of Hinduism, as the plant is believed to improve the mind’s ability to focus and encourage the development of a person’s spirituality.

It has a miraculous life cycle: The flower submerges into the water every night, with its roots implanted to the mud, only to rebloom the next morning sparkling clean. This unusual daily resurrection is associated with re-birth, spiritual enlightenment and the sun. The process is symbolic of revival and a will to live. This is why the flower is considered a metaphor for the soul, rooted in the mud of the material world but transcending limitations to rise towards the top of the pond. The history of its existence dates back to almost a hundred and fifty odd million years. Ever since then, its unique properties allow it to be associated with divinity, growth and refinement. It is used in medicine, art, culture, cosmetics, food and textiles among others. 

The lotus flower has been a mainstay ingredient in beauty and skincare for centuries. Each part of the plant has multiple uses and is greatly beneficial for our health, as is evidenced by its use in Ayurvedic medicine and practices. 

The flower has powerful benefits for our skin:

• Rich in antioxidants

The flower contains a significant amount of potent antioxidants, flavonoids, polyphenols and vitamins. It acts as a natural conditioner intensely nourishing, hydrating and moisturizing the skin. This helps in improving skin texture, elasticity and complexion. They work to give you stronger skin cells, less wrinkles and firmer-looking skin. The antioxidants also help in healing dry, flaky skin.

• Anti-aging and brightening

The antioxidant compounds provide natural anti-aging benefits to the skin, protecting it from free radical damage and signs of aging. The flower is full of vitamin C, which is essential for skin brightening and immunity, and vitamin B, which encourages the production of new skin cells. The extracts of the petal contain properties that improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Soothing and restorative

The lotus flower has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin from redness and irritations. Our skin is exposed to irritants and harsh substances on a daily basis, which inevitably leads to flare-ups and inflammation. Rich in vitamin A, this flower helps the skin heal from wounds, inflammation and redness.

• Balancing and purifying

Lotus extracts contain skin balancing properties, which help control sebum production in the body without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. This is great for oily and acne-prone skin, as it prevents acne and blackheads as well as clogged pores. Controlling sebum also helps control the size and appearance of pores resulting in a smooth, healthy and even-toned complexion. 

The revered and all-powerful lotus flower is used in the Ranavat Imperial Glow Facial Polish. This balm-to-milk creamy facial polish uses lotus flower and finely-milled rice powder to rejuvenate the skin and combat environmental stressors. The rice powder provides a light physical exfoliation that won’t irritate skin, while the lotus extract works to soothe the skin, leaving it soft and radiant. 

The lotus seed is a key ingredient in the Ranavat Radiant Rani Brightening Saffron Serum as well. While saffron is the hero-ingredient in this serum, the lotus flower works in combination to provide additional antioxidants while soothing the skin and fighting inflammation and redness. This serum is infused with a potent blend of vitamin-rich superfoods that promote healthy, even-toned skin.