Kama Ayurveda : Organic Aloe Vera Juice

For hundreds of years the juice and oil from the aloe vera plant has been used to treat burns, but recent research shows that these powerful ingredients are also great for acne, dry skin, inflammation, stretch marks, and more.

Aloe vera, member of the Lily family (Lilaceae) is believed to be native to the Mediterranean. Called a “succulent” plant because it can hold large quantities of water, it has a clear, thick gel in the inner part of the leaf that’s often used for minor cuts and burns (1).

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

Plethora of 20 amino acids; minerals like calcium, magnesium and sodium; enzymes; polysaccharides; the gel of aloe, penetrates quickly and deeply, moisturizing at the lower levels of skin and nourishing with natural enzymes and amino acids. 

Psoriasis: Early evidence suggests that aloe extract may be an effective treatment for psoriasis. Aloe vera has certain natural steroids that help reduce the inflammation and the prescence of salicylic acid  is beneficial for the skin and used  to destroy bacteria, reduce pain and inflammation (2)

Hair Care: Aloe Vera contains proteolitic enzymes are able to to eradicate dead skin cells on the scalp that could be clogging the hair follicles preventing the penetration of nutrients into the hair (3). Aloe Vera’s keratolic action, breaks down the sebum and dead scalp cells, allowing for further hair growth while its alkalizing properties help bring the scalp and hair’s pH to a desirable level, resulting in further hair growth promotion, while helping lock in moisture to improve the smoothness of hair (3). An anti-pruritic and presence of anti-inflammatory enzyme Bradykinase, aloe vera can reduce the redness, scaling, itching and inflammation commonly associated with dandruff and scalp psoriasis (3). The gel in aloe vera leaves has chemical composition similar to the protein keratin that penetrates easily into the hair shaft deep conditioning it (2). The amino acids are responsible for the strength and luster. Aloe lotion may help treat seborrheic dermatitis when applied to the scalp (1).

Dry Skin: Aloe has long been used as a moisturizer, and recent studies suggest it may help reduce skin dryness. When used topically aloe vera can soothe inflamed skin and enhance collagen and hyaluronic acid to help rejuvenate skin (4). Because it’s moisturizing but not greasy, it’s perfect even for those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.

Radiation Dermatitis: Skin irritation caused by radiation treatments is often soothed with the application of topical aloe (1).

Wound Healing/Sunburn: Aloe vera juice is a powerful healing agent and is used in many sunburn treatments. The natural nutrients and antioxidants in the plant work to soothe the pain and help to regenerate the skin. Aloe is also reputed to help heal the minor tears in skin that appear during pregnancy, helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks (1).

Acne: Aloe has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce skin inflammation. Auxin and Gibberellins, two hormones found in Aloe Vera, have wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce skin inflammation and promote the growth of new cells (5). The skin can then heal faster with minimal scarring. Aloe also has antiseptic properties from natural “saponins” that help cleanse and rid the skin of impurities.

The organic, cold-pressed aloe vera juice comes in a 100 mL tinted bottle with a inner protective stop, a pump and a golden screw on top. The pump and stop-screw on top arrangement can be used interchangeably making the product travel friendly. The salient features of the product are printed on the bottle. The product has a 45 day expiry date and needs to be refrigerated once opened.

The juice is cloudy, fluid in consistency, light in texture (like water) and does not have a pleasant odour. 

I utilize the juice as a liquid medium to blend my facial cleansers and masks. The fragrance is too unpleasant for me to use it alone as a facial toner unfortunately. 

The best feature about the product is it's organic, cold pressed & preservative free which as far as I know is difficult to come across.  I have been using the product for approximately 4 weeks now and I have noticed it does soothe the skin of redness and itching which are both are due to my skin being on the drier side. Since the juice gets washed away, in my opinion, an aloe gel is much more effective for topical skin applications. 

Owing to the smell, this product unfortunately would have to be a onetime purchase. 

Kama Ayurveda : Mridul

This product by Kama Ayurveda was an impulse purchase at Mumbai's duty free. I am a sucker for soap free cleansers (read more here, here, here, here, here, and here) and when I chanced upon Mridul, I absolutely had to get my hands on it!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Avena Sativa (Oatmeal): Gentle on the skin, oatmeal does not forcibly peel away dead and dying skin cells from the surface of the skin, instead, oatmeal contains over a dozen amino acids, which are vital for building healthy skin tissue and for healing the skin (1). During an oatmeal face mask treatment, the skin will absorb these acids, which will help to heal minor imperfections, blemishes, and to help repair uneven skin tone (1). As oatmeal has humectant properties it allows the skin to retain moisture, thus hydrating the skin. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, oatmeal is the treatment of choice for sensitive skin (1). Another benefit to oatmeal is that it absorbs oil, so you will be cleansing as you exfoliate.

• Phaseolus Aureus (Green Gram): Rich in vitamins A and C, it rejuvenates the skin by nourishing and exfoliating it (2). Applied topically, moong dal is a great way to soothe dry skin and retain its lost moisture. It is packed with cell rejuvenating vitamins and enzymes that help to lock in moisture into the skin (2). Its exfoliating properties help lighten the skin (de-tan) and get rid of fine facial hair. It also prevents the pores of your skin from clogging up with oil or dirt and draws out impurities from the skin and skin pores preventing acne (2). It’s antiseptic properties along with being cooling and soothing that can heal your skin and keep it looking fresh and glowing (2).

• Amygdalus Communis (Almond): Nourishes the skin while providing gentle exfoliation and promotes the natural turnover of skin cells. Almonds cleanse the skin by eliminating toxins and free radicals from your body. The Vitamin E component is considered a skin food as it nourishes the skin, keeping it smooth and glowing, can help to remove fine lines and wrinkles. It can also lighten age spots and other blemishes on the skin. (3,4).

• Azadirachta Indica (Neem): The leaves have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties and hence they are quite effective on skin infections. They also soothe irritation and reduce inflammation without drying the skin (5). High in beneficial fatty acids, neem can keep oil secretion in control and  effectively kills the bacteria that cause acne and reduces inflammation thus clearing acne and preventing new ones (6). A neem pack has moisturising properties that is quite effective in taking care of excessively dry skin and helps keep dry skin from getting rough and itchy (6).

• Santalum Album (Sandalwood): Has antiseptic, astringent, anti inflammatory and disinfectant properties. The antiseptic quality of sandalwood helps treat rashes, acne, blackheads and other skin eruptions and promotes healthy smooth skin. Its germicidal quality inhibits the growth of bacteria thus reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes (7). It is also a natural astringent, thus toning the skin (7). The oils in sandalwood powder can help combat dry skin condition (8).

• Curucma Longa (Turmeric): Turmeric has anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti bacterial properties making it very effective in treating almost all the skin related diseases (9). The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that turmeric possesses can help in treating acne, eczema, rosacea and aids in skin rejuvenation. In acne, turmeric can soothe skin blemishes and heal acne scars. For eczema, applying turmeric can reduce inflammation and redness and in case of  rosacea, turmeric can reduce the tiny pimples and redness (10). Turmeric face masks are used to rejuvenate skin and regular use of turmeric with various combination of ingredients can soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines (10).

• Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor): Wonderful astringent for tightening the pores and remains a time tested remedy for acne and pimples (11). Camphor keeps skin oil free and gets rid of impurities from the surface providing a fresh glow and improving complexion. Superb cleanser, camphor tones the skin and helps soothe scars caused by burns along with smoothening rough cracked and coarse heels (11).

• Cicer Arietinum (Chickpea): Great as a face mask or a scrub because of its slightly gritty texture, it draws out impurities and excess oil and is hence, good for acne prone skin. As an exfoliator, it helps remove dead skin leading to skin rejuvenation and aid with the removal of fine facial hair aka peach fuzz. It is also good to lighten skin tone and blemish marks (12).

• Rosa Damascene (Rose): The natural oils found in roses help lock moisture into the skin which helps to keep the skin feeling smooth and soft (13). The sugars in rose petals make it perfect for those with sensitive skin as it instantly creates a soothing feeling. The anti-bacterial properties in rose make it amazing for fighting acne and breakouts; help soothe skin irritations, redness rosecea and eczema (13). Due to the high amount of Vitamin C found in roses it is a wonderful antioxidant that can help protect skin cells from damage due to sun (13). Great for under eye area to combat dark circles.

• Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel): Great source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, fennel seeds are a natural for adding to skin care products, as the skin needs these ingredients just much as the inside of the body (14). Fennel seeds also have essential oils like anethol, fenchone, limonene, pinene, myrcene, chavicol, and cineole of which anethole, myrcene, and limonene has shown to reduce inflammation, which can be helpful in treating acne and rosacea, chavicol acts as an antiseptic, helping to cleanse and tone skin (14). It can stimulate estrogen receptors, which means that it may help firm skin tone and reduce the excess production of sebum, reducing the occurrence of acne (14). In addition, fennel contains super-antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, all of which are known to have properties effective at battling the effects of aging (14).

Mridul facial cleanser comes in a 40 gm sealed plastic pouch along with a wooden spatula in a metal container which can be reused. Powdery in consistency, green in color and gritty in texture, the cleanser smells of fennel and neem.

To use, I scoop the required amount of the soap free natural cleanser with the spoon provided, spritz Oilcraft Naturals Panch Pusph facial mist to bring it to a paste like consistency and apply it to the face all the while massaging it in circular motion. I let it on for a while before rinsing it off in the shower.

What I noticed was that the ingredients were targeted to treat acne prone skin and coincidentally my skin was going through a rough patch. Usually acne treating products tend to dry the skin but not this one. 

I have dry/dehydrated/sensitive skin with occasional bouts of acne. When I used this cleanser, it gently exfoliated the skin (since all ingredients are natural, there are no abrasive agents here, however sometimes the cleanser does feel a little harsh on the skin which can be counteracted by using raw milk while blending) clearing and cleansing the skin leaving no stretchy feeling. The turmeric in the cleanser does not stain the skin and  I noticed the acne dried up faster than it usually would have. I do moisturize after with either a serum or cream depending on how parched my skin feels.

The product works wonders in general for all skin types in hot humid weather but I couldn't comment about its efficacy in the cold dry months.

A must try for all soap-free cleanser fanatics like myself!!!

Kama Ayurveda : Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment

Alright, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the idea! 

According to leading New York-based hair restoration specialist Dr. James C. Marotta, the average woman could lose between 50 and 100 strands per day, even up to 150 in some cases. Since hair is a non-essential tissue, it’s very sensitive to any stress placed on the body. Couple that with chemical processing (color, hair relaxing and straightening), there is damage to the hair protein structure which can in turn weaken the hair shaft and lead to breakage.

Earlier on this year, I had smoothened my hair which coupled with other stressors was causing major hair fall. On a whim and out of desperation,p I  purchased Kama Ayurveda's Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment and am very satisfied with the results.

  

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Indigofera Tinctoria Linn: Indian Indigo or Neela, is used in treating hair fall or grey hair

• Cardiospermum Halicacabum Linn: Ballon vine or Kapalphodi, the oil from the plant is good for treating dandruff, alopecia and darkening of the hair (1). 

• Eclipta Alba: Also known as Bringraj, it is believed to promote hair growth through stimulation on the hair follicles and to maintain hair quality (2)

• Phyllanthus Emblica: Indian gooseberry or Amla, beneficial in enriching hair growth and pigmentation, treatment of premature greying of hair and cleansing and condition hair (3,4).

• Sesamum Indicum Oil: Sesame oil treats damaged hair by dissolving away many toxins that accumulate on the scalp (5). The oil has a good essential fatty acid profile which boosts health of hair follicles, helps in scalp psorasis, prevents hair loss and restores shine to dull looking hair (5). 

• Cocas Nucifera Extract: The fatty acids in coconut oil penetrate human hair fibres, giving it more structural strength thereby protecting hair from damage, prevents hair damage from hygral fatigue, reduces/prevents protein loss from the hair fibre, helps retain moisture form inside the hair shaft, nourishes the scalp and helps treat dandruff and has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral due to the presence of medium chain fatty acids, notably lauric acid (6).

• Glycyrrhiza Glabra: Liquorice or Mulethi, is helpful in relieving baldness, dandruff and excessive hair loss (7)

• Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil: Rosemary oil promotes hair growth and has been used since, ancient times to treat baldness (8).

• Lavandula Angustifolia Oil: Lavender oil controls hair loss and improves hair growth, acts as a conditioner, helps get rid of dry itchy scalp and dandruff & treats hair loss (9)

The oil is dark in color (due to the presence of indigo) and comes in a transparent plastic bottle with a golden screw on top. Inside a stopper plugs the nozzle shut preventing any leaks making it travel safe (I can vouch for this as I have traveled with it twice without any accidents!). 

This oil's fragrance is very reminiscent of a similar concoction my grandmother used to prepare during my childhood. The oil has a strong aroma of sesame oil in addition to other herbal fragrances which doesn't really bother me. Free flowing (i.e. not viscous) and non-greasy, the oil is light on the hair and gets washed without leaving any greasy residue but help condition the hair plenty.

 

My hair texture is thick, coarse and curly making it prone to frizziness. I use the oil twice a week, usually warming it before use   and massaging it into my scalp using my fingertips. Any residual oil, is applied to my hair ends. Warming the oil opens up the pores letting the oil penetrate into the follicles deep conditioning the hair. I leave it on for 30 - 60 minutes before shampoo & conditioning.

I have most definitely noticed my hair is softer and tangle free. The hair fall too has decreased substantially. I do not have premature greying so I couldn't comment on the oil's beneficial effects on that and the same goes for its effect on dandruff. However my hair does seem less dry. 

I initially purchased the 100ml bottle but am definitely going for the bigger one the next time round.

Pampered your tresses yet...what did you think?

Kama Ayurveda : Organic Sweet Almond Oil

I would describe my skin as dry/dehydrated and sometimes flaky with sporadic bursts of acne. So my pursuit for an effective moisturizer is ever on. Before pregnancy my skin dryness was very manageable but during pregnancy it got out of hand and soon went downhill from there. I have tried everything from drugstore to high end brands but my skin never had the clarity & plushness I have desired!

During a recent visit to Kuwait, my cousin told me she often treated her skin dryness with almond oil and praised its efficacy. I however dismissed it thinking it just wasn't the solution to my skin troubles as I was under the impression that it would cause breakouts. Soon after my skin acted up real bad and I knew I had to step up my game. After much research, I decided to add Kama Ayurveda Sweet Almond Oil to my skin care routine because not only is it certified organic but also cold pressed.

While there are several commercially available almond oils, it is better to purchase organic cold pressed oils for skin care as far as possible. Organic, cold pressed oils are substantially more expensive than commercial oils but this is because these oils are produced by heating gently at low temperatures as excessive heat will kill the valuable elements in the oil (1). Additionally, they are processed without chemical extraction, and without solvents like hexane. 

There are two different kinds of almond oil – sweet almond oil and bitter almond essential oil. 

The oil used for therapeutic purpose is sweet almond oil, also sometimes called as pure almond oil, which is highly refined (3). Being non-comedogenic, it’s non greasy lubricant, medium-light with quick absorption rate so works well on the face and even on sensitive skin. Sweet or pure almond oil for face or skin acts as an emollient and is good for dry, flaky, irritated skin and for preventing skin spots (3).

Bitter almond oil doesn't have any cosmetic applications and is meant mostly for smell. 
 
KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• For Smooth, Flawless Skin: Almond oil is a mild, hypoallergenic oil rich in vitamin A,B & E that are essential in keeping the skin young and supple. Light in texture, the oil can easily penetrate deep into the skin, softening and dislodging the dirt and debris accumulated in the skin pores and hair follicles preventing blackheads and acne (1). The Vitamin A content in the oil may even help reduce acne flare-ups.

• Reducing Fine Lines & Signs of Ageing:  Almond oil contains Vitamin E, which is one of the most potent antioxidants known. It can help repair some of the damage done to the collagen layer. The oil is especially rich in proteins, and can provide the amino acids required for the formation of collagen (3). External application of the oil can prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss from the skin.

• Skin Acne: Almond oil has fatty acids that dissolve sebum and impurities that cause acne and pimples (2). It also cleanses the skin pores and repairs damage to the skin, so can prevent occurrence of acne and pimples.

• Lightening Dark Eye Circles: Pure almond oil is a natural solution for getting rid of under eye dark circles and puffiness of eyes, due to its anti-aging qualities (2). Kama Ayurveda's Sweet Almond Oil comes in a tinted plastic bottle(this is to prevent light having an effect on the phytonutrients) with a golden screw on lid. The bottle comes with a stopper to prevent any leaks making it a friendly travel companion. 

• Hair Care: Sweet almond oil contains vitamin A, B and E in addition to omega 9, omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids that help keep hair strong and healthy, preventing against breakage (4). Sweet almond oil’s natural moisture-sealing properties help to replenish hair and also fight against split ends by holding moisture in hair for longer periods of time. Lighter than many other helpful oils, which makes it an excellent natural resource for leave-in protection; it is a perfect base for other helpful essential oils that may further moisturize the scalp, helping to fight off dandruff (4).

The oil is a light golden color with an almond"y" fragrance to it that disappears upon application.

During winters, I use the oil as a facial moisturizer (3-4 drops for my skin) but during the hot, humid summer months, I prefer it before my CTM routine. 

I have been using this oil for over 6 weeks now (predominantly on the face) and I definitely do see results. My skin tone has improved, fine lines under my eyes have reduced and in general the skin looks plumped. I never had prominent dark circles to begin with so I wouldn't be able to tell if it works on under eye circles. My acne scars (don't have too many of those either) seemed to have lightened, I have fewer blackheads and there certainly is a glow in the complexion which hasn't gone unnoticed 😊.  

This oil is a holy grail in my skin care routine, it quenches my skin with the moisture it craves!! I only wish I had tried it earlier!!