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. 

Rustic Art : Aloe Vera - Lavender Gel

For a while now I have been looking for an Aloe Vera Gel. However all the aloe gels I found used artificial preservatives such as parabens, phenoxyethanol etc. This is because the oxidation process begins exactly the moment aloe vera gel comes in contact with the air. So when I came across Rustic Art's Aloe Vera - Lavender Gel which is not only free of artificial preservatives and certified organic but also meant specifically for dry skin, I was intrigued.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Founded by aunt-neice duo, Sunita Jaju and Swati Maheshwari, Rustic Art makes and uses sustainable alternatives to chemical-based products. Eco-friendly, handmade, free of chemicals and harmful elements, the brand uses only certified organic products in their formulations. 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

•  Organic Aloe Vera: 

 1. Helps with sunburn through its powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture and because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker (1). 

2. Moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel, for men: Aloe vera gel can be used as an after shave treatment as its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving (1).

3. Aloe vera gel contains six antiseptic agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulfur (1). They all have inhibitory action on fungi, bacteria and viruses. Giberellin in aloe vera acts as a growth hormone stimulating the growth of new cells. It allows the skin to heal quickly and naturally with minimal scarring (2). Aloe contains the enzyme Bradykinase which helps to reduce excessive inflammation, blistering and itchiness,when applied to skin topically helping the skin to heal more rapidly (1). Additionally, in Ayurvedic medicine, Aloe is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema (2).

4. Aloe leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin's natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated (1).

5.Contains over 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids and salicylic acid (1).

6. Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic (2). 

• Lavender Extract: According to dermatologists and aromatherapists, lavender essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils in the treatment of acne,by inhibiting the bacteria that cause the initial infection (3). Aggravated skin caused by stress can be calmed by lavender as it has stress-relieving properties (4). Its property as a normalizing agent can heal wounds and help stimulate new cell growth and regeneration (4). 

• Natural Preservative of TCLS: Natural preservative system based on three key essential oils: Turmeric Oil (Curcuma longa), Clove Bud Oil (Syzgium Aromaticum), Lemon Grass Oil (Cymbopogen Citratus) and Sesame Oil (Sesamum Indicum) (5).

•  Vit - E: It protects the skin from environmental pollution, It has a protecting action against UV radiation – although it cannot be classed as a sunscreen, it is an excellent moisturiser, it contains powerful anti-inflammatory action – and this can prevent the signs of premature ageing, as inflammatory conditions in the skin is a leading cause of skin ageing, it has excellent wound healing properties (6). Apart from all of these excellent qualities, vitamin E also enhances and helps with the penetration of other compounds into the skin and is itself well absorbed by human skin (6). 

 
The primary reason I was rummaging for an all natural aloe gel was to treat the rashes I get after eyebrow threading. Soon it doubled as my husband's after shave balm too. The product comes in a 100 gm transparent plastic jar with a screw on lid. There is protective inner lid to prevent any leakage and it does a good job making it travel friendly. 

The gel is clear in color, sticky in consistency and has a mild lavender fragrance to it. When applied, it glides on easily and when used in the right proportions, there is no residual stickiness. 

The efficacy of the gel is astounding. Due to my skin sensitivity, I get red rashes a day after I thread my eyebrows which gets itchy and lasts a couple of days after. The skin around the threaded area also gets blotchy and difficult to touch. So the last time my skin threatened to break out after the procedure, I applied a liberal dose (a couple of times a day) around the area and to my surprise the skin soothed and there was no redness, no breakout or itchiness. I think in the summer time, this might double as a good moisturizer, however for the winters this will not work for my dry/dehydrated skin.

I am pretty impressed by the product and if like me, you are looking for a good quality aloe gel free of artificial preservatives, your search ends here!! 

Give it a go and let me know how it fared for you!

Indian Earthy Naturals : Coffee Flaxseed Exfoliating Body Scrub

All natural, vegan beauty is slowing taking over my world one product at a time! I love coffee and coffee containing products. So when I chanced upon this coffee flaxseed exfoliating body scrubby Indian Earthy Naturals, I was tempted. Coffee based scrubs has several benefits that include: exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, temporary reduction of cellulite, improved circulation, reduced eye puffiness, and smooth skin (1). Coupled with omega rich flax seed, the scrub's potency increases two fold!

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Indian Earthy Naturals HERE!
 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Natural Soap Base: Usually made of saponified oil/butter blends to balance the scrub's cleansing, moisturizing and nourishing abilities

• Ground Coffee: Coffee is granular and feels nice on the skin but the caffeine has added benefits. Applied topically, coffee helps to redistribute fat cells and decrease the formation of cellulite, acts as a vasorestrictor, tightening and shrinking blood vessels thereby helping eliminate varicose veins (2). Caffeine is also loaded with antioxidants, which help to fight premature skin aging like wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines (1)

• Ground Flax Seed: Lends healthy omega fatty acids while exfoliating skin to evacuate dead skin cells and to revive the skin by tightening large pores and toning the skin (3,4). Applied topically, flax seed is also very lubricating for dry skin (2). The vitamin E found in flax seed along with the omega fatty acids, keep the skin healthy and moisturized (4).

• Essential Oil Of Geranium: Promotes beautiful and radiant skin, geranium oil is  used to treat acne, reduce inflammation, alleviate anxiety, balance hormones, uplift the mood, lessen fatigue and promote emotional wellness (5).

The scrub comes in a 100 gm cute and reusable glass jar. It has a dark color owing to the coffee, a paste like consistency and a greasy feel. What makes this scrub unique is the use of flax seed as an exfoliating agent as opposed to sugar, salt or crushed nut shells which are the common ingredients in most body scrubs & polishes.

I scoop out a teaspoon and a half of the scrub with a wooden spoon (this is necessary as the product is sans preservatives) and massage it in circular motion feet up (as this is supposed to stimulate circulation). I was pleasantly surprised that this amount was well sufficient for the whole body. Since the product is moist and lump free, there is no spillage (i.e. nothing falls to the floor).  

IEN provides the scrub with your choice of fragrance oil and I choose geranium essential oil. Though the scrub does not leave any detectable smell on the skin, the aroma lingers long after in the washroom (LOVE LOVE LOVE). 

The coffee grinds & flax seeds in the scrub exfoliate without being abrasive on the skin making it ideal for sensitive skin while the soap base provides gentle cleansing without drying the skin. Post shower, it leaves an oily film on the skin which hydrates my dry/dehydrated/sensitive skin well. I do not feel the need to moisturizer which, is a big deal for me. The skin feels soft, supple with a visible sheen.

This scrub definitely makes it to my MUST HAVE/FAVOURITE list!

Do give this product a try and let it work its magic !