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. 

Yoshara Naturals : Skin Brightening Orange Peel Scrub

Clear, glowing, dewy-looking skin, free of blackheads, pimples, cysts, and other imperfections seems to be an elusive goal.  The basic concept of this skin care and cleansing method is that the oil used to massage your skin will dissolve the oil that has hardened with impurities and found itself stuck in your pores. The steam will open your pores, allowing the oil to be easily removed. The best face cleansers are the ones that benefit your skin, whether it's sensitive, oily or dry.

ABOUT THE BRAND 

Learn more about Yoshara Naturals HERE!!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Saponified Coconut Oil: The fatty acids along with the numerous minerals and nutrients in coconut will provide the skin with great benefits. The oil can also work to help remove dirt and dead cells from the skin. The aforementioned acids in coconut oil (lactic, capric, etc) can also have benefits when it comes to acne treatment: the antimicrobial properties of these fats can act to prevent or help reduce current acne breakouts (1).  The antioxidants prevent and help to reduce skin aging. Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection, reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis while supporting the natural chemical balance of the skin , softens the skin helping relieve dryness and flaking, prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots promoting healthy looking complexion (1). 

• Cocoa Butter: Because of its natural make-up and its nutrient and fatty acid content, cocoa butter is amazing for dry skin and can actually penetrate further than the top layer of the skin, meaning it moisturises deep-down and really nourishes the skin (2). Cocoa butter can also be helpful for many skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and skin irritation. 

• Essential Oil of Sweet Orange:  Orange essential oil is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory which makes it an ideal ingredient in your skin care products. This oil isn't just for acne-prone skin though: It's been shown to increase the ability to absorb vitamin C, collagen production, and blood flow, all of which are essential for anti-aging (3). Using skin products with sweet essential oil overtime can smooth wrinkles and decrease the gravity of those not so fine lines (3). 

• Dried Orange Peels: The nutrients in orange peel powder are vitamin C that protects skin from free radical damage, calcium that helps in renewal of worn out cells, potassium that keeps the skin hydrated and magnesium that prevents oxidative stress in skin cells (4). Orange peels consist of natural bleaching agents that help make skin visibly fairer, by eliminating dark spots and patches from skin (5). Being slightly acidic in nature, Orange peel helps cleanse skin of surplus sebum thus preventing acne (5). Orange peels contains 136mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, the potent antioxidant elements in the peel, helps fight free radicals preventing premature ageing of  skin (5). Orange peels with 161 mg of calcium per 100 grams are beneficial for skin as the human skin consists of a large amount of calcium in its top most layers and calcium protects skin from DNA damage and helps rejuvenate skin (5). 

• Marigold Petals: The active compounds found in marigold have the quality of stimulating blood circulation and speeding up the healing periods. Marigold flowers contain a bitter compound, volatile oil that have healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and soothing effects (6). They are a considerable source of flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, proteins and resins, among others. The contained bio-flavonoids reduce the fragility of the capillary blood vessels (6). 

• Vitamin E Oil: Topical application of vitamin E oil promotes production of two important protein components namely, collagen and elastin that improves skin elasticity (7). This in turn reduces the appearances of the visible age spots, fine lines or wrinkles, and gives a younger-looking skin. Its antioxidant properties further fight off damaging effects of free radicals, and minimizes the chances of appearances of new wrinkles (7). For this reason, Vitamin E is used as a key ingredient in several anti-aging creams and lotions. Vitamin E also prevents water loss from the skin, and helps retain its natural moisture making dull, dry skin look healthy and well-moisturized (7). If it is used for the purpose of deep pore cleansing of dry skin on a regular basis, it restores the normal oil balance of the skin.

The skin brightening orange peel scrub, comes in a 50 gm plastic pot with a screw on top. Orange in color, the scrub is gritty in texture and does not spread easily. The sweet orange essential oil imparts a citrus"y" fragrance to the cleanser cum scrub. 

To use, splash face with lukewarm water. Scoop out a dollop of scrub and rub together between your hands. Gently massage scrub all over face and neck in circular motions. Rinse with luke warm water and pat dry.  I do prefer to add a drop or two of water to the cleanser as this makes it easier to spread. I follow up with moisturizer.

To start off, this antioxidant-rich, skin brightening, citrus powerhouse isn't a scrub in the literal sense. Devoid of any abrasive agents, the gentle grittiness it does possess  is due to the  bits of powdered orange peel blended into the formulation for a fresh and natural exfoliation experience. Safe for daily use, the cleanser effectively cleanses the skin without stripping the skin of its natural oils and as a bonus adds a youthful glow. Due to the presence of skin loving oils, many wouldn't feel the need for a moisturizer, but I prefer to follow up with my toning and moisturizing routine.

Give this 100 % natural goodness a try and always remember, learning to work with your skin, not against it, will save you tremendously.

Yoshara Naturals is exhibiting and selling at Handpicked by Select City Walk every Sunday. Visit the market for their entire range of bath & body goodies!

Ida Naturals : Skin Glow Pack

Face packs are one of the oldest and beautiful methods of cleansing skin that have nourishing, healing, cleaning, astringent and antiseptic properties. Often used as a preventive, promotive and curative agent for any skin problems, this face mask by Ida Natural’s is unique in that in addition to being a soap free cleanser, it also doubles as a body ubtan for adults.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Ida Naturals HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Wild Turmeric (Kasturi Manjal): It has anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties due to which it is used to as a cure for acne and acne marks, as a scrub in conjunction with other exfoliating agents, as an anti-ageing agent, to help removing facial peach fuzz and as a remedy for removing sun tan (1). Curcumin - the alkaloidal content of turmeric prevents and cures pigmentation, maintains the pH balance and adds gow to the skin (1).

• Green Gram Flour: 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).

• Vetiver: A “cicatrisant,” it can speed up the disappearance of scars, dark spots, and other marks on the skin, helping to create a more even skin tone (3). It works to heal the old wound and regenerate new tissues. Vetiver also provides:

• Acne treatment by naturally killing bacteria and helping calm inflammation associated with acne (3).
• Moisturization: The oil is nourishing and hydrating, helping to soothe dry, cracking skin. Furthermore, it helps skin hold onto moisture, gradually increasing skin’s water content over time (3).
• Anti-bacterial action: Bacteria, fungus, and other harmful microbes have no chance against vetiver. It kills these bugs—including Staphylococcus Aureus—helping to heal skin wounds more quickly. It has even been used to combat lice (3).
• Support for connective tissues: As part of its skin regeneration abilities, vetiver helps support and strengthen the connective tissues in skin, gradually reducing the sagging and bagging that happens with aging, helping skin to appear firmer and more youthful (3).
• Protection: Like most plant oils, vetiver contains antioxidants, which helps to protect skin from damaging free radicals (3).

• Davanam (Artemisia pallen): Has skin rejuvenating properties and has found to be effective in the treatment of acne, because of its antibacterial properties (4).

• Aavaram Senna (Tanner's Cassia): Avaram Senna flower is a natural source of antioxidants and the flower extract contains terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and steroid (5). Saponins found in the flower extract is a natural antimicrobial compound that fights against fungal and microbial infections (5). Dried Aavaram Senna flower when used in topically prevents black spots, treats uneven skin tone and improves skin complexion (5).

• Rose Petals: Has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that can help treat acne and acne prone skin, reduce swollen spots, redness and has skin calming properties(6). Rose is especially beneficial for  sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (6).

• Champaka Petals (Magnolia Champaca): Provides relief from itching, had excellent active ingredients to treat mature skin types (7).

• Jasmine Petals: Long used for its health benefits as well as its lovely smell, jasmine has also been found to nourish skin, help fade the appearance of scars, and protect skin from damage that can lead to premature aging (8). A natural antiseptic, jasmine contains natural components that fight fungus, bacteria, viruses, and other germs and serves as a natural preservative in sin care products (8). Because of its antioxidants, jasmine can help protect your skin from damaging free radicals from the sun and environmental pollution helping preserve the youthful appearance of the skin (8). The oil is very effective in treating and fading scar marks, old wound scars & stretch marks (8). Additionally, the oil helps treat dry skin and provide natural moisture and is particularly great for dry, greasy, or sensitive skin, as it helps to balance all types without irritating (8).

The skin glow pack comes in a variety of sizes, but to start off with I chose the 50 gm format which comes in a transparent plastic container with a screw on top. The salient features of the pack are listed on the label. Powdery and dry, the pack has a smooth texture and smells predominantly of kasturi manjal mingled with other herbal aromas.

To use, I scoop out the required quantity with a wooden spatula, add milk and blend it to a paste like consistency and massage it on moist skin in circular motions. If I use the pack exclusively for my face, I blend using either milk or toner  liquid and add a teaspoon of honey to the blend.

The aroma of the herbal face pack is very reminiscent of my childhood when my grandmom used to bathe me with a similar herbal preparation. I prefer to use the pack for my body, similarly as an ubtan. A soap free cleanser, it gently exfoliates with out stripping the skin of its natural oils leaving behind a natural glow. Due to the stellar ingredient list, I have found it has helped clearing my skin specifically my "bacacne" (back acne) and has reduced tanning. To see visible results, one needs to be consistent and patient. I use this pack at least once or twice in a week.

Its revitalizing, refreshing & refining properties, makes this pack a must try product!