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!!!