Since times immemorial, people have experimented with the potent herbs and natural ingredients around them and tried to infuse their goodness into one powerful potion.
Ayurveda too, has one such recipe that’s passed over generations as a beauty secret.
Described as ‘Miraculous Elixir’; it’s said that massaging your face with it at night will make your face glow like gold.
This beauty potion is none other than Kumkumadi Thailam.
It is considered Ayurveda’s invaluable gift to mankind for its uncanny ability to eradicate skin-related issues and bring out the skin’s natural glow. The name Kumkumadi comes from one of its key ingredients - red-gold Saffron, which is known as Kumkuma in Sanskrit.
In this article, we’ll look at the major benefits of Kumkumadi Facial Oil, its ingredients, how to apply it, and answer the major questions around its uses. First, let’s get down to the basics.
What is Kumkumadi Oil? (And Its Top Benefits)
Made entirely from natural herbs and oils, Kumkumadi Oil (also called Kumkumadi Thailam) is an Ayurvedic facial oil.
It provides cosmetic as well as therapeutic benefits for the skin without causing any damage. Besides nourishing the skin, it also works as a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer.
The most valuable Kumkumadi Oil benefits are:
- Working as a natural skin illuminator by lightening the skin tone and improving skin texture,
- Repairing hyperpigmentation as well as signs of aging,
- Getting rid of skin discoloration,
- Treating blemishes and scars,
- Revitalises skin’s youthful brightness
- Rejuvenates skin dullness
- Suitable for all skin types
- Corrects dark spots
- Evens skin tone
- Enhances skin defenses against aging stressors
But how is this oil capable of offering so many benefits?
Well, the secret lies in the ingredients used to prepare it. There are many powerful, natural and Ayurvedic Kumkumadi oil ingredients that provide unique benefits for our skin.
Most of the plants in the formula are classified under the {varnya gana}, a category of herbs in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia praised to illuminate and rejuvenate skin.
Lotus: Calms skin by soothing inflammation.
Saffron: Evens skin tone and natural skin illuminator
Indian Madder: Defends the skin from oxidative stressors.
We’ll look at those ingredients in the later section of the article.
One effective Kumkumadi Thailam Facial Oil is Kama Ayurveda’s Kumkumadi Youth-Revitalising Facial Oil. It is prescribed in Ayurveda for glowing complexion and even skin tone, among many other Kumkumadi Thailam uses and benefits.
How to Use Kumkumadi Oil: Three Simple Steps
Below are three steps to use Kumkumadi oil in the form of our Kumkumadi Youth-Revitalising Facial Oil. Follow this regime to brighten and treat dull, pigmented, damaged and aging skin.
1.Pre-Oiling
Begin with cleansing your face as usual at night. After cleansing, dampen your skin with Pure Rose/Mogra/Lavender/Vetiver water.
2.Facial Oiling
Take (2-3 drops) of Kumkumadi Youth-Revitalising Facial Oil on your palm, apply over the face with fingertips and gently massage onto the skin until fully absorbed.
3.Post-Oiling
Allow the Kumkumadi Youth-Revitalising Facial Oil to work overnight for the best results. Wash it next morning with a mild natural cleanser.
Here are 3 some other ways to use Kumkumadi Oil in your skincare ritual:
LAYER: Unveil targeted beauty by applying 2-3 drops before moisturizing at night.
BLEND: Mix 1-2 drops with your moisturizer for nourishment and a radiant glow in your palms.
CURE: Indulge in a mask twice a week by taking 4-5 drops drops for your face and then washing it off.
How is Kumkumadi Thailam Made? - Top Ingredients
Kumkumadi Thailam is prepared from a herbal paste of over 21 herbs. Almost all the Ayurvedic herbs useful for skin are used as Kumkumadi oil ingredients. These ingredients are first made into a decoction. Then, Sesame oil is added as the base oil to absorb the potent energy of the herbs.
1. Kumkumadi Oil For Skin Brightening
The most well-known ingredient of Kumkumadi Thailam is Saffron (Kumkum), which is fabled for its ability to transform your skin tone. By rejuvenating the skin cells and promoting blood circulation, it brightens the complexion.
Another ingredient with the same function is Sandalwood (Chandana) derived from fragrant wood of the Sandalwood tree. It contains skin lightening agents with soothing properties that make the oil suitable for application even in summers. [2]
If you want to use Kumkumadi Thailam for skin brightening, you can rely on these ingredients to naturally bring out a glowing complexion.
2. Kumkumadi Oil For Healing from Skin Infections
Kumkumadi Thailam uses are not limited to skin brightening. If you’ve any skin conditions like blemishes, or certain kinds of bacterial or fungal infections, you can heal them naturally by using Kumkumadi Oil.
The oil gets its antifungal properties from Lac (Laksha). It’s derived from the resinous secretion of lac insects and proves extremely useful in treating skin infections.
Note - Kama Ayurveda’s preparation of Kumkumadi Facial Oil is 100 percent Ayurvedic, and cruelty-free and no animals/insects are harmed in the process of sourcing Lac.
Along with Lac, many other Ayurvedic ingredients present in the oil help in skin healing.
Derived from a perennial climber growing in the Himalayas, Indian Madder (Manjistha) provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Extracts from Sappan Wood or Indian Redwood (Pattanga) and Pollen of Lotus flower (Kamala Keshara) give Kumkumadi Thailam healing properties and treat conditions like skin inflammation.
3. Kumkumadi Oil for Pigmentation and Discolouration
One of the most critical functions of Kumkumadi Oil is in treating discolouration and pigmentation of the skin.
A natural skin brightening Ayurvedic ingredient, Licorice root extract (Madhuyashtika) in Kumkumadi Oil inhibits the enzyme that causes pigmentation in response to sun exposure. It also helps in diminishing the dark pigmentation resulting from scars.
Wild Himalayan Cherry (Padma), Leaves of the Banyan tree (Nyarodhna) and Vetiver roots (Usheera) present in Kumkumadi Thailam are other Ayurvedic herbs that are effective in brightening the complexion and treating skin discoloration revealing a smoother, younger-looking complexion.
These ingredients make Kumkumadi Oil a popular Ayurvedic medicine for hyperpigmentation.
Dark Spots, a common condition associated with skin pigmentation, can also be treated naturally by using Kumkumadi Thailam.
However, if you’re looking to get rid of tan from all over your body, then Nalpamaradi Thailam is recommended.
4. Kumkumadi Oil for Oily Skin
Do you have oily skin? Are you worried that using Kumkumadi Thailam as a facial oil will make your skin even more oily? While many facial oils are not suitable for oily skin, Kumkumadi oil has unique ingredients that are appropriate and also beneficial for oily skin!
Take, for instance, Indian Barberry (Kaliyaka) present in Kumkumadi oil. The herb is known for its ability to reduce the production of skin lipids (or sebum). This ingredient makes the oil perfect for unclogging pores, taming oily skin and preventing acne. [2]
The extract from the seed of Blue Lotus (Neelotpala) is also present in the oil. This extract is a natural moisturizer that results in glowing skin by balancing oiliness and preventing breakouts. Not only this, the musky scented Mahua (Madhuka) flowers used to prepare the oil provides it with cooling properties and the functionality as a skin toner. [4]
However, note that just using just one or two drops of the oil is enough when you’re using it for oily skin type.
5. Kumkumadi Oil for Hydration and Moisturization
Kumkumadi Thailam is perhaps the most hydrating and nourishing facial serum that you can choose for your skin.
Do you know why? It’s because a concoction prepared from 10 powerful Ayurvedic roots from plants like Bael and Indian Trumpet Flower, known as Dashamool, is present in Kumkumadi Oil. Due to this, the oil is effective in treating excessive dryness of the skin.
Next, let’s clear a few of the most common questions around the oil.
FAQ About Kumkumadi Facial Oil
Can it be used for oily skin? What about sensitive skin? Are there no side effects? Even while using the best Kumkumadi Thailam, you can have some doubts in mind. We’ve covered all of them below. Let’s start by checking the suitability of the oil for dry skin types.
(Note: These answers are specific to Kumkumadi Thailam in the form of Kama Ayurveda’s Kumkumadi Youth-Revitalising Facial Oil)
- Is Kumkumadi Oil suitable for dry skin?
Kumkumadi Oil is a natural moisturizer that uses Sesame oil as the base oil. It balances dry and rough skin by virtue of its Vata pacifying nature. Hence, it is useful for dry skin. You can increase the number of drops to 4-5 if your skin is dry.
- Is Kumkumadi Facial Oil suitable for oily skin?
Yes, Kumkumadi Thailam is suitable for oily skin. However, the most common disclaimer attached to the oil is don’t over-use Kumkumadi Thailam if you have oily skin. It is inadvisable to keep a thick layer of this oil at night. Reduce the number of drops to 1-2. Leave it on for one or two hours and then wash off with a mild cleanser.
- Is Kumkumadi Oil suitable for acne-prone skin?
Kumkumadi Oil is not suitable for acne-prone skin. You can check our Anti-Acne Skin Care range for acne-related issues.
- Is Kumkumadi Facial Oil suitable for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, patch testing is recommended. Start with less quantity for a shorter duration and gradually increase it. Hydrate and tone with Rose Water in case you have oily and sensitive skin and with Mogra Water in case of dry and sensitive skin.
- Can I apply Kumkumadi Oil after my night cream?
Try using Kumkumadi oil and your night cream on alternate nights. If you experience any skin issues, then it’s best not to mix the two.
- Can I apply Kumkumadi Oil during day time?
Due to the presence of real Saffron, Kumkumadi oil is not suitable for use in the daytime. If used during the day, there is a high chance of getting a tan.
- How long does it take for Kumkumadi Oil to start showing results
You need to apply the oil regularly for at least three weeks to see results.
- Are there any side effects of using Kumkumadi Thailam?
While generally safe, some individuals might experience skin irritation or allergies. It's advisable to perform a patch test before regular use.
- Should I make my own Kumkumadi Thailam at home?
As the process of preparing Kumkumadi Oil at home is complex and requires many ingredients to be used in the exact proportions, it’s recommended to buy Kumkumadi Facial Oil from Ayurvedic beauty brands.
- Should you apply anything before or after Kumkumadi Oil?
You should cleanse and tone your skin with a natural cleanser and toners before applying Kumkumadi Oil. Leave the oil to work on your skin and do not use anything else after its application.
- Where can I buy the best Kumkumadi Thailam?
Kama Ayurveda’s Kumkumadi Youth-Revitalising Facial Oil offers all the benefits of Kumkumadi Oil and is one the best in the market.
- Can Kumkumadi Oil be used on babies?
No, we do not recommend our Kumkumadi Oil for babies.
- Can I use Kumkumadi Thailam overnight?
Yes, leaving Kumkumadi Thailam on your face overnight allows your skin to absorb its beneficial properties while you sleep.
- What is the difference between Nalpamaradi Thailam and Kumkumadi Thailam?
Kumkumadi Thailam is prescribed to treat dull, pigmented, damaged and aging skin. It’s recommended for the face. While Nalpamaradi Thailam is a powerful skin brightening and detanning treatment that can be used on both the face and body. The key ingredient in Kumkumadi Thailam is Saffron while the key ingredient in Nalpamaradi Thailam is Turmeric. In both the oils, Sesame oil provides the nourishing and hydrating base.
Conclusion
Kumkumadi oil (Kumkumadi Thailam) is based on Ayurvedic concepts and heals the skin in a slow, sustained manner. By penetrating into the tissues during the facial massage, it clears the impurities from within.
Due to lack of time and proper knowledge, we turn to cosmetics that promise quick results but are often left disappointed. Our facial skin has unique needs, which, if appropriately attended, can result in a naturally glowing skin. Here’s how you can build your customized skincare routine using natural products and include Kumkumadi Facial Oil as a part of your daily skincare regimen.
Lovers of traditional Indian rituals and Ayurveda find the ingredients used in Kumkumadi Facial Oil fascinating for its role in treating common skin issues like dark circles, tanned skin, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes.
Kama Ayurveda recommends Kumkumadi Youth-Revitalising Facial Oil to treat your facial skin with the numerous benefits of Kumkumadi Thailam.
Have you used Kumkumadi Oil to treat your skin issues? Do share your experience and drop any questions that you may have in the comments below.
References -
- Kaviraj Govind Das sen Bhaisajya Ratnavali (with Hindi translations), Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan, Varanasi (2016), pp 942, 943
- Batubara, I., Mitsunaga, T., & Ohashi, H. (2010). Brazilin from Caesalpinia sappan wood as an anti-acne agent. Journal of wood science, 56(1), 77-81.