Since centuries, Fuller's Earth, or Multani Mitti has been used as a quintessential Indian home remedy for a clean, bright and revitalised skin. It is a potent healing clay with active ingredients that absorb impurities like accumulated sebum, sweat, oil and dirt from the clogged pores. 

With its natural earthy aroma, it one of the earliest substances to be used as a beauty mask. Till date, it’s used as an effective Ayurvedic beauty treatment to make your skin radiant and appealing by getting rid of blemishes and acne scars.

From reducing dark spots to improving the overall skin texture and complexion, multani mitti has a solution for all skin problems. Using it is the simplest way to get that smooth and supple skin that you’ve always wanted.

If you’ve never used Multani Mitti before, let’s walk you through the many ways to use miracle clay to get the best benefits for your skin.

5 Multani Mitti Face Packs

The best thing about Multani Mitti is that it can be combined with other ingredients to make it suitable for different skin types and to treat various skin problems. It has lime which kills the harmful bacteria and cleanses the skin deeply. 

It is also rich in minerals like Aluminium Silicate and Magnesium Silicate that provide the clay its excellent adsorbent properties. Whenever you apply Multani Mitti on your face, it leaves you feeling fresh and radiant. 

If your skin becomes dull and you start noticing fine lines and wrinkles, you can use Multani Mitti to tighten up your skin. It also has a cooling and soothing action due to which it’s used more regularly during summers.

1. 1. Multani Mitti Face Pack For Oily Skin

Excessive production of sebum results in oily skin. While sebum is essential to protect the skin from environmental pollutants, when it’s produced in very high amount it results in a lot of skin issues. 

If you have oily skin, you might notice that your skin attracts a lot of dirt and even looks dull from time to time. This makes you prone to acne, pimples and skin infections. The excess sebum attracts impurities from the surroundings that block the pores.

Multani Mitti is immensely helpful for those who have oily skin type. Even with a single application you will notice that the excess sebum from your skin surface is absorbed. It also prevents clogging the pores which clears acne and helps in getting a soft and smooth skin.

How to use - 

To make Multani Mitti face pack for oily skin, combine one spoon of Multani Mitti with the following ingredients -

• Half a spoon of Orange Peel Powder
• 1/4th spoon of Turmeric Powder (haldi)
• One spoon of lemon juice
• One spoon of honey. 

You will get a thick paste by mixing these ingredients and apply it on your face. Let the face pack completely dry and then wash it off with water. This pack will reduce excess oil from the face and improve the overall structure.

Alternatively, you can use Kama Ayurveda’s Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack. It is a 100% natural face pack and is a combination of Multani Mitti with powerful Ayurvedic ingredients like Turmeric, Sandalwood, Orange Peel Powder, Oatmeal and Rose. Combine it with Lavender Water/Vetiver Water or Aloe Vera for oily skin.

Why it works -
The high concentration of Vitamin C in Orange Peel makes it a powerful source of antioxidant protection for skin. Orange Peel Powder helps minimise oiliness in skin and complements Multani Mitti in its mattifying action, by minimising the appearance of enlarged pores

1. 
   2. Multani Mitti Face Pack For A Brighter Complexion

The secret behind a glowing complexion is deep cleansing. Every day your skin is exposed to dust, pollutants and chemicals that sometimes penetrate deep into the skin and cause it to look dull. It also makes the skin age faster and causes fine lines and wrinkles.

Want to clean your face efficiently and get rid of these impurities? Multani Mitti will help you cleanse the skin deeply and remove the toxins from the innermost layers. 

How to use -

To make Multani Mitti face pack for combination skin, combine one spoon of Multani Mitti with the following ingredients -

• Half a spoon of Sandalwood Powder
• 1/4th spoon of Turmeric Powder (haldi)
• Rose water or Milk

Mix the ingredients to prepare the paste. Apply the face pack and leave it on until it dries completely and then wash it off with water.

Alternatively, you can use Kama Ayurveda’s Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack. It has the complexion enhancing ingredients Turmeric and Sandalwood which make it an effective Ayurvedic Face Pack. Mix it with Rose Water for youthful vibrance, smoothness and luminosity.

Why it works -
In Sanskrit, Turmeric is referred to as Gauri meaning 'The One with a Shining Face'. As a natural, anti-inflammatory exfoliator, Turmeric is briskly, but gently clarifying. Together, Multani Mitti combined with Sandalwood and Turmeric produces a smooth, blemish-free, and luminous complexion.

1. 3. Multani Mitti Face Pack For Dry Skin

Multani Mitti can make dry skin soft and supple by combined with other skin nourishing ingredients. It is rich in Calcium which acts as a natural moisturizer and protects the skin from harmful effects of the sun, thereby preventing it from dryness and dullness.

How to use - 

Here’s how you can prepare Multani Mitti face pack to add radiance to dry and dull skin. Start with the following ingredients. 

• One spoon crushed and ground almonds
• Half a cup of milk

Add these ingredients to Multani Mitti to prepare a face pack of suitable consistency. Apply it on your face and leave it on until it gets dried completely (or for about 30 minutes). Wash it off when it dries completely.

Alternatively, you can use Kama Ayurveda’s Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack. It has Multani Mitti mixed with other ingredients that are well-suited for dry skin. Use it with Rose Water or Mogra Water as both of them work well for dry skin. You can also add crushed almonds/almond oil and milk/yogurt to this face pack.

Why it works -
Almonds and milk combined with Multani Mitti provides dry skin the much needed hydration and nourishment.

1. 
   4. Multani Mitti Face Pack For Acne and Blemishes

Multani Mitti is an effective natural treatment for acne and blemishes. With regular use, even acne scars can be healed. Its antibacterial action and its ability to regulate sebum production prevents and treats acne. It clarifies and smoothens the overall skin texture.

How to use - 

To prepare Multani Mitti face pack for acne and blemishes, add the following ingredients to two spoons of Multani Mitti -

• One spoon of Neem Leaf powder
• 1/4th spoon of Turmeric Powder
• Rose Water

Prepare the paste using these ingredients and apply it evenly on your face. Let it dry completely before washing it off with water.

You can use Kama Ayurveda’s Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack for this. It has Neem and Rose which make it an effective Multani Mitti face pack for acne and blemishes. Add Vetiver Water or Lavender Water to prepare the face pack for even better results.

Why it works -
The absorbent, exfoliating, deep-cleansing and anti-bacterial properties of Multani Mitti, along with the antibacterial action of Neem, helps in reducing acne and give a blemish-free glowing skin. Rose works as an astringent which helps in reducing large pores that attract impurities and result in acne.

1. 5. Multani Mitti Face Pack for Pigmentation And Tanning

Multani Mitti soothes sunburns and clears pigmentation caused by sun exposure. It has a cooling effect and its anti-tanning properties make it an effective treatment for skin pigmentation conditions like Melasma that are caused due to sun exposure.

How to use - 

To use Multani Mitti for treating pigmentation, combine with one spoon with Multani Mitti with the following ingredients. 

• 2 spoons of papaya fruit pulp
• 1 spoon oatmeal powder
• 1/4th spoon turmeric powder
• 1/4th spoon sandalwood powder
• Rose water

Prepare a smooth paste by mixing these ingredients and apply it evenly on your face. Let it dry and then wash it off with water.

Alternatively, use Kama Ayurveda’s Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack to treat pigmentation. It has Oatmeal, Turmeric, Rose and Sandalwood among other Ayurvedic ingredients which make it an effective Multani Mitti face pack for pigmentation and tanning. You can add papaya fruit pulp to it to make it more effective.

Why it works - 
Anti-inflammatory and deeply hydrating, oatmeal is a boon for dry, allergy-prone and sensitive skin types. It complements anti-tan properties of Multani Mitti and helps in treating skin issues resulting from sun exposure. 

How Multani Mitti Benefits The Skin?

As you can see, Multani Mitti can be combined with different ingredients to make face packs to treat specific skin issues. Irrespective of your skin type, it will definitely give you the following benefits.

• Improves skin texture and brightens the complexion
• Fights acne and pimples
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces skin inflammation and protects the skin against allergens
• Has a cooling effect that gives relief from rash, itching and irritation
• Detoxifies the skin and helps in getting rid of pollutants and impurities
• Prevents acne and pimples
• Treats sunburns, tanning and pigmentation

For best results, apply Multani Mitti on your face twice a week. If you use it too often, then it might strip your skin of its natural moisture content. 

FAQ about using Multani Mitti Face Packs

Here, we’ve discussed some common questions about using Multani Mitti for face.

1. 1. Can Multani Mitti be used as a scrub?

Multani Mitti is rich in iron which helps in improving blood circulation on face and helps in growth of new cells. Scrubbing with Multani Mitti will help in getting rid of dead cells and make the skin look vibrant. To use Multani Mitti as a scrub, you can add freshly ground walnuts, almonds and sugar granules. Use this paste to gently scrub your face.

If you are looking for natural scrubs, you can also use Ayurvedic Ubtan for scrubbing. Read about best ubtan recipes for a glowing skin.

1. 2. Can Multani Mitti get rid of dark circles?

To use Multani Mitti for dark circles, combine it with half a potato grated finely. To this add lemon juice and yogurt to prepare a paste. Apply it underneath your eyes and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off.

1. 3. Can I use Multani Mitti Face Pack daily?

It’s not advisable to use Multani Mitti on face daily as it may rip the skin of its natural moisture and cause excessive dryness. You may use Multani Mitti Face Pack twice a week.

1. 4. Can I store Multani Mitti?

Multani Mitti has a long shelf life so it can be stored. Storing it in an air-tight container is helpful. You can even keep it refrigerated to increase its shelf life. Buy only 100% natural and pure Multani Mitti for long shelf life.

1. 5. How to use Multani Mitti to prevent visible signs of ageing?

You can combine Multani Mitti with Sandalwood which prevents premature aging, Oatmeal which prevents age related dehydration, Rose which prevents lines & wrinkles and Orange which a powerful antioxidant. You can even use Kama Ayurveda’s Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack as it has all these ingredients combined with Multani Mittu and it is helpful in reducing visible signs of ageing.

1. 6. Are there any side effects of using Multani Mitti?

There are no known side-effects of using Multani Mitti. However, in some cases skin might be allergic to natural face packs. Perform a patch to be sure that the face pack is suitable for your skin type.

Conclusion 

Multani Mitti is one of the most useful traditional skincare ingredients. It helps skin in different ways like diminishing pore sizes, removing blackheads and whiteheads fading freckles, soothing sunburns, cleansing skin, improving blood circulation, complexion, reducing acne and blemishes and gives a glowing effect on skin as it contains healthy nutrients.

The best way to use Multani Mitti as a part of your skincare routine is in the form of face packs.

References -

1. Multani Mitti Benefits for Face and Skin Conditions - https://www.ayurtimes.com/multani-mitti-fullers-earth-benefits-uses/#multani-mitti-for-dry-skin
2. Activation and Clarifying Properties of Fuller’s Earth - https://insa.nic.in/writereaddata/UpLoadedFiles/PINSA/Vol09_1943_1_Art15.pdf
3. Formulation and Evaluation of Cosmetic Herbal Face Pack For Glowing Skin - https://www.ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/1887_pdf.pdf

If you are fed up with health issues related to your scalp and couldn’t find a long term solution for it, you have landed at the right place, where you’ll find a natural cure for your hair and scalp problems. 

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. It can do wonders and make your hair and scalp healthy. Using tea tree oil on your hair and scalp is the most natural way of cleansing your hair without causing any damage or dryness.

It is often said that scalp related problems are genetical, but in today’s time, pollution and other environmental factors play a huge role as well. 

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties which makes it an excellent cleaning agent. Using it on your hair helps in fighting all many types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that accumulate in hair and scalp from the environment.

Before we explore how this tea tree oil does wonders for your hair, let’s understand a little more about this essential oil.

What is tea tree oil?

The natives of Australia living in Queensland region cultivated Tea Tree shrubs extensively. Tea tree oil is extracted by the steam distillation of fresh leaves and wood from these tea tree shrubs. This essential oil is pale yellow or clear in color and has a fresh camphoraceous odor.

What makes tea tree oil so popular among common masses? At least once, you must have got a recommendation for using tea tree oil for any particular problem related to your body. 

Once the medicinal properties of Tea Tree oil were discovered, it became a popular anti-septic used for curing cuts, burns, and boils.

Tea tree oil has since been used as a medication, from acne to cold sores, blisters to fungal infection, dandruff to bacterial infection and many more. If you have any of the above-mentioned ailments, tea tree oil can become your savior. 

The use of tea tree oil for treating hair and scalp problems is comparatively recent. Today, tea tree oil is used as an ingredient in a lot of hair products. Let’s now have a look at the many benefits of tea tree oil for hair and understand how to use tea tree oil to solve our hair problems.

Why use tea tree oil for hair?

When you talk about hair health, it’s actually the scalp that you are referring to. The scalp has follicles, the minute openings that are responsible for the growth of hair. When these follicles are clogged by the pollutants which are present in the atmosphere, you start facing hair problems like hair fall.

Tea tree oil has proven to be beneficial in such cases where problems like dandruff and hair loss are prevalent due to improper cleaning of hair follicles leading to clogging of dirt and impurities. 

Overexposure to the sun is another problem for the hair as it depletes the natural moisture of the hair. This hampers the growth of hair resulting in dead skin and dryness of hair. Tea tree oil moisturizes your scalp and provides it with the essential nutrients and supplements that would support the growth of hair.

In the coming section, we’ll explore how to use tea tree oil for hair to treat the most common hair problems.

How to use Tea Tree Oil For Hair?

Using tea tree oil is therapeutic for hair. It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that are useful for the hair. Using tea tree oil makes hair follicles more receptive to nutrition and this promotes overall hair growth. 

Now that you know how tea tree oil tends to improve hair and scalp health, let’s have a look at a few ways to use tea tree oil for hair and make it a part of our hair care regime. It’s important to note that tea tree is powerful and should not be applied directly to the hair.

• 1. For Daily Cleansing - 

Daily cleansing with tea tree oil includes using tea tree oil with your shampoo. Take a few drops of tea tree oil and a small amount of shampoo. Mix both the tea tree oil and shampoo so that the consistency of the mixture is maintained. Apply the mixture on wet scalp. This would result in clean hair follicles and ensure good health of hair.

• 2. Hair Growth Treatment - 

Tea tree oil improves blood circulation and removes all toxins from the scalp, paving way for healthy hair growth. It also stimulates the dormant hair follicles and brings them to life. It prepares the hair and scalp to absorb nutrients efficiently, which helps in hair growth.

To use tea tree oil as a hair growth treatment, mix it with any carrier oil like Coconut, Almond, or Sesame oil. Apply the mixture of oil onto your scalp and massage it. You can even give yourself a hot oil treatment by warming the oil prior to its application. After washing the hair, you’ll get a refreshing feeling and your scalp will be free from any fungi and bacteria that may have got deposited over time.

Read - 10 Hair Growth Oils Recommended by Ayurveda

• 
  3. For Hair And Scalp Dryness -

Tea tree oil is very useful in treating hair dryness. It provides supplements to the scalp and removes blockages in the hair follicles. With the use of tea tree oil, the hair grows with a healthy amount of nutrients and this prevents hair from becoming dry and brittle. Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, which lead to scaly dry patches on the scalp can also be treated with tea tree oil.

For treating dryness related issues, you need to mix the tea tree oil with a carrier oil like Coconut oil or Olive oil and massage it for 10-15 minutes onto the scalp. Wash the hair normally and repeat this process daily and you’ll observe some changes.

• 4. For Dandruff -

The root cause of dandruff varies from person to person. Oily, irritated skin, bad hair hygiene and skin conditions like contact dermatitis, or fungal infections can result in dandruff. The anti-fungal action of tea tree oil helps in removing dandruff without causing any dryness. 

Add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil with every ounce of shampoo and massage it onto the hair. Let it stay there for at least 3-5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. By acting as a natural conditioner, it soothes the scalp and prevents flakiness. 

• 5. For scalp itchiness -

If you have itchiness, dryness or dandruff, then tea tree oil hair mask will help you to overcome these problems. First, choose a base for your hair mask. Both avocado paste and yogurt have a thick consistency and are suitable for this. Add honey to the base along with a few drops of tea tree oil. Apply the mask onto hair and then massage it with fingers onto the scalp. Wash it off after 15-20 minutes.

6. For oily scalp -

Tea tree oil controls the excess oil production by the sebaceous glands and keeps the scalp moisturized. It is non-comedogenic which means it does not clog the pores and decreases bacteria on the skin’s surface.

You can mix baking soda, tea tree oil, and honey and apply the paste to your scalp. Gently massage it for about 10 minutes. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off. This can be repeated twice a week to maintain the pH of the scalp, remove extra oil and keep the scalp healthy.

7. For getting rid of lice

Hair lice are caused by bad scalp health and are transferred from scalp to scalp. They are harmful to overall health as they suck the blood from the scalp, causing inflammation and itchiness. Tea tree oil has insecticidal properties that help in providing relief from hair lice. Components like 1,8-cineole and terpinen-4-ol are present in tea tree oil which kill lice. The oil also prevents lice eggs from getting attached to hair and scalp.

To use tea tree oil to clear lice, mix about 7-8 drops with a spoon of any vegetable oil and leave it overnight. Wear a shower cap to allow better absorption into the hair. In the morning, remove the shower cap and comb with a fine comb 5-6 times before washing off with a hair cleanser.

8. For daily conditioning

You can make a tea tree oil spray to use as a leave-in conditioner. All you need to do is take distilled water and add some drops of tea tree oil to it. Some people even add chamomile tea to this spray. Irrespective of what ingredients you use to prepare your spray, it should contain about 5 percent tea tree oil. Store this mixture in a spray bottle and spray it on your hair whenever you like to give it a dose of natural conditioning.

FAQ about using Tea Tree Oil for hair

Can I apply tea tree oil without any carrier oil or shampoo?

It is not recommended to apply tea tree oil directly onto your scalp as it is extremely concentrated and is like to irritate the skin.

For how much time can I leave tea tree oil on my scalp?

Tea tree oil ensures the health of your hair. So, it can be left on hair overnight for deep penetration if it is diluted with a carrier oil. With the continuous use of tea tree oil, the scalp will regain its lost moisture and nutrients resulting in shiny, smooth hair.

Can tea tree oil cause any side effects?

The use of tea tree oil can result in allergic reactions. If you are using it for your hair then, try to get fresh tea tree oil otherwise preserved tea tree oil can result in allergies on your scalp. Before using tea tree oil directly onto your scalp, perform a patch test on your skin.

Which is the best tea tree oil in India?

Kama Ayurveda’s Tea Tree Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of Tea Tree and is 100% natural. It is very beneficial for the health of hair and scalp with its ability to soothe dry flaking, remove dandruff and can even be used for the treatment of lice. It is one of the best tea tree oil available in India.

References - 

1. 1. Tea Tree Oil For Seborrheic dermatitis - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2888552/
2. 2. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo - 10.1067/mjd.2002.122734
3. 3. Tea tree oil. (2016). - nccih.nih.gov/health/tea/treeoil.htm
4. 4. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. - 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x

Great skin is a result of good skincare habits and a healthy lifestyle. 

While it’s essential to follow a good skin care routine, it isn’t complete in itself. The 5,000 year-old-science of Ayurveda emphasizes on the mantra ‘True beauty comes from within’.     

For this reason, Ayurvedic skin care routine focuses on balancing the whole body and supporting the digestive system with a healthy diet while treating each individual according to her specific dosha.

Sounds difficult? It isn’t. 

Once you become intuitively tuned to understand what your skin needs, you’ll be able to approach skin care and beauty in a holistic manner. Below, we’ve broken down the key elements of chalking out the perfect skin care routine for yourself. 

Let’s get started.

THE BASICS OF SKIN CARE

Your skin care routine essentially consists of these three basic steps.

• Cleansing - Removing impurities from the skin
• Toning - Balancing the skin
• Moisturizing - Hydrating the skin

The main objective of following a skin care routine is simply to reveal your best natural skin and a glowing complexion. 

Following this basic CTM routine helps you understand how your skin’s changing with time. Sometimes, you might need to tweak the products that you’re using based on how your skin is responding to the current weather conditions. 

Think of these steps as a way to revisit your skin twice a day to establish a relationship with it.

At Kama Ayurveda, we believe natural and organic products are the best skincare treatments that we can give to our skin. Regular exfoliation combined with a regime of CTM (Cleansing, Toning & Moisturizing) can take you a long way in your skincare journey.

PATIENCE IS THE KEY TO A GREAT SKIN

How many times have you decided to be regular with your CTM only to give up in a week or so? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

But remember, all good things take time. There’s no magical product that can restore your skin’s glow and health quickly. 

The entire point of creating a skin care regime for yourself is to stick to it long enough to see results and changes. So, don’t forget all about taking care of your skin until you've got an important event to attend. 

Because of so m any options available in the market, it’s important to remember a few things while choosing products for your skin.

• A lot of skin care brands promise instant solutions to your problems. Harsh chemicals used in these instant solutions do more harm than good in the longer run.
• Organic and natural skincare products are the most gentle on the skin. Choose products with minimum possible side-effects and no chemicals.
• Results only come with consistent use. Use a product regularly for at least six weeks to observe changes. 
• As an exception, discontinue the product if you experience skin breakouts, rashes or irritation.
• As a conscious customer, opt for organic and vegan products that are not tested on animals and are cruelty free. Products that cause harm to the planet are not going to be good for your skin, either.

#1 CLEANSING 

Cleansing your skin twice or thrice a day is essential to remove the environmental pollutants and dirt that clog the pores. When the skin isn’t cleaned well, the chances of breakouts increase.

Cleansing the skin is pretty-straight-forward. However, finding a suitable cleanser for your skin isn’t.

We recommend using natural cleansers that gently remove impurities and make-up without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It helps to know your skin type and your Ayurvedic dosha.

Below, we’ve listed some of the best Ayurvedic ingredients for cleansing that you should look for in a cleanser.

1. Aloe Vera - Referred to as the miracle plant in Ayurveda, its cooling and gently hydrating properties make it a wonderful addition to any skin regime.
   
   
2.  Neem - Ayurveda refers to Neem asSarva Roga Nivarini ('Universal Cure of Ailments'). It’s calming for acne-prone skin.
3.  Tulsi - Tulsi (Holy Basil), is the 'Queen of Herbs' known for its cleansing and toning properties.
   
   
   4. Sandalwood - Ayurveda says that Sandalwood induces Saumanasya Janana ('Mental Coherence & Placidity'). It is a powerful antiseptic, that curbs excessive sebaceous gland activity and cools inflamed skin.

READ - HOW TO CLEAN FACE LIKE A PRO - 6 SIMPLE STEPS

#2 TONING

READ - 5 SECRETS ABOUT KAMA AYURVEDA ROSE WATER

#3 MOISTURISING

The main purpose of using a moisturizer is to hydrate and nourish the skin.

Regular cleansing of face and exposure to the environment results in the skin losing its natural moisture. The skin’s natural ability to retain moisture also reduces as we age. Therefore, it’s recommended to use moisturizer as part of your skin care routine throughout the year.

Ayurveda recommends using natural ingredients for skin moisturization. The requirements of the skin vary according to the skin type. Look for Ayurvedic ingredients like Coconut Milk, Sesame Oil, Essential Oils in your face moisturizers. Shea Butter and Kokum Butter are recommended for moisturizing the body.

DO YOU NEED A SEPARATE NIGHT CREAM?

CTM needs to be your morning and night skin care routine. However, your day and night moisturizer has different functions.

Your day cream is ideally of lighter consistency and provides your skin with adequate protection from environmental stressors and the radiation from the sun. It also prevents skin breakouts and gives a healthy glow to the skin.

Your skin’s requirements vary from season to season. You can actually ditch your day cream for sunscreen in summers. But don’t forget your night cream as it repairs the skin after a tiring day out in the sun. We’ve combined some of our best skin care tips for summer in this blog.

READ - CLEANSE SHEILD HEAL - SUMMER SKIN CARE TIPS BY KAMA

#4 PROTECTING AGAINST THE SUN

An extension of moisturizing, sunscreen is considered the most important skin care product for use all round-year. By using sun protection daily, you can minimize the appearance of fine lines and imperfections in skin texture. 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SUNSCREEN?

First of all, it’s important to note that there are two kinds of sun radiations namely UVA and UVB rays. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is able to block out both types of radiation. For this, ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are used. Both of them are non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive as well as acne-prone skin.

Zinc Oxide is a naturally occurring mineral and one of the safest skin-protecting ingredients against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. It filters out both UVA and UVB rays, thus forming a shield that keeps UV radiation from penetrating the skin and causing cell damage. 

Titanium Dioxide is another active mineral ingredient that works naturally to block the sun’s rays. It protects skin from UVB radiation and is considered to have no risk of skin sensitivity.

Sunscreen that contains these ingredients is called physical blocker while the sunscreens with ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are called chemical blockers. 

Note - Chemical blockers can irritate and cause skin reactions for those with sensitive skin, while all-natural physical blockers are completely safe for the skin.

HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY SUNSCREEN?

As a rule of thumb, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every two hours. Physical sun blockers like Kama Ayurveda’s Natural Sun Protection can be applied last in your skin care regimen, but before applying any make-up. It’s a natural broad-spectrum sunscreen that suits all skin types. 

Sunscreen is the most crucial part of your skin care routine and should be used every day to maintain healthy skin.

Noticed your skin getting tanned lately? We’ve got some simple remedies for you to undo the damage. 

READ - HOW TO REMOVE TAN - 10 EFFECTIVE HOME REMEDIES

MOVING BEYOND THE BASICS

Now that we’ve discussed the basics, let’s move on to understanding what else you should add to your skin care routine. These additions are based on your skin type. For instance, if you’ve large pores, face packs are recommended for you. And if your skin is dry, then regular oil massage is useful.  

Let’s explore a few great additions to your skincare routine.

#5 AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS AND FACIAL OILS/SERUMS

The age-old science of Ayurveda focusses on herbal oils as a means for treating various skincare issues. When applied on the skin, these naturally-sourced healers cure skin problems, keep the skin pores in check and locks in moisture for a healthy glow.

WHAT IS A FACE OIL OR FACE SERUM?

In recent times, face oils and face serums have become popular as an alternative or addition to using creams. We recommend facial oils made from Ayurvedic herbs as they are 100% natural. 

Below are some popular Ayurvedic herbal oils that are recommended for use as face oils. 

Kumkumadi Oil - The legendary Kumkumadi Oil is prescribed for dull, pigmented, damaged skin. It has special qualities that help skin look young, radiant, and healthy.
READ - KUMKUMADI OIL - ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE MIRACLE BEAUTY OIL

Neem Oil - Rich in antioxidants, Neem Oil has been used for centuries for treating both skin disorders. Its antibacterial action treats skin issues such as acne, rashes, hyper-pigmentation, burns, and abrasions while protecting and moisturizing the skin.

READ - HOW TO USE NEEM OIL FOR SKIN?

WHAT ARE AYURVEDIC SKIN TREATMENTS?

Unlike facial oils/serums, Ayurvedic skin treatments are herbal oils that can be applied all over the body. The various types of Ayurvedic body treatment oils include brightening natural oils and de-tanning oils. 

These oils can be massaged all over the body as the Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga, also known as self-massage. Some of the popular Ayurvedic body oils are -

1. 1. Coconut Oil - is a natural conditioner for dry and sensitive skin.
   
   
2. 2. Almond Oil - is an excellent emollient for dry, flaky, irritated skin. It is also a pure and natural dry skin serum that smoothens the skin from head to toe.
   
   
3. 3. Nalpamaradi Oil - is a powerful de-tanning treatment that repairs pigmentation and treats sun-damaged skin.
   
   
4. 4. Sesame Oil - repairs skin damage caused by harmful UV rays and can also be used as a massage oil. It absorbs easily to skin.

READ - HOW TO USE NALPAMARADI TAILAM TO REMOVE TAN

#6 EXFOLIATION

Exfoliation is simply a process of removing the dead cells from your skin’s surface. Irrespective of your skin type, you’ll benefit from exfoliation as it removes the build-up of dead cells that cause skin dullness. 

Wondering how often should you exfoliate? Well, that depends on your skin type and the face scrub that you choose. 

Ayurvedic scrubs such as Ubtan are 100% percent natural and contain ingredients like oatmeal and chickpea flour that are gentle on the skin. If you’re using such Ayurvedic scrubs for your face and body, you can even use them regularly. When using other scrubs, exfoliate once or twice a week.

READ - THE 2 BEST AYURVEDIC UBTAN RECIPES FOR A GLOWING SKIN

Unlike the chemical scrubs that have plastic microbeads, herbal face scrubs are made with natural substances that give an exfoliating effect to the skin. Almonds, Oatmeal, and Chickpea flour are some ingredients to look for in natural scrubs.

#7 FACE MASKS AND FACE PACKS

Our skin has to fight various environmental damages like pollution and sun exposure on a regular basis. Which is why, since ancient times, women have been using natural masks to deep clean the pores and exfoliate the skin to achieve a healthy glow. 

These face masks are skin remedies that work wonders in keeping acne, pigmentation, aging, and other concerns at bay. By using natural masks regularly, you can heal your skin and combat stubborn skin issues.

Ayurvedic herbal face masks can be used weekly. They absorb oil and can have a mild exfoliating effect — so they’re great for oily areas. Some ingredients to look for in your natural face masks are - Multani Mitti, Ashwagandha, Sandalwood, and Turmeric

Face packs are also recommended as a part of bridal skincare regimen a month prior to the wedding. They soothe the skin and help in relaxation. 

READ - BRIDAL SKIN CARE - 11 PRE-BRIDAL TIPS FOR A GLOWING SKIN

#8 LIP CARE

Taking care of your lips is an extension of skin care. So, don’t forget to include it in your skincare routine.

The most common problem that our lips go through is dryness and chapping. Sometimes, the build-up of dead cells on the lips leads to lips losing their natural colour. This causes dark and pigmented lips.

The ancient science of Ayurveda suggests a Vata-balancing diet and other natural ways to hydrate, moisturise and nourish the lips. It’s recommended to use a natural lip balms and lip scrubs regularly to maintain beautiful and healthy lips.

#9 AYURVEDIC DIET FOR GLOWING SKIN

As we mentioned at the beginning of the blog, Ayurveda emphasizes on the importance of a good diet to bring out that healthy glow. What you eat and how you feel shows on your skin.

So, as the last part of your skin care routine, we’re listing some food items to include in your diet for a glowing skin.

1. Water - This one’s a no brainer. You definitely need to have at least 2 litres of water if you want your skin to remain hydrated.

2. Fruits - Having seasonal fruits provide your skin with its dose of nutrients like Vitamins and antioxidants. Want a clean skin with no blemishes? Start eating fruits regularly.

3. Green Leafy Vegetables - Full of antioxidants and essential nutrients, green leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, lettuce are great for your skin.

4. Yogurt - A lot of skin ailments are caused by stomach issues. Having yogurt everyday is the easiest way to maintain a healthy gut and combat these issues.

5. Green Tea - Green tea is known to protect your skin from signs of ageing. It’s loaded with catechins which help in improving overall health of the skin.

It’s important to stick to healthy food choices and avoid extra sugary, processed and fatty foods that are known for causing skin problems. In addition, make sure you exercise everyday to improve your overall gut health and bring out a healthy flow on your skin.

SKIN CARE ROUTINE - CONCLUSION

In this blog, we’ve talked about the different elements of a skin care routine and their functions for your skin. We’ve also discussed how taking care of your gut and your stress levels is just as important as using the right products on your skin. 

Now, you’re ready to build your own skin care routine by picking up the elements and products that are most essential for you. So, get started!

Ubtan, a name that resonates with tradition and timeless beauty rituals of India. While it might sound exotic to some, for many, it evokes memories of vibrant Haldi ceremonies that are a part of Indian wedding rituals. 

Picture a golden-hued paste, meticulously crafted from nature's finest ingredients, applied to a bride and groom amidst joyous celebrations. 

That paste is none other than Ubtan, a traditional Ayurvedic recipe to detoxify the skin and body. 

Ayurvedic massage with Ubtan (also known as Ubvartan) is one of the vital steps of the ritual of Solah Shringar, the sixteen ways of beautifying the woman’s body during the marriage. 

It’s believed that exfoliating the body with ubtan prepares the bride and the groom to detach from the old life (through the removal of dead cells from the skin) and prepare for the new. 

Rooted in ancient Indian scriptures, Ubtan's origin can be traced to the Vedic era. Ubtan has been used since those times for beautification and protection of skin.

What is Ubtan?

Ubtan, a treasure from Ayurveda, is a body cleanser rich in herbs and minerals that promise fresh, healthy skin. This mix, with its delightful aroma of herbs, spices, grains, and nuts, deeply purifies the skin, revealing a natural glow.

While there are many Ubtan recipes, most include ingredients like Oatmeal, Chickpea flour, Almonds, Turmeric, Masoor dal, Neem powder, and Fennel. Some even enrich their Ubtan with Saffron and Sandalwood powder to get a radiant skin.

This special combination in Ubtan not only cleans and scrubs the skin but also leaves it feeling soft and silky.

9 Benefits of Ubtan For Healthy Glowing Skin

Want glowing skin? Ubtan is an old and trusted way to get it. If you're thinking, "Why should I use Ubtan regularly?" just look at its benefits. Here's why many love Ubtan for natural skincare.

1. Brings Out The Natural Glow

Gentle exfoliation with natural ingredients like Gram flour leaves the skin feeling fresh. Sandalwood powder is known for brightening the skin complexion. Regularly using ubtan to exfoliate your body and face will help you get radiant and spot-free skin. 

2. Cleanses The Skin Deeply

Beyond mere surface cleaning, Ubtan delves deep to remove dirt and impurities. Even a single application can show a marked difference, making it a superior alternative to many commercial face washes.

3. Makes You Look Younger

Turmeric, a key component in Ubtan, combats signs of aging. Its antioxidant properties rejuvenate the skin, restoring its natural luster and hydration. Moreover, Turmeric and Sandalwood act as natural toners and acne deterrents.

4. Helps in Removal of Facial Hair and Ingrown Hair

While not a complete solution, Ubtan can assist in reducing facial and ingrown hair. Historically, it was used on infants to gently exfoliate and remove body hair.

5. Helps You Get a Clear Skin

Ubtan is adept at diminishing acne scars, blemishes, and pigmentation. Sandalwood aids in fading age spots, sun spots, and acne scars, ensuring an even skin tone and improved complexion. 

6. Heals and Prevents Skin Allergies

With ingredients like Gram flour and Turmeric, Ubtan is effective against skin allergies, rashes, and boils.

7. Has Natural Cooling Properties

Components like Sandalwood and Rose water in Ubtan shield the skin from harmful UV rays and provide a cooling effect, especially beneficial after prolonged sun exposure.

8. Hydrates and Nourishes The Skin

Ubtan not only balances oil production but also hydrates the skin. Its rich vitamin and mineral content promotes healthy cell regeneration, ensuring a radiant complexion.

9. Tightens the Pores:

Sandalwood powder in Ubtan acts as an astringent, refining and tightening skin pores.

Before we look at various ubtan recipes, let’s explore these ingredients for ubtan and understand their unique benefits for the skin.

Ayurvedic Ubtan Recipe Ingredients

Though there are many variations that can be made to Ubtan to make it suitable for the specific needs of your skin, the traditional Ayurvedic recipe for Ubtan uses the following ingredients to form the paste.

1. Oatmeal - The Perfect Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin

Oatmeal is ideal for sensitive skin because it is an excellent moisturizer with skin healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and itch relieving benefits. The gritty nature of oats makes it an excellent scrub for sensitive skin that cannot tolerate the usual exfoliators.

2. Turmeric - For Healing The Skin

Turmeric is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent which has Kapha and Pitta balancing properties. Turmeric is also an antiseptic that helps with clearing out skin pigmentation and evens out the complexion. About a pinch of turmeric is added to prepare ubtan paste as per the traditional Ayurvedic recipe.

3.  Almond - For Gentle Exfoliation

Almond replenishes the lost nutrients in the skin, reduces acne and makes the skin look healthier. Almond powder is made by soaking the almonds in fresh cream or milk for a few hours and then grounding the almonds after peeling off their skin. To prepare ubtan, almonds are used in its powdered form.

4. Neem - The Ultimate Remedy For Acne-Prone Skin

Traditionally, neem leaf extract has been used in face packs for acne-prone skin. Due to its anti-bacterial properties, Neem powder is prepared from neem leaves and added to Ubtan. 

5. Sandalwood Powder - For Natural Glow

Sandalwood (Chandan) is also a natural astringent that tightens the pores so that skin appears super smooth and naturally radiant. It also has a soothing smell that relaxes the senses. If you suffer from acne, then the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of sandalwood can help you in reducing and preventing acne. However, it’s not advised to use ubtan on active acne. 

6. Fennel - For Deep Cleansing

Fennel is a wonder herb from the parsley family known for its cleansing properties. It unclogs the pores by pulling out all the excess oil, dead skin cells, dirt, etc and also helps in fighting wrinkles. 

The cleansing and toning effect of fennel on the skin is especially helpful for those with oily skin. Fennel is also added to ubtan to use it for removing ingrown hair.

7. Green Gram Flour and Chickpea flour - For Nourishing The Skin

Green gram flour or chickpea flour are other important ingredients of Ayurvedic ubtan recipe. They are rich in rejuvenating vitamins such as Vitamin A, B, and C which provide a natural glow to the skin. Either or both of them can be used to prepare ubtan paste. They also serve as an effective skin-lightening agent and reduces skin pigmentation to reveal a healthy complexion.

How to make Ubtan at home?

Now that you know about the key ingredients of Ubtan, you can combine them to create your own ubtan paste at home. 

1. Ayurvedic Ubtan for body

Grind eight to nine almonds (preferably soaked overnight and peels removed) and grind them to get almond powder. Now, combine them with a cup of gram flour and half a cup of oatmeal. Now, add about a tablespoon of neem powder, a pinch of turmeric and about half a tablespoon of fennel powder. Make a thick paste by adding rose water. 

Apply this paste all over your body and let it dry for some time. Once the paste is dry, scrub it off gently and wash with normal water. For those having dry skin, milk can be added to prepare the paste instead of water.
If you don’t have the time to collect the necessary ingredients and prepare your own ubtan, then you can use Kama Ayurveda’s Ubtan Soap Free Body Cleanser. It is one of the best Ayurvedic ubtans and has all the key ingredients that balance and retexturize the skin. It’s 100% percent natural cleanser with no harmful laurel sulfates.

There’s no simpler way to treat your body with the goodness of Ayurvedic ubtan. You can simply add water to it and apply it all over your body. 

Exfoliating with this Ubtan leaves you feeling alert and refreshed with skin that is noticeably smoother and glowing.

This ubtan evens out the skin tone and reduces the appearance of cellulite. It effectively clears away dirt, oil, and impurities without drying out the skin and hence it’s suitable for sensitive skin as well.

2. Ayurvedic Ubtan For Face

To make an ubtan face pack, combine one tablespoon of sandalwood powder, one tablespoon of oatmeal and 3 tablespoons of chickpea flour (besan) in a mixing bowl. 

To this, add half a tablespoon of neem powder, half a tablespoon of fennel powder and a pinch of turmeric. Now, add six to seven finely grounded almonds (preferably soaked overnight and peels removed). 

Take the desired quantity of the powder and make a paste by using water. For oily skin, use rose water to make the paste and for dry skin, you can use milk or yogurt.

If you don’t have the time to collect the necessary ingredients and prepare your own ubtan, then you can use Kama Ayurveda’s Mridul Soap Free Cleanser. It’s an exfoliating ubtan face pack that cleanses skin.

One of the finest Ayurvedic cleansers, this product boasts all the essential Ubtan ingredients for the face. Not only is it 100% natural, but it's also free from harmful laurel sulfates.

This herbal powder, when mixed with Rose Water or milk, becomes a cleansing paste. It clears dirt, oil, and impurities without taking away the skin's natural oils. Additionally, it tightens facial pores, gently exfoliates, and enhances the skin's overall texture.

Brightening ingredients like sandalwood and turmeric help in bringing out a glowing complexion. For this reason, this ubtan can also be used on brides. Since this is an all-natural and soap-free facial cleanser, it is suitable for sensitive as well as damaged skin.

FAQs about Ubtan

Here, let’s answer your most common doubts about using Ubtan for your skin.

1. Can we apply ubtan on body daily?

Since ubtan is a 100% natural paste, it can be applied to the body daily. For regular application on face, Mridul Soap Free Cleanser is recommended. 

2.  Are there any side effects of ubtan?

There are no side effects of ubtan and it’s suitable for sensitive skin as well. However, you may perform a patch test.

3. What is Ubtan called in English?

Ubtan originated in India and has its roots in Ayurveda. It’s known as Ubtan only.

4. Does Ubtan remove facial hair?

Ubtan contains ingredients like turmeric and gram powder that are effective in removing hair however, the hair removal will depend on the thickness of hair and the skin type. It’s effective in removing the body hair of babies.

5. How to use Ubtan for oily skin?

For oily skin, you can add ingredients like lemon and curd that help in reducing the oiliness of the skin.

6. How to use Ubtan for dry skin?

For dry skin, add moisturizing ingredients like honey, milk powder, milk or cream to your ubtan paste.

7. Are there any readymade Ubtans that I can buy?

Kama Ayurveda’s Ubtan Soap Free Body Cleanser is a ready-to-use ubtan. You can simply add Rose water or Milk to it and start using it on your body.

References

1. Evaluation of Ubtan- A Traditional Indian Skin Care Formulation
2. Standardization and Evaluation of Ubtan - a traditional Indian unani formulation
3. Topical Curcumin: A Review of Mechanisms and uses in Dermatology
4. Sandalwood for Skin Ageing - A review

It’s almost here! The day you’ve dreamt about since you were a little girl. It’s your special day, with all eyes on you. And you deserve the perfect flawless skin. 

But like all good things, getting there will take extra effort and care. 

After all, bridal skin care requires you to go beyond your regular skincare routine. 

Great makeup can be a good fix, but that natural bridal glow makes all the difference, and, of course, makes the photographer’s job so much easier. 

So, don’t forget the importance of bridal skin care and the time it takes for your skin to actually start showing results. Starting early is crucial and we strongly recommend that you start getting serious about bridal skin care months before the wedding day. 

We know how busy you are with organizing the wedding, so we won’t ask you to make radical changes. Simple adjustments to your daily lifestyle and beauty regime will get you that special glow. 

Wedding preparation for the bride is incomplete without following these basic pre bridal tips for beauty. So, let’s get started!

Bridal Care Before One Year Of Marriage

Are you thinking that one year prior to the wedding is too early to start prepping your skin?

Then, you’re wrong. Certain skin conditions like dry patches, tanning, and pigmentation take a long time to be completely treated.

1. Start getting regular body massages

The ancient science of Ayurveda emphasized the importance of body massages with treatment oils to treat skin problems. Oil massages are a great way to provide nourishment to the skin and provide deep relaxation. 

You can use special 100% natural Ayurvedic treatment oils for treating skin issues like tanning and hyperpigmentation. Such treatments have special importance in Indian bridal preparation before marriage.

Pro Tip - Jwalini is prescribed in Ayurveda as a treatment for smooth, soft and clear skin. It also helps in reducing skin irritation and itching. Nalpamaradi Thailam is another Ayurvedic treatment that works as a natural skin illuminator and detanning oil for face and body.

If tanning is a major concern for you, you can read in detail about using Nalpamaradi Thailam to remove tan.

Bridal Care Before 6 Months Of Marriage

Six months before the wedding is a relatively less stressful time and you can make time for healthy habits and lifestyle. Here’re a few things that you can get started with to bring out your natural bridal beauty.

2. Start following a healthy diet

It’s no mystery that whatever you eat reflects on your skin. 

Therefore, our first pre-bridal tip isn’t about following any elaborate bridal skin care routine but about identifying the right diet for you. You may consult a dietician to chalk out a personalized diet plan for you.

We strongly recommend slowly eliminating sugar and carbs from your diet. Avoid munching on junks like chips, chocolates, ice creams, or sodas as they are the first to cause bloating and skin breakouts. Instead, start following a balanced diet consisting of fruits, green vegetables, and protein.

Start sipping on hydrating liquids like coconut water and lime water. Also, consider including green tea in your diet for a healthy dose of anti-oxidants.

Pro tip - Avoid making any drastic changes to your diet for losing weight. Often, such crash diets backfire and you end up gaining extra weight. Remember that the idea is not to starve yourself but to give your body all the nutrition it needs while cutting out on the junk.

3. Start getting facials

6 months before the wedding is a good time to start getting monthly facials. 

Always get your salon professional to patch test the products before using them on your face. If there are any specific skin issues that you want them to address, speak to them prior to the facial so that they can recommend the right products for you.

Facials provide the deep cleansing and hydration that preps your skin better for makeup.

Pro Tip - Starting early with facials helps in identifying the right salon professional for you. You wouldn’t want someone new to treat your skin days before the wedding. So, getting someone to understand your skin early enough ensures that you’ve plenty of time to address any skin issues that might turn up.

4. Get plenty of good quality sleep

The last thing you want around your wedding day is dark circles around your eyes. Hence, we recommend you to get into the habit of sleeping about 8 to 10 hours every night.  

Trust us when we say that sleep is everything! When do you think all the regeneration and creation of cells and body tissues happens? It’s when we’re sound asleep. Not only this, the relaxed breathing state during sleep calms our central nervous system and reduces stress.

So, don’t underestimate the importance of good sleep for the health of your skin and your mind. 

Pro Tip - Add a drop or two of Lavender essential oil on a piece of tissue paper/ handkerchief/ cotton and place near your pillow when you go to sleep to be able to sleep and relax better. 

Bridal Care Before 3 Months Of Marriage

We’ve talked about how important it’s to get started early. Here, are a few pre-bridal tips that you should start at least before 3 months of marriage.

5. Double cleanse at night

Pre wedding skin care at home starts with daily cleansing!

With all the dirt and pollution, your skin has to endure all day, make sure you take your skin cleansing extra seriously. Use all natural makeup remover, loaded with natural butter and oils, that are gentle but deeply clean any dirt and makeup from your skin pores. 

Follow up with foaming cleansers that are not harsh on your skin and leave it nourished and hydrated.

If you can make time for it, you should perform a complete clean up of your face at least once a week. Here are 6 simple steps you can follow to do face clean up at home. 

6. Go All Natural To Detox Your Skin

Three months before the wedding, stop using any products that contain harsh chemicals. Switch to natural products that don’t cause any harm to the skin. This detox will be extremely beneficial for you. 

Another way to detox your skin is regular exfoliation. 

Over time, dead cells tend to build up and leave our complexions looking dull and lifeless. Removing this layer of dead cells will leave your skin looking fresher and more vibrant. Start by exfoliating with a gentle scrub once a week and then move towards scrubbing twice a week if your skin can tolerate it. 

Pro Tip - Natural scrubs that are gentle on the skin bring out the best results. For instance, Kama Ayurveda’s Kumkumadi Brightening Scrub has finely ground sweet almonds that are great for the skin and natural exfoliators.

7. Start Practicing Yoga

It’s a well-known fact that sweating makes your skin glow and is great for bridal skin care. Ayurveda’s sister science, Yoga recommends asanas that make you perspire, tone your body and improve blood circulation. It’s no surprise then that it’s one of the most followed beauty tips for a bride.

Meditation helps reduce stress levels and build mental strength. Practicing a combination of Yoga and meditation during these hectic, fast-paced days will make the run-up to your wedding enjoyable and give you flawless skin.

Pro Tip - Identify the areas in your body where you need toning and focus on the asanas that help you reduce fat around those areas. Also, remember to massage your body with rich body butter to avoid getting stretch marks from losing fat.

8. Focus On Eye Care

Eyes are delicate areas and can show signs of stress, fatigue, and aging more quickly than other areas. Three to six months before the wedding is a good time to start focusing on them.

Whether it's dark circles, puffiness, or fine lines, starting early gives you time to see what works best for your skin. 
We recommend Kama Ayurveda’s Eye Contour Renewal, a fast absorbing serum that instantly revives and hydrates the under eye area

Beauty Tips for Bride Before 2 Month Of Marriage

As you move closer to the wedding day, you can feel the stress build-up. But fret not, as you’ve been taking good care of your skin, now you only need to maintain its health.

9. Keep yourself super hydrated

Between all the hustle-bustle of wedding preparation, it’s easy to forget something as simple as having enough water. 

The key to glowing skin is water. So, plan your diet accordingly. Include lots of watermelons in your diet and set reminders to ensure that you drink water regularly, even on your busiest days. Improve your intake of green vegetables, fruits and treat yourself with herbal teas as they hydrate the body really well.

10. Do not forget CTM and your night routine

It’s just two months before the wedding, so don’t go overboard and just stick to the basics. 

Even when you start getting busier, do not your forget your morning and night skincare routine. Cleanse, tone and moisturize twice a day and apply your night cream/ face serum at night. Also, make sure that you apply a generous amount of sunscreen whenever you step out.

Cleansing will help your skin breathe better, toning will tighten your pores and moisturizing will make your skin soft and supple. Together, these simple things will help your skin immensely and will bring out the best look with the makeup on the big day. 

Beauty Tips for Bride Before One Month Of Marriage

11. Start applying face packs

You’ve worked hard for your skin all these months and now, it’s just one month to your wedding. All you need to do now is maintain your facial glow and relax. 

Applying face packs regularly is helpful for this. Not only are face packs and face masks great for your skin, but they also give you an opportunity to take out some time for yourself and unwind.

Pro Tip - You can use all natural face packs that contain Multani Mitti. They enhance the complexion, improve skin texture and are soothing for the skin. Kama Ayurveda’s Suvarna face pack is one such 100% natural face pack and contains Multani Mitti as the key ingredient along with skin brightening ingredients like Haldi and Chandan.

12. Manage stress

Stress can cause skin breakouts and make you look dull. So yes, do take steps to manage your stress on a daily basis. 

You are better at identifying what will help you the most. For some, it’s a relaxing full body massage or scrub. If you find massages relaxing, you can use Kama Ayurveda’s Sugandahi Rejuvenating Body Treatment Oil to give yourself a soothing massage. 

You can also try meditating for about 10 minutes in the morning or at night. 

Choose healthy ways to manage your stress. Do not binge eat or start having junk or alcohol. Think positive thoughts and remember that the day is going to be beautiful and memorable. Your bridal care is done and you’re completely ready for your wedding day!

13. Avoid Touching Your Face

Did you know that our hands are exposed to countless bacteria and germs throughout the day? Every time you touch your face, you're potentially transferring these germs onto your skin, which can lead to breakouts, acne, and other skin irritations.

Sometimes, face-touching is a response to stress. If you find yourself touching your face out of habit or nervousness, try to keep your hands occupied with a stress ball or other object.

14. No New Products

One of the most important rules in pre bridal skin care is to avoid new products close to your big day. New skincare products can sometimes cause unexpected reactions, such as redness, breakouts, or allergies. 

Skin often needs time to adjust to new products. Even if a product is beneficial in the long run, it might initially cause purging (where skin temporarily looks worse as it clears out impurities), which you want to avoid right before your wedding.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you found these pre-bridal beauty tips helpful for your skin. We’d like to conclude by saying that having beautiful and glowing skin isn’t just for the wedding day. If you develop some great habits during the months before the wedding, then, try to keep up with them to maintain that radiant and clean look always!

We all know that healthy and glowing skin requires effort and regular care. But, let’s admit, we get lazy and often forget about following our skincare routines. Only when it’s time for a special occasion or outing, we actually get serious about taking care of our skin!

Are you one of those people who start taking your skin seriously only when faced with skin issues like acne and hyperpigmentation? If yes, then this blog is for you!

Here we’re going to talk about the simplest and most effective way to get a radiant skin - a face clean up.

What Exactly Is A Face Clean Up?

As the name suggests, face clean-up is a simple skin care regime to get rid of dead cells and dirt. Not only it reveals a radiant skin, but also keeps blemishes and acne at bay!

The best part is that you can pamper your skin with a face clean up at home as well. All you need to do is follow the right steps in the right order and of course, use the best products for your cleanup. 

Few of the basic steps for face clean up are cleansing, scrubbing, steaming, removal of blackheads and whiteheads and applying a face pack. 

If you clean up your face twice a week, you will definitely notice a change in skin texture and appearance. All you need to do is take out 30 minutes from your busy schedule for your skin, twice a week!

Sounds simple, right?

Difference Between Facial And Cleanup

Does a cleanup seem similar to a facial to you? Let’s clear out the confusion by understanding the difference between the two skincare regimes.

If you look at the basic steps, a facial and cleanup are quite similar. 

But, there’s one stark difference - In addition to the basic clean up steps - cleansing, scrubbing, steaming, removal of blackheads and whiteheads, and applying a face pack, facial includes a relaxing massage as well. 

Therefore, a facial not only improves your skin texture but also improves the blood circulation. 

A good facial takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes and might include special products to treat specific skin problems. Since facials are more elaborate, you need a facial only once in four to six weeks. While you can do a facial at home, it’s recommended to get it done through a professional only. 

Face Clean Up Guide - 6 Simple Steps

Inspired to try out a face clean up at home? We’ll make it easy for you by explaining the simple steps and identifying some of the best products for you to use! 

Using natural ingredients or all natural products is recommended for regular skin care regimes as they give the best results without depleting the skin of its natural moisture. For a regular skin care regime like face clean up, you’re better off not using any products with harsh chemicals. 

We know how difficult it is to stick with complex regimes, so we’ve made this one really simple to follow.

Let’s start with the first basic step.

1. Cleansing

Start by checking if your face has any residual makeup. You can use all natural make-up remover to gently remove any leftover makeup. All natural make-up remover is kind on sensitive skin and replenishes dehydrated skin.

Start by applying the make-up remover your skin massaging gently, with circular movements. Pay attention to sensitive areas (eye-lids, under-eyes), and stubborn makeup (lips). Use only damp tissue/cotton/washcloth to wipe off, for fuss-free cleaning.

For the next step of cleansing, wash your face thoroughly with a mild cleanser, and pat the skin dry with a soft towel. Do not use hot water for this as it may dry out your skin. 

This method of cleansing is called double cleansing. Since a cleanser alone can’t remove all the dirt and makeup, oil cleaning with make-up remover helps in removing any remaining traces.

Pro Tip  - Honey is a natural cleanser. If you’ve oily skin, you can apply lemon and honey to your face for cleansing and then wash it off after 5 minutes. 

2. Steaming 

Once your face is clean, use a facial steamer or a container full of boiling water to steam your face. You can even add a few drops of essential oil to the water for a moisturising effect. 

For steaming, keep your face a few inches away from the bowl or steamer and cover your head with a towel. Steam for as long as your skin can sustain (not more than 5 minutes) and then gently wipe the face using a facial tissue. 

This step is helpful for oily skin. Steaming also helps remove toxins, cleanses your face even further and aids in getting rid of blackheads and whiteheads. After steaming, you can use a blackhead remover to start scraping the stubborn blackheads.

Pro Tip - After steaming, you can massage ice cubes in a circular motion to your face. This will help in tightening the pores and bring the skin temperature back to normal.

3. Scrubbing  

Do you know why your skin appears dull? It’s because of the dead skin cells that accumulate over time.

This brings us to the third step of the face clean up - Exfoliation.

Exfoliating your skin is a great way to get rid of these dead skin cells and it also prepares the skin to absorb other products better. Choose a natural scrub that is gentle on the skin. Use it to scrub your face for about 3 minutes. Avoid putting too much pressure while scrubbing as it can damage your skin. Leave it on for about 3 minutes before you wash it off. 

Unlike the chemical scrubs that have plastic microbeads, choose herbal face scrubs that are made with natural substances that give an exfoliating effect to the skin. 

For instance, Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub has finely ground Sweet Almonds - rich in Vitamins E & D. It nourishes and nurtures the skin while lifting away pollutants and impurities for a glowing complexion. 

Pro Tip - You can mix equal parts of brown sugar and lemon to prepare a scrub at home and exfoliate your skin naturally.

4. Applying Face Pack 

The idea of putting on a face pack and relaxing is so soothing! But a face pack (or a face mask) does a lot more than just calming your nerves.

Irrespective of your skin type, the application of a moisturizing face pack makes your skin soft and improves your skin tone. However, it’s important to pick a suitable face pack for your skin type.

Apply the pack over your face evenly and relax. Leave it on until it dries, which is generally about twenty minutes to half an hour. Once dry, wash the mask off with cold water and pat dry.

Pro Tip - If you’ve oily or combination skin, you’ll benefit immensely from face pack that has multani mitti as the key ingredient. If you’ve dry skin, then you can prepare a face pack using banana, honey, and yogurt. These natural ingredients have cleansing and tightening effects on the skin.

If you’ve acne issues, then use special anti-acne face packs that have special ingredients that help in removing acne and scars.  

5. Toning

Toning is another important step of face clean up. It’s refreshing to the skin, seals the pores and keep the skin hydrated. Use a chemical-free and mild toner as per your skin type. Read our complete guide on how to use toner for some great tips!

Kama has a range of 100% pure natural toners that you can start with. Kama Ayurveda’s range of pure, steam-distilled toners include distillations of Rose, Lavender, Vetiver & Mogra that act as wonderful natural skin toners, keeping the skin hydrated and have a slight natural fragranced.

Pro Tip - Cucumber juice is a simple homemade toner that is refreshing in summers and helps in maintaining pH balance.

6. Moisturizing

Now, let’s move to the final and most relaxing step of face clean up - moisturization.

Moisturizing helps to keep your face hydrated and also addresses specific skin issues. Apply a nourishing cream on your face and neck. You may even use a moisturizing serum or an anti-aging night cream if you’re doing the face clean up at night. 

Pro Tip - Coconut Milk, Sesame Oil, Olive Oil, and Aloe Vera are natural moisturizers. You can apply them to your face for hydration or use creams based in these natural oils. Kama’s Eladi Hydrating Ayurvedic Cream is an excellent moisturizer suitable for all skin types.

Conclusion

In the end, we’d like to conclude by summarizing the many benefits of a face cleanup. 

•  ● Regular face cleanup keeps your skin free of excess dirt and impurities.
•  ● It ensures that your skin remains refreshed and rejuvenated. 
•  ● It keeps the skin pores unclogged and clean which helps in reducing breakouts and other skin issues. 

A face clean up twice a week keeps the skin hydrated and prevents skin issues caused by dryness, such as flakiness and itchiness. It also brightens your skin and reduces tanning and pigmentation. 

If you have a bunch of skin care products that you swear by, you can use them for cleaning your face at home. However, if you love all-natural products, you can explore the range of Kama Ayurveda products and choose the ones suited to your skin type for a face clean up.  

Pregnancy and motherhood have a special significance in Ayurveda.
When a Mother is going through a phase as happy, memorable, and transformational as Motherhood, Ayurveda recommends that she is provided with all the gifts of Nature to help her through this phase.

One such gift of nature and Ayurveda is Dhanwantharam Thailam.

What is Dhanwantharam Thailam?

Named after the God of Ayurveda, Dhanwantharam Thailam is a classic Ayurvedic treatment for expecting and new mothers. Not only it provides relief from pain and fatigue but also boosts overall energy and immunity.
Massage during pregnancy with Dhanwanthatam Thailam helps to strengthen the muscles and makes them strong enough to hold the fetus, which later helps in facilitating childbirth.

Massage with this oil also improves the elasticity of the skin and prevents stretch marks.

A 100 percent Ayurvedic concoction, it reinforces positive emotional states of happiness and infuses fresh confidence for body shape recovery. It is also prescribed for rheumatoid pain, arthritis, spondylitis, and hemiplegia.

Why Mothers Need Massage During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy, as well as childbirth, are physically and emotionally demanding for the mother.

Starting from the seventh month of pregnancy, the expecting mother may start experiencing itchiness and dryness as the body grows. The dryness is further exacerbated during winters.

Often, these symptoms are accompanied by a general feeling of malaise and tiredness. Some women also start feeling stressed or experience mild to severe mood swings around this time.

Much to our relief, the science of Ayurveda has a well-developed branch dealing in pregnancy care, childbirth and postnatal care termed as Garbhini Paricharya. This branch of Ayurveda details specific care routines for each month and stage of pregnancy.

The single most important routine recommended in Garbhini Paricharya is Abhyanga - an Ayurvedic practice of self-massage.

A gentle and soothing massage during pregnancy with oil like Dhanwantharam Thailam provides relief from problems like skin dryness, itchiness, pain, and tiredness. It also promotes easy labor.

Dhanwantharam Thailam Uses

Using Dhanwantharam Thailam for Prenatal Massage and Postnatal Massage

Dhanwantharam Thailam can be used from the seventh month of pregnancy for prenatal massage and post seven days of childbirth for a postnatal massage.

Massaging the oil for 10-15 minutes will have the following benefits -

1. Relief from stress and anxiety

According to Ayurveda, stress hormones (Cortisol and Norepinephrine) levels can be significantly decreased with oil massage. Regular oil massage also boosts the ‘happy’ hormones Dopamine and Serotonin.

Emotional symptoms like anxiety, jitteriness, and absentmindedness associated with pregnancy are due to Vata dosha imbalance. Dhanwantharam Thailam is based in Sesame Oil, which has Vata balancing properties. It remedies expressions of aggravated Vata in pre-post natal bodies.

Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan) in Dhanwantharam Thailam provides healing from exhaustion, emaciation, uterine prolapse, and weakened pelvic muscles and ligaments.

Haritaki is believed to be dear to Lord Shiva, promoting Shiva-like awareness and invincibility, and is also called Abhaya, as it is believed to instill fearlessness.

2. Hormone regulation

Shatavari (Wild Asparagus), Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng), Yashtimadhu (Liquorice), and Devadaru (Himalayan Cedar) are upheld in all ancient Ayurvedic texts, for their positively uplifting and balancing effects on female hormonal cycles.

These ingredients are present in Dhanwantharam Thailam and help with physical vitality, fertility, and libidinal energy after birthing. They also dispel symptoms of postpartum depression.

Prevents stretch marks and dark patches

Ayurvedic Dhanwantharam Thailam is usually made in a sneha dravya (lubricating substance) base of Sesame (Til). Incidentally, sneha in Sanskrit, also means love!
Heaty’ Sesame is abundant in vitamin E content. For this reason, it keeps skin dehydration and flakiness at bay, improves skin elasticity and prevents stretch marks.

Sesame Oil also helps manage possible effects of melasma, or the ‘mask of pregnancy’. This is the colloquial name for dark patches that develop around the nose, cheeks, forehead, and abdomen, as a result of pregnancy-induced hormonal changes.
Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) present in Dhanwantharam Thailam brightens the skin and Bibhitaki (Beleric Myrobalan) present in the oil works on stomach and bowel toning.

4. Facilitates childbirth

The sub-dosha of Vata, Apana Vayu, is responsible for downward movement of energy, or Prana. Its unobstructed movement is necessary to consolidate the uterine position of babies in the final trimester before birth.
Dhanwantaram Tailam has Tagar (Indian Valerian) as one of the ingredients. Tagar balances Apana Vayu and acts as a ‘nerve tonic’.
Gentle, and regular massages with Dhanwantaram ensure that the Apana Vayu-balancing properties of Tagar (Indian Valerian) are absorbed profoundly. Tagar’s role as an effective ‘nerve tonic’, is enhanced by Bala (Indian Country Mallow), and Gorakbhuti (Mountain Knot Grass).

Together, they soothe any anxiety related to childbirth and reinstate comfort, focus, and self-confidence for post-natal shape recovery.

5. Provides relief from pain

During the final trimester, the pressure from the heavy uterus resting on the lower back and pelvic floor can cause swelling and pressure on nearby nerves. Dhanwantaram Tailam has Manjistha (Indian Madder) and Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) which give the oil its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties.

By relieving the stress on those muscles, massaging can alleviate the pressure on the nerves and thus have a significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain.

6. Restores the strength of the body

Post delivery, the mother’s health is affected due to the loss of fluid and blood, and the emptiness created in the body after the child’s birth.

The phase after delivery until the restoration of the menstrual cycle is called the Sutika period in Ayurveda. It’s essential for the body to recover completely from this phase. Otherwise, it causes disease and discomfort in the future.

A daily ayurvedic oil massage (abhyanga) is also a powerful way to rejuvenate the mother. Massage with Dhanwantaram Thailam subsides the aches, pains, and imbalances. After just a week of regular massage, a feeling of relaxation and wholeness can be experienced.

However, Dhanwantaram Thailam is only recommended after 7 days of delivery in case of normal delivery and after 14 days of delivery in case of caesarian delivery.

Pregnancy Massage FAQs

Is Massage During Pregnancy Safe?

Massage during pregnancy is advised for all cases except those involving complications. Speak to your doctor prior to massage if you have a high-risk pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension, severe swelling or any other issues. In some cases, massage during the first trimester is not recommended.

How to use Dhanwantaram Thailam for massage?

Massage warmed Dhanwantaram Thailam Pre-Post Natal Treatment for 10-15 minutes to strengthen abdominal muscles and sagging skin. Post 30 minutes follow with a mild cleanser.

The application varies based on delivery. In case of normal delivery, start using the oil after 1 week. In the case of C-section delivery, start using the oil after 2 weeks. Lukewarm the oil and massage on the target area for 10-15 minutes daily for best results. Massage regularly for 40 days to strengthen the muscles and firm the abdomen/sagging skin.

Ayurveda also recommends using water boiled with tamarind leaves or kurunthotti roots (Sida cordifolia) for baths, prior to the massage.

What is a suitable body position during the massage?

Choose a position that is comfortable for you. Place cushions around your belly to give your body the necessary support. Do not put any pressure on the abdomen and chest.

How does massage during pregnancy affect the baby?

Massage during pregnancy has immense benefits for the mother.

Can Dhanwantaram Thailam be used for massaging the baby?

It is not recommended to use Dhanwantaram Thailam pre-post natal treatment oil on the baby. You can try Ayurvedic Baby Massage Oil. It’s a top-to-toe baby massage oil that soothes, nourishes, protects and softens delicate skin to keep it healthy and radiant.

Can Dhanwantaram Thailam be used for post-pregnancy breast firming?

It's recommended to use Ayurvedic Muscle Tone Firming Treatment to lift and firm the breasts. Kama Ayurveda’s Muscle Tone Firming Treatment is a rich, nourishing treatment for toning and firming to improve the appearance of sagging skin, stretch marks, and cellulite.

Conclusion

It is a matter of love and pride to bring a healthy, hearty, happy child into the world. But it is also important to remember that the best gift you can give this child, is a healthy, resilient, rejuvenated you.

Ayurveda embodies the compassionate, patient, all-inclusive qualities of Mother Nature, and spreads the message of peaceful, balanced strength and beauty, through Her three defining characteristics – Love, Life, and Light.

Using Dhanwantaram Thailam for massage during pregnancy is one of the best ways to give the mother all the power of nature and Ayurveda.

References -

1. 1. A pilot study investigating the effects of Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage on subjective stress experience. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21568717
2. 2. Ayurvedic Care During Post Delivery Stage - Ayurvedic Doctor VL Shyam - https://fridaymagazine.ae/life-culture/ask-the-experts/ayurvedic-care-during-post-delivery-stage-1.2274367

If you live in a tropical country, you’ll know how hard it is to maintain a bright and even complexion.

Even with the regular application of sunscreen, the skin gets tanned and damaged over time. Not only this, prolonged exposure to the sun even causes skin problems like hyperpigmentation, dark spots and dullness.

On the lookout for a product to reverse this damage? You’ll be amazed to know that the ancient science of Ayurveda already found the solution centuries back!

To heal the skin from the wrath of the sun, Ayurveda recommends regular massage with a special herbal oil known as Nalpamaradi Thailam. Described as a natural skin illuminator in Ayurveda, Nalpamaradi Thailam is a miracle oil that lightens the complexion and removes tan without causing any harm to the skin.

In this article, we’ll explore all about Nalpamaradi Oil and understand how it’s used to treat skin care problems and remove tan.

What is Nalpamaradi Thailam?

Nalpamaradi Thailam is an Ayurvedic herbal oil made from the stem barks of Ficus trees. These barks are effective in curing various skin diseases, ulcers, and nervous disorders.

For those of you who read about Ficus trees for the first time, you’re more familiar with this tree than you think. Ficus religiosa is the botanical name of the popular Peepal tree.

For the preparation of Nalpamaradi Oil, barks from four different species of Ficus trees are used. The familiar and popular Banyan (Ficus Benghalensis) is a relative of the Peepal, as are Gular/Dumar (Ficus racemosa), Pukar (Ficus benjamina) and Kamarup (Ficus microcarpa).

These four Ficus species, namely Religiosa, Bengalensis, Microcarpa, and Racemosa together are known as Nalpamara in Ayurveda. [1] Nalpamara is the key ingredient of Nalpamaradi Thailam.

In addition to Nalpamara, Nalpamaradi Oil also has other powerful Ayurvedic ingredients that brighten the complexion to reveal a healthy glowing natural skin. Some of these ingredients are Vetiver, Turmeric, and Amla. Sesame oil is used as the base oil to facilitate adsorption of these ingredients into the skin.

Nalpamaradi Tailam is a powerful skin brightening and de-tanning treatment that can be used on both the face and body. It not only lightens the complexion but also softens and repairs the skin.

Other than removing tan, Nalpamaradi Oil has many other uses. Let’s look at a few of them.

Nalpamaradi Thailam Uses

The uses of Nalpamaradi Oil vary based on its composition. The Nalpamaradi Thailam Skin Brightening Treatment by Kama Ayurveda has the following uses.
● It lightens the complexion of the skin and removes tan

● It repairs pigmentation, uneven skin tone and marks

● It hydrates and nourishes the skin

● It heals the skin from within, relieving it from any environmental damage

Nalpamaradi Thailam and Kumkumadi Tailam  are also recommended as a part of bridal beauty regimen for brightening the overall complexion.

How To Use Nalpamaradi Thailam

The procedure to use Nalpamaradi Oil varies according to its composition. To use Nalpamaradi Thailam Skin Brightening Treatment by Kama Ayurveda, the following steps should be followed.
1. Post cleaning your face and body, pour some oil on your palm.

2. Gently massage on your face in a circular motion until fully absorbed.

3. Gently massage on your body in brisk upward and downward strokes until fully absorbed.

4. Leave it on for 30 minutes.

it’s recommended to use Kama Ayurveda’s Mridul Soap Free Face Cleanser when using Nalpamaradi Thailam for face and Ubtan Soap Free Body Cleanserwhen using the oil on the body.

Nalpamaradi Thailam Benefits and Ingredients

Let’s now explore the key benefits of Nalpamaradi Thailam and the importance of its ingredients -

As mentioned before, the key ingredient of Nalpamaradi Oil is the bark from Ficus Trees. If you grew up in India, chances are you’ve heard about the significance of Peepal Tree. In the ancient times, every household was encouraged to plant peepal tree in their backyard. 

Significance of Peepal Tree Bark

Not only is Peepal Tree considered extremely auspicious, but it also has immense health benefits. It is a true ‘Tree of Life’ in the scientific sense.

Did you know that the bark of Peepal tree is an excellent remedy for skin related ailments. The ash from bark of peepal tree is directly applied to the skin to treat conditions like Eczema. 

The bark of the Peepal tree is rich in vitamin K. Due to this, it works as an effective complexion corrector and preserver. Other benefits for skin include -

• 1. Strengthening blood capillaries and minimising skin inflammation
• 2. Healing skin bruises faster by increasing skin resilience
• 3. Treating skin issues like pigmentation, wrinkles and dark circles
• 4. Lightening of surgery and pregnancy marks, scars, and stretch marks.

Significance of Banyan Tree Bark

You may consider Banyan tree and Peepal tree as twin flames. Both the trees are worshipped since the dawn of civilization and have great medicinal value apart from religious significance.

While Peepal works powerfully on Kapha (Water) and Pitta (Fire) Dosha imbalances, Banyan works on Vata (Air) imbalances. Peepal and Banyan are treated as Male and Female counterparts of each other, which is why they are often cultivated in close proximity. 

Banyan has similar uses, and is treated as a remedy for swelling, skin wounds, and excessive sweating. Even skin moles can be easily gotten rid of with milk drawn from the bark of a banyan tree.

For these well-knowns benefits for the skin, bark of Ficus trees (together known as Nalpamara) is used to prepare Nalpamaradi Thailam.

Significance of other ingredients in Nalpamaradi Oil

Apart from the key ingredient Nalpamaram, there are other Ayurvedic ingredients in Nalpamaradi Oil that work as skin brightening agents.

Let’s look at a few of them and explore their benefits for the skin.

1.  Vetiver - Vetiver has roots that are bittersweet and aromatic in nature. The oil distilled from its roots cures acne, dry skin, aging skin, and skin irritation. The oil is also therapeutic in nature and has soothing effects for the body and the mind. It provides Nalpamaradi Thailam its cooling properties.

2.  Turmeric - Turmeric in Nalpamaradi Tailam gives the oil the yellowish tinge. It’s known for providing a youthful glow to the skin. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that lightens skin tone, reduces pigmentation and heals blemishes. It provides Nalpamaradi Thailam its brightening properties.

3.  Amla - Not many people are aware of the benefits of amla for the skin. It is a popular Ayurvedic ingredient for treating hair problems. However, it has immense benefits for the skin as well. The natural toning and antibacterial action of Amla help prevent dark spots while adding a healthy glow to the skin. Amla in Nalpamaradi Thailam makes it an effective in treatment for hyperpigmentation.

FAQ about Nalpamaradi Thailam

1. How long does it take to remove tan using Nalpamaradi Oil ?

You can start seeing results within a week of regular application of Kama Ayurveda’s Nalpamaradi Thailam Skin Brightening Treatment.

2. Should Nalpamaradi Thailam be left overnight?

Nalpamaradi Thailam Skin Brightening Treatment can be left overnight. However, it will leave stains on clothes as its key ingredient is turmeric, advised to cleanse off after 30 minutes if your skin is oily.

3. Is Nalpamaradi Thailam suitable for oily skin?

Yes, Nalpamaradi Oil is suitable for oily and sensitive skin. However, do not use it more than twice a day.

4. Can Nalpamaradi Thailam be used on babies?

Nalpamaradi Oil can be used on babies, however, it should be diluted with Organic Sweet Almond Oil to make it suitable for the delicate skin of the baby.

5. Can Nalpamaradi Thailam be used by men?

Yes, Nalpamaradi Oil can be used by men as well.

6. Is Nalpamaradi Thailam safe?

Nalpamaradi Oil is 100% natural and safe. This oil may stain yellow due to ingredients such as Turmeric hence suitable precautions must be taken while using it.

7. Are there any side-effects of Nalpamaradi Thailam?

There are no side-effects of Nalpamaradi Oil. However, perform a patch test prior to application.

8. How many times in a week should Nalpamaradi Thailam be used?

Nalpamaradi Oil can be used thrice a week if you have sensitive/oily/acne prone skin. But in case if you have dry or combination skin, it can be used every day.

9. Can Nalpamaradi Thailam be used on skin with active acne?

If your skin has active acne/pimples, then using Nalpamaradi Oil is not recommended.

Conclusion

We all worry about having clear, healthy and glowing skin. Thankfully, Ayurveda has provided us with a wealth of knowledge in the form of special herbal oils like Nalpamaradi Thailam and Kumkumadi Thailam. Applying these herbal oils on the skin is the most natural and effective way to reveal a glowing complexion. Nalpamaradi Oil can be massaged all over the body to remove dan and heal any damage caused by the sun.

References -
1.1. Medicinal Plants India - Nalpamaram

2.2. Planet Ayurveda - Nalpamaradi Thailam

Sesame Oil derived from sesame seeds (til seeds) is the oldest oil ever to be used by mankind. 

Sesame seeds (til seeds) are so auspicious that ancient Hindu Mythologies refer to them as the symbol of immortality!

Each sesame seed is a storehouse of many nutrients that provide the oil its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of its immense health benefits, sesame oil has become an essential part of lifestyle for many. 

Popular as one of the healthiest cooking oils, it’s also an effective cosmetic product that heals and treats skin and hair problems. In fact, over 90% percent of Ayurvedic treatments use Sesame Oil as the base product.

In Ayurveda, there is a special significance of using sesame oil for head massage. Its nourishing, calming and warming nature makes it the ideal massage oil. 

Massaging Sesame oil into the scalp once a week nourishes the scalp and restores the natural balance and luster of hair. 

Though there are multiple applications of Sesame oil, in this article we’ll explore the benefits of using Sesame oil for hair. If you haven’t heard about using sesame oil for hair, you might have many questions about the oil. Let’s start with the most basic one.

Is Sesame Oil Good For Hair?

With the wide variety of hair oils available in the market, one might wonder if sesame oil is even good for hair? To answer this, let’s refer to the translation of one popular Ayurvedic excerpt which talks about sesame oil massage for hair -

“One who applies Sesame Oil on his head regularly does not suffer from headache, baldness, graying of hair or hair fall. The health of his hair and scalp is specially enhanced; his hair becomes black, long and deep-rooted. Applying sesame oil on head induces sound sleep and happiness.”

- Charak Samhita Sutrasthana

Sounds promising, right?

Moving on, let’s understand how sesame oil is produced, how sesame oil benefits hair and how to use sesame oil for hair problems.

What Is Sesame Oil?

Sesame Oil or Gingelly Oil is a vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are cultivated mainly in Africa and some parts of the Indian subcontinent. When these seeds become ripe, their outer shells burst. The oil is then extracted from these seeds by pressing or toasting techniques.

What Is Cold Pressed Sesame Oil?

Sesame Oil obtained by pressing techniques is known as cold-pressed Sesame Oil. It is pale yellow in colour and has a higher proportion of fatty acids which makes it more valuable than other variations of sesame oil. A substance known as sesamolin is present in sesame oil prevents it from oxidation, yielding it longer shelf life.

Cold Pressed Sesame Oil is also an excellent source of Vitamin E which is a natural antioxidant. It is also rich in other nutrients like zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium and iron as well as Vitamin B-6. 

These constituents provide protective, nourishing and detoxifying effects to the damaged skin and hair. The high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids in Cold Pressed Sesame Oil yields the oil its moisturizing properties, making it an ideal massage oil.

If you’re looking for cold-pressed Sesame oil, we recommend Kama’s Organic Sesame Oil that is 100% natural, organic and extracted from high quality black sesame seeds.

Regular massage with Sesame Oil is highly recommended to treat common hair problems like dryness and dandruff. Let’s look at some benefits of using sesame oil for hair massage.

Top 8 Sesame Oil Benefits For Hair

Even though the tradition of massaging the hair with oil is centuries old in India, it hasn’t lost its importance. Whether you’re looking to prevent hair loss or you want to protect and strengthen your hair, incorporating sesame oil into your regular hair care routine is a must. Here’s how it benefits hair -

1. Prevents Premature Hair Graying

Massaging your hair and scalp with sesame oil can prevent premature graying. The oil has hair darkening properties which help in retaining the natural color of your hair. Though greying of hair is mostly due to age, sometimes environmental stressors accelerate the process by causing build-up of harmful chemicals in hair. Sesame oil is packed with antioxidants that fight build-up of such free radicals and chemicals, thereby preventing premature graying.

2. Promotes Hair Growth

If you are suffering from hair loss, applying sesame oil on your scalp will facilitate hair growth and prevent baldness. According to the recent studies, using sesame oil is an effective hair loss treatment. Its results are comparable to the medicines like Minoxidil that are prescribed to prevent baldness. Massaging hair with sesame oil improves blood circulation which further promotes hair growth.

Also read - 10 Best Hair Growth Oils Recommended by Ayurveda

3. Protects Hair From Harmful UV Rays

Exposure to the sun causes a lot of harm to hair follicles and the scalp. Sesame oil benefits hair by acting as a natural sun-blocking agent. Massaging hair with sesame oil forms a protective coating around the hair shaft which prevents it from the harmful rays of the sun. The protective layer also guards hair against the damaging effects of pollution.

4. Treats Head Lice

Sesame oil is antibacterial and using it on the scalp helps in fighting fungal and bacterial infections. It can be diluted with oils such as neem oil and tea tree oil to treat specific conditions like lice.

5. Soothes Heat Damaged And Dry Hair

Harsh heat is damaging to the hair follicles. Sesame oil has soothing properties because of which it acts as a coolant. The oil is highly penetrative and heals internal damage by providing deep nourishment. It works as a wonderful remedy for dry hair due to its moisturising properties. It also locks the moisture content in hair shafts, thus preventing further damage due to heat and pollution.

6. Prevents Hair Fall Due To Stress

Sesame oil also has tranquilizing properties. Massaging hair with sesame oil relieves anxiety and prevents hair fall caused by stress. It is a great remedy for migraine and insomnia. Other relaxing oils like Eucalyptus oil or Ylang Ylang oil can be added to sesame oil to enhance its soothing effect.

7. Prevents Dandruff

Sesame oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help in keeping the scalp clean and healthy. Massaging hair with sesame oil prevents aggravation of dandruff and fights the itching sensation.

Sesame oil is an effective treatment for many hair problems. Therefore, it’s also used as a base for effective hair treatments. One of them is Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment. It is a potent blend of Bhringraj, Amla & Indigo in a Sesame oil base. This blend works all-in-one Ayurvedic treatment for hair loss, premature graying & dandruff, that restores hair back to health.

Also read - 11 Sesame Oil Benefits For Skin & Best Ways To Use It

How To Use Sesame Oil For Hair?

Sesame oil is an excellent aSesame oil is an excellent adsorbent and is used in combination with other treatment oils and essential oils to improve their absorption into hair. Here are a few ways in which sesame oil is used for hair.

1. Sesame Oil Massage For Hair Deep Conditioning

Apply the oil to scalp and gently massage hair from root to tip. You can warm the oil before applying for better results. Apply the oil to the scalp and gently massage hair from root to tip. You can warm the oil before applying for better results. Leave it on hair for 20 minutes and then with a mild hair cleanser and warm water. You can massage your hair with sesame oil once or twice per week.

2. Sesame Oil and Neem Oil Massage for Hair Dandruff

Sesame oil is also used in combination with Neem oil  for hair. It is recommended to dilute equal parts (50/50) of Sesame oil is also used in combination with Neem oil for hair. It is recommended to dilute equal parts (50/50) of Neem Oil with Sesame Oil and gently massage into the scalp. Leave the treatment on for 30 minutes to work well and then cleanse with a mild hair cleanser. Neem oil also has immense benefits for hair which are absorbed better into the hair with the help of sesame oil.

3. Sesame Oil and Sweet Almond Oil Massage for hair

Combination of sesame oil and Sweet almond oil is also used for deep conditioning as almond oil is a rich source of fatty acids. Equal parts of both oil and be combined and used for hair massage. Leave the treatment for 30-40 minutes before rinsing off with a mild cleanser.

4. Sesame Oil and Coconut Oil Massage for hair

Coconut oil is also a deep conditioner that heals damaged hair when used with sesame oil for hair massage. For this treatment, equal parts of both oil and be combined and used for hair massage. Leave the treatment for 30-40 minutes before rinsing off with a mild cleanser.

5. Sesame Oil And Aloe Vera

Blend equal parts of fresh aloe vera gel with sesame oil to form a smooth paste. This mixture is great for hydrating your scalp and promoting hair growth. Apply to your scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse with a mild cleanser.

6. Sesame Oil And Avocado

Mash a ripe avocado and mix it with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil to form a creamy paste. This combination is rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients, providing deep hydration and nourishment to your hair. Leave on for 30-40 minutes before washing off.

7. Sesame Oil And Curry Leaves

Heat 3 tablespoons of sesame oil and add some curry leaves to it. Allow it to cool. The blend promotes hair growth and prevents graying. Massage the oil into your scalp and leave for 30 minutes before washing.

8. Ginger And Sesame Oil

Blend ginger to extract its juice and mix with sesame oil. You can mix one teaspoon of ginger juice with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. This combination helps to tackle hair loss and promotes hair growth. Apply to your scalp, leave for 30 minutes, and rinse with a gentle shampoo.

9. Sesame Oil And Fenugreek

Place fenugreek seeds in a jar filled with sesame oil. Then, place this jar in a pot of boiling water. After a couple of minutes, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool until it's just slightly warm.

Massage this oil blend into your scalp, ensuring it covers your hair thoroughly. For enhanced absorption, wrap your hair with a hot towel. Let it sit for 30-40 minutes, then cleanse your hair with a mild shampoo. This mask is known to combat dandruff and hair fall.

10. Sesame Oil And Honey

Combine equal parts of 3 tablespoons of sesame oil with 1 teaspoon honey. This mask is great for adding shine and softness to your hair. Apply the mixture from roots to tips, allow it to sit for 30 minutes, and then rinse with a mild cleanser.

Can We Apply Sesame Oil To Hair Daily?

Using sesame oil on your hair daily depends on your hair type, the condition of your hair, and the desired outcome. Here are some things to consider:

1. Hair Type:

• For dry, frizzy, or damaged hair: Daily use can be beneficial, as sesame oil can provide the necessary moisture and nourishment.

• For oily hair: Daily application might make hair too greasy. It might be better to use it less frequently, such as once or twice a week.

1. Hair Condition:

• If you have dandruff or scalp issues, regular application can help alleviate these problems.
• However, if you're prone to clogged hair follicles or scalp acne, daily application might exacerbate the issue.

2. Purpose:

• If you're using it for deep conditioning, then 1-2 times a week might be sufficient.
• If you're using a few drops to tame frizz or add shine, daily use might be fine.

3. Residue Build-up: Applying oil daily can lead to product build-up over time, which can make hair look limp or weighed down. It's crucial to ensure you're washing it out thoroughly, possibly using a clarifying shampoo once a week.

4. Adverse Reactions: If you notice any itching, irritation, or increased hair fall, it's a sign that daily application might not be suitable for you.

5. Quantity: If you're thinking about daily application, consider using a smaller amount. A few drops can go a long way.

In conclusion, while it's possible to use sesame oil on your hair daily, it's essential to monitor how your hair and scalp react and adjust your routine accordingly. If you're unsure, consider doing a patch test or consulting with a hair care specialist or dermatologist.

FAQ about Sesame Oil

What are the other names of Sesame Oil?

Sesame oil is known by different names in different parts of India. It’s known as Til Tel in Bengali, Til ka tel in Hindi, El Ennev in Tamil, Nuvvula nune in Telugu, Ellena in Malayalam and Tilache Tel in Marathi. Sesame oil is a part of Indian traditions since centuries and every region has its name for the oil.

Is Sesame Oil edible?

Not all types of sesame oil are suitable for consumption. Some of them are only for topical use. For instance, Kama’s Organic Sesame oil is inedible but works as an effective head-to-toe treatment for all skin and hair types. Always check whether the oil is suitable for consumption before using it for anything other than external massages.

How to use Sesame Oil for hair growth?

To use sesame oil for hair loss problems, it can be massaged directly to hair. However, if you are looking for a more effective solution to hair fall, you can try Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment. In addition to Sesame oil, it also has Indigo, Eclipta Alba and Gooseberry which promotes hair growth.

Can I leave sesame oil in my hair overnight?

Yes, you can leave sesame oil in your hair overnight for deep conditioning. Just make sure to wrap your hair to prevent oil stains on your pillowcase.

Potential Drawbacks:

While sesame oil can be beneficial for hair, it's essential to be aware of potential issues:

• Clogged Pores: Sesame oil, like other oils, can block pores. This can lead to scalp irritation and even hair loss. To minimize this risk, it's advisable to keep pure sesame oil on your scalp and hair for only short durations.
  
• Residue Build-up: It's crucial to thoroughly wash out the sesame oil after a treatment. Use a good shampoo and warm water, gently massaging your scalp to ensure no oil residue remains. This prevents any long-term build-up that can negatively affect your hair and scalp.
  
• Risk of Burns: If you choose to warm sesame oil for a more comfortable application, be cautious. Overheated oil can lead to scalp burns and hair damage. Always test the oil's temperature with a small drop on the inside of your wrist before applying it to your scalp and hair.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of sesame oil for your hair while minimizing potential drawbacks.

Conclusion 

Sesame seeds have immense benefits for hair. Using sesame oil for head massage and eating sesame seeds can give your hair the health and luster you have always wanted. There are many ways of including sesame oil in your hair care routine.

You can use it alone or in combination with other hair oils. Sesame oil is also used as a base for Ayurvedic hair treatments as its effectiveness multiplies manifold when used with other Ayurvedic ingredients. One such treatment is Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment by Kama

References

1. Sesamum Indicum (Sesame or til): seeds and oil — An historic and scientific evaluation from Indian perspective - NC Shah
2. Goldberg, Sharon (1995). "Sesame Oil, a featured ingredient". Flavor & Fortune.
3. Katzer G (17 December 1999). "Spice Pages: Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum)"

Charak Samhita Sutrasthana - Easy Ayurveda