• Ayurveda Oil Files
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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO UMA OIL’S FAVORITE CARRIER OILS

As quick reminder from our Carrier Oils: 101 post, carrier oils are usually cold pressed from fruits and nuts, and have strong penetrative abilities that allow them to carry botanically derived essential oils into the skin. Carrier oils play a central role in optimal absorption of the essential oils, and bring a plethora of benefits – through their unique antioxidants and vitamins – in nourishing, protecting and strengthening the skin. While many of the most common carriers were discussed in our initial post, we present some of the more nuanced – but highly beneficial carrier oils here.

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MARULA OIL

This South African oil is extracted from the Marula fruit, and contains four times more vitamin C than oranges! It’s packed in antioxidants, to fight off the harmful free radicals that cause visible signs of aging, and enhances the skin’s natural healing process to reduce discoloration from sun damage and acne. Use this oil to soothe aggravated summertime skin – but don’t forget, SPF is still key!

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CASTOR OIL

This vegetable oil is derived from the castor plant – and has a reputation for a distinctive – even unpleasant – taste, when taken orally as a digestive aid. However, it has some incredible implications for the skin. It’s a powerful disinfectant, and can be used to treat acne and minor skin infections. And, if you’re looking for eyebrows that rival Cara Delevingne’s – look no further, as castor oil is a great agent for promoting hair growth. Simply apply topically to the brow area daily, and watch your brows grow thicker and more defined!

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ARGAN OIL

This ever popular oil is called “liquid gold” for a reason – it’s extracted from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, and is chock full of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, which give it serious restorative power. Despite its deeply moisturizing characteristics, argan oil is ultra absorbent, and doesn’t leave the greasy residue of its heavier counterparts. This makes it a great multipurpose oil to promote healthy skin, hair, and even nails.

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MARACUJA OIL

This under-the-radar superstar is derived from the passionflower plant, and in some cases, from the seeds of the passion fruit itself. Like many of its counterparts, maracuja oil is light, absorbent, and emollient, for non-greasy and rapid moisture. It’s also a stand out oil for nighttime face and body massage, as it appears to naturally combat insomnia, anxiety, and stress.

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POMEGRANATE OIL

Cold pressed pomegranate oil is one of the more expensive varieties of carrier oil – and for good reason! It’s rich in punicic acid, which promotes the production of collagen fibers – and slows down the processes that break it down. Not only does this help prevent wrinkles, it also encourages the healing of acne, wounds, and scars. This oil is also particularly lightweight and absorbent, and packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K.

6

AVOCADO OIL

Avocado – it’s not just for your burrito bowl anymore. Avocado oil has some potent anti-aging benefits for the skin! It’s high in sterolin, which has been found to soften the skin and reduce the appearance of age spots. It’s also rich in lecithin, a lipid that helps deliver nutrients directly to the bloodstream and deeper layers of the skin.

• Ayurveda Oil Files Oily, Blemish, or Acne-Prone
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THE BEST NATURAL OILS FOR DEWY SUMMER SKIN

It’s officially summer, which means days spent lounging in the sun, enjoying a good book or taking a trip with loved ones. But the warmer temperatures also bring with it unique skincare challenges. For some, oiliness and breakouts become more common as the weather heats up and becomes more humid. For others, sun damage can lead to dry, flaky and irritated skin.

Especially if we experience summer oiliness, we may feel tempted to ditch the moisturizer altogether. If your skin feels oily and moist, there’s no need to add more hydration, right? Actually, the opposite is true—as dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Ariel Ostad told Allure, “Moisturizers reestablish the stratum corneum, your outermost layer of the skin, which protects from harmful pollutants and chemicals and prevents further irritation or dryness.” If we don’t apply moisturizer, we risk drying out or damaging our skin.

However, make sure you don’t use the same heavy-duty moisturizer you’ve been using throughout winter, as doing so can lead to irritation and breakouts. The perfect moisturizing routine for summer is lightweight, nourishing and hydrating. One great way to achieve glowing, dewy skin with a lightweight, yet nourished feel is by incorporating essential oils into your rotation. When added at the end of your moisturizing routine, they target imperfections and provide the skin with the essential nutrients it needs to shine—without leaving behind excess residue or stickiness. 

Here are 5 lightweight, rejuvenating face oils that will help you achieve bright, radiant and dewy skin this summer.

1

For Firm, Even Skin: Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is a luxurious, aromatic oil renowned for its anti-aging capacities. Carefully extracted from the fruit and seeds of rose plants, rosehip oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that allow it to boost hydration, reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and combat age spots—all of which contribute to a youthful, radiant complexion. Rosehip oil also makes a natural mood and confidence booster, as it surrounds the wearer in a sweet, romantic, floral aroma. 

Our brightening, hydrating UMA Flawlessly Firming Neck Chest & Décolletage Serum incorporates the youth-bringing powers of rosehip alongside other lightweight, yet nourishing oils like jasmine and neroli to provide targeted nourishment and hydration to our often-underserved décolletage area. It absorbs instantly and distributes moisture evenly, leaving the skin with a noticeable glow.

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2

For Wrinkle-free Skin: Geranium Oil

Full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, geranium has long been used in Ayurvedic tradition as an anti-aging salve. It brings natural tightness and elasticity to the skin, thereby combating wrinkles and fine lines. Its anti-inflammatory properties also enable it to soothe irritation and acne, ultimately leading to a bright, smooth and even complexion.

Especially for those looking to prevent or reduce signs of aging, our UMA Absolute Anti Aging Face Oil utilizes geranium to provide essential nutrients to the skin, without leaving behind residue or heaviness.

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3

For Clear, Acne-free Skin: Lavender Oil

You could probably recognize lavender by its sweet, earthy and floral aroma. But more than a calming scent, lavender’s antiseptic properties also provide healing and soothing benefits to the skin, combating acne and irritation, healing sunburns and wounds and regulating sebum production. 

We incorporate lavender’s healing, antiseptic qualities into products like our UMA Deeply Clarifying Face Oil and UMA Deeply Clarifying Blemish Spot Treatment, both of which target acne, inflammation and other imperfections to promote clear, bright and even skin. 

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4

For Bright, Toned Skin: Grapefruit Oil

Harnessing the powerful antimicrobial and clarifying properties of grapefruit, grapefruit oil is extracted from the rinds to offer an extremely uplifting, clarifying wellness experience. Lightweight grapefruit oil naturally promotes circulation while providing the skin with essential nutrients—all without stickiness or heaviness. The result is skin that is radiant, even and toned.

To capture the circulation- and brightness-boosting effects of grapefruit oil, we’ve incorporated it into our Absolute Anti Aging Body Oil, which instantly hydrates, rejuvenates and brightens dry or aging skin. 

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5

For Glowing Skin: Neroli Oil

Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, the high Vitamin-C and antioxidant content of neroli enables it to provide powerful, wide-reaching benefits. Thanks to these properties (though essential oils don’t contain Vitamins directly, neroli oil helps boost the absorption of Vitamin C from other sources), neroli oil is revered for its ability to boost luminosity and radiance, promote the natural regeneration of skin, combat wrinkles and increase elasticity and evenness. In addition, its antiseptic properties enable it to combat breakouts and blemishes. 

We adore the versatile benefits and uses of neroli oil so much that we use it in several of our products, including our UMA Ultimate Brightening Face Oil, which provides instant lightweight radiance—the perfect complement for a sunny summer day. 

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DISCOVER THE BEAUTY SECRETS OF NEROLI OIL

UMA ULTIMATE BRIGHTENING FACE OIL $150

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UMA BEAUTY BOOSTING DAY FACE OIL $125

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UMA ABSOLUTE ANTI AGING FACE OIL $175

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• Ayurveda Mental Health Oil Files
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UNLOCK THE POWER OF ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MOOD ENHANCEMENT

Over the last year I have been incorporating essential oils into my health and beauty routines (yes, I have more than one!)  more and more.  I find that a little bit of lavender goes a long way with helping me sleep. Rose oil mixed with sandalwood essential oil helps me connect to my feminine side while also keeping me grounded. And I’m totally loving the combination of lemon essential oil and frankincense essential oil because it instantly lifts my mood!

So when I met Shrankhla, the founder of UMA, I was instantly intrigued.  Not only because she’s a fellow Indian girl making a difference through beauty, but also because her family owns a farm in India where they harvest the ingredients that they put into their incredible oils. Since essential oils have become so important to me over the last year, I knew she had to share her expertise with all of you! Check out her insights, tips, and more below in the first ever NitikaChopra.com guest post.

Born into a family of essential oil cultivators and Ayurveda practitioners, I naturally went through a phase where I shot down every ‘holistic’ lifestyle practice out there.

I told myself I knew better. I had a degree in engineering and a MBA, after all, But then, my precious department store creams and prescription topicals stopped working almost completely. I was breaking out despite the latest anti-acne formula and sleeping less and less each night.

Pushed to the edge, I let my mother’s advice – and natural essential-oil treatments – back into my life. Totally impressed by the transformation – in a few short months – I went back to learn that there truly is rich science and experience behind many of these long standing natural remedies.

Here are the fascinating facts!

Fact #1: 

Natural oils contain many powerful organic compounds that are commonplace in traditional ayurvedic medicine. For example, Eugenol – a compound that clove oil is very rich in – forms the very backbone of the painkillers commonly used in dentistry. When applied to the skin it delivers similar skincare benefits by naturally working with the body to harmonize its normal functions and neutralize bodily crises, such as anxiety or pain.

Fact #2:

Over 80% of what we put on our skin is absorbed and assimilated into our bloodstream – for better or worse. The active botanical ingredients of essential oils go directly to work in the brain and nervous system.

Fact #3: 

The nasal passageway links directly to the part of our brain that controls emotion, smell, and memory. It’s  responsible for forming our positive and negative associations toward scents. That means scents affect our psychological well-being in a big way; something that’s pretty clear when we smell something that quite literally transports us back to a memory.

Now let’s explore specific essential oils and how they can work – miraculously – for your mood. 

• Calamus can help manage your cortisol levels and reduce stress symptoms and anxiety. Your increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate will fall back down into normal range, allowing you to calmly address any situation with a clearer mind.
• A few drops of peppermint essential oil is believed to support focus and mental acuity, and aid overall alertness – giving you that much needed clarity in times of stress
• Sandalwood oil has a deeply grounding effect on the mind and body. Believed to regulate body’s limbic function, this oil promotes balance and calm while also stimulating a healthy sense of confidence
• Rich in esters and acetates, Lavender has a very stabilizing effect on mood. It also soothes muscles and relieves fatigue.
• Chamomile contains the extraordinary chemical Azulene that acts as an anti-inflammatory and calms nerves, creating a sense of balance when you need it most.
• Rose and geranium essential oil  have long been celebrated for their abilities to give you an emotional lift. These oils create a balancing effect on the mind and when applied to the skin.
• Jasmine’s sweet aromas can have a very pleasing and uplifting effect on the mind. Slightly sedative, a dash of jasmine can also promote restful sleep and help the body regulate its natural clock.
• The real worth of sage, a staple in many kitchens, may be in its mood-enhancing abilities. Sage aroma compounds may moderate Acetylcholine, an excitatory neurotransmitter whose disruption is a primary cause of depression.

Blending oils together takes the benefits up a notch! They draw on the top properties of carefully selected essential oils and significantly multiply the goodness that each oil delivers alone.

Sandalwood, for instance, is a great “wingwoman” oil, in that it lengthens the staying power of other essential oils and their aromas, and also boosts their therapeutic properties.

• Ayurveda Ingredients Oil Files
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DISCOVERING THE ROOTS OF ESSENTIAL OILS: UMA’s INNOVATIVE APPROACH

Not all essential oils are created equal. It’s easy to put “pure and organic” on a label. It’s not as easy to stand behind these words. Brands have been known to dilute versions of the real thing, adding filler or carrier oils, chemicals, or isolates to extend the quantity or shelf life. Experts in the field estimate that approximately 80 percent of essential oils are adulterated in some form.

At UMA we’ve been striving for centuries to create the highest quality blends of essential ayurvedic oils that are authentic, pure, and completely organic. We ensure our purity through our organic farming methods and meticulous extraction. Nothing is ever compromised.  Join us for a look. We’re about to get a little technical but bear with us. It’s important that you know exactly where your essential oils are coming from—and why these gorgeous compounds need to be pure in order to reap their herbal benefits. 

The History

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. Ancient Egyptians were among the first to use essential oils, incorporating them in medical practices, religious ceremonies, spiritual enhancement and, of course, embalming. When tombs are uncovered today, it’s common to discover traces of Cedarwood and Myrrh. There are more than 150 references to essential oils in the Bible, including the story from the New Testament about the three wise men gifting baby Jesus Frankincense and Myrrh at his birth.

Modern medicine’s reintroduction of essential oils began during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Since that time, essential oils have been used to kill harmful germs, balance mood, lift spirits, and dispel negative emotions. And of course, they’ve long been lauded for their skin and hair benefits. At the Uma Estate, we use centuries of ancient wisdom about essential oils in order to create highly effective pure blends that are perfectly suited for the modern day.

Balancing The Element

Whenever any of these elements go out of balance in the body, they can manifest symptoms. For example, if someone’s elemental scale tips too far toward fire, the body will start to show more signs of heat, like rashes, heartburn, and high blood pressure.

If Soffer is hoping to curb a disorder characterized by heat, for example, she’ll focus on cooling treatments. She says it’s also important, in that case, to rein in air: In the same way a wildfire is exacerbated by wind, so is the element of fire in the body.

The Sources

Check out our ingredients page and you’ll see that we create oils from a myriad of botanicals and spices, from saffron (yes, it comes from the incredibly expensive spice) to rose. Berries, seeds, bark, rhizome, leaves, flowers, and fruit peels are all potential sources for essential oils. The storied frankincense and myrrh? They are extracted from resin. Our production of such a variety of essential oils means we manage many types of unique ayurvedic crops—and some are very high maintenance. Precious Sandalwood (one of our favorite oils) is derived from the wood of a tree that takes more than fifteen years to mature. Our growing, harvesting, and production of all our crops is completely vertically integrated.

UMA’S EXTRACTION METHODS

There are several highly complex methods for extracting essential oils. The more sophisticated methods come with a higher price tag. At UMA we’ve never been willing to compromise on results and purity. (We also don’t compromise on sustainability; we recycle all our waste and leftover water from production.)

Distillation:

This complex method creates quality oils effectively and gently. Here’s how it works: Water is heated to produce steam. The steam softens and ruptures plant cells and carries the volatile compounds. Then the steam flows through a condenser, cools, and forms back to liquid.Finally, the material is collected at the surface. This is your essential oil. Distillation is an ultra-sensitive process. The time, temperature, and pressure must be constantly monitored. But this extra effort yields gorgeous results.

Expression/Cold Pressed: 

This is the method we use to produce most citrus oils, like orange or lemon. It requires no heat, which protects the natural structure of the citrus fruit. Here’s how it works: A lot of pressure is applied to the citrus peel to break open oil glands under the surface. (Citrus peels contain lots of oil which means they are more easily extracted, making them less expensive than other essential oils.)

This method has been modernized somewhat and evolved to processes like ecuelle a piquer. During this process, the rind of the fruit is placed in a spiked rotating container that gently pokes the rind, releasing the essential oil into a small container. Modern expression techniques like this are a little less labor intensive and are often accomplished using a centrifuge machine.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE): 

This method is similar to a type of solvent extraction, but it is completely nontoxic and odorless. The final essential oil is solvent free—and the solvent itself is recyclable. Also, SFEs can penetrate and extract from micro-porous substrates because of their gas-like diffusion properties. This is a completely sustainable extraction method.

OTHER EXTRACTION METHODS

Solvent Extraction: 

This relatively inexpensive method typically works best for extracting the essential oils from jasmine or tuberose. An organic solvent like hexane or methanol is used to wash the plant material, eventually separating out the oil from the solid.  The alcohol solvent usually evaporates but traces of it can often be found in the products—which is not ideal. We avoid this method at UMA because any trace of alcohol compromises the essential oils’ purity.

Enfleurage: 

The Ancient Egyptians loved this old process, but it has fallen out of favor today. Glass trays are covered in an animal or plant fat where the flowers are placed and left for days or weeks. The fat absorbs the essential oil from the flowers. The flowers are removed and the fat is solubilized with alcohol. After the alcohol evaporates the essential oils are left. We avoid this method because fats do not effectively extract the oils, which leaves weaker results.

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THE POWER OF ARGAN OIL: A MULTI-TASKING MIRACLE

Benefits of Argan Oil:

1

Rich in linoleic acid (the deficiency of which can lead to poor healing of wounds), Argan oil is very anti-inflammatory. That, combined with its rich Vitamin E content, make Argan oil an excellent recovery agent for healing sunburn: from calming the skin and speeding up healing, to rapidly soothing the skin as an after-shave.

3

High oleic acid content also means great nourishment for nails and cuticles. Argan oil is an excellent oil for cuticle care as it deeply moisturizes cuticles and prevents dryness, keeping nails strong and promoting nail growth. Natural remedies for skin that work for hands also work wonderfully for your feet.

Try rubbing Argan oil into cracked or overly dry feet and cover with socks for a deep overnight moisturizing treatment While several other oils are rich in oleic and/or linoleic acid, they do not possess the same therapeutic effects and experts believe that Argan’s high tocopherol content is the reason.

2

Furthermore, Argan oil’s richness in oleic acid and its high unsaturated fatty acid content makes it an excellent oil for stretch marks and deep skin nourishment. It’s no wonder that Moroccan women have traditionally used it for generations to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy (and during non-pregnancies – who needs stretch marks?!)

Tocopherols are excellent antioxidants and free radical minimizers – so argan oil makes an excellent additive to face masks, multiplying the benefits of other ingredients in your face – try in in a clay mask with a dash of turmeric.

Argan has also shown for “anti-sebum” activity in scientific testing, meaning it can help control excess oil production in the skin. So a drop of argan oil mixed in foundation or tinted moisturizer can not only make for a dewier finish, but also helps to control pesky t-zone shininess throughout the day.

And take a cue from the Moroccans, who know a thing or two about how Argan oil goes beyond a skin topical. It is to Morocco what olive oil is to Italy. Culinary argan oil, unlike cosmetic oil, is roasted before bottling and has a rich, nutty flavor – it’s great for finishing off salads, etc. Its richness in vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids is also beneficial when eaten, and some studies indicate that argan oil may have anti-cancer and anti-malarial effects when consumed. It can also minimize risk in patients with cardiovascular issues as it may lower LDL cholesterol and has antioxidant properties.

Finally, Argan oil is considered by many to be an aphrodisiac.  Traditionally it has been used in this capacity to make amlou, a Moroccan almond, argan oil, and honey spread. Perhaps you want to try it in your own aphrodisiac recipe (we know you have one!)

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TEA TREE OIL: THE MIRACLE ANTISEPTIC WITH ANTI-INFLAMMATORY BENEFITS

Dealing with an unexpected breakout? You may have heard that tea tree oil can help. But its benefits also extend far beyond fighting acne. Full of antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can be a natural remedy is lauded in Ayurveda for its many medicinal and cosmetic benefits.

Native to Australia, tea tree is an Essential oil and has been used by the Aboriginal population for centuries as a healing salve and natural medicine. In Ayurveda, tea tree oil is also used to treat ailments, dieseses ,wound healing and in addition to skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. A powerhouse for both health and beauty, tea tree oil  is widely available both in its pure form and in diluted form, especially in skincare products. Whether you’re trying to treat a wound, get rid of a breakout or combat dandruff, tea tree oil can provide a potent natural solution.

BENEFITS OF TEA TREE OIL

1. It Combats Acne

One of the most well-known benefits of tea tree oil is its ability to combat acne and promote clear, glowing skin. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it effectively cleanses the skin of toxins and bacteria and reduces the skin’s sebum production. Several studies have backed up this notion, showing that tea tree powerfully reduces the severity of acne. The result is a complexion that is clearer, brighter and more even. 

Many acne-targeting skincare products incorporate tea tree as an ingredient. You can also apply tea tree oil to acne-affected areas by mixing one part  tea tree oil with nine parts water. We also incorporate tea tree oil into our UMA Deeply Clarifying Blemish Spot Treatment, which is designed to combat acne and inflammation for a clear, glowing complexion.

UMA DEEPLY CLARIFYING BLEMISH SPOT TREATMENT $55

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2. It Heals Wounds & Cuts

Tea tree oil’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties enable it to effectively treat minor cuts and scrapes, combating the bacteria that may enter the bloodstream. As several studies have shown, it also promotes wound healing, combating inflammation and speeding up the healing process. 

To use tea tree to treat a cut or scrape, you can mix a drop of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil and apply it to the affected area after it’s been sanitized. To treat a wound, you can add a drop of tea tree oil to a wound ointment and apply the mixture to the affected area.

3. It Acts As A Natural Deodrant

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can also act as a natural deodorant, combating the buildup of bacteria that creates an odor when it comes into contact with sweat. That’s why you may have seen deodorants that incorporate tea tree oil around!

4. It Alleviates Dandruff

Tea tree oil’s antifungal properties can effectively reduce the severity of dandruff. One study has shown that shampoos incorporating tea tree oil combat the formation of the yeast that leads to dandruff. 

5. It Soothes Skin Inflammation

Several studies have shown that tea tree oil can treat a wide number of inflammatory conditions, including dermatitis, bug bites, rosacea and more. That’s why we use it in our Deeply Clarifying line, which targets inflammation and nourishes the skin.

UMA DEEPLY CLARIFYING COLLECTION

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6. It Freshens Breath

As several studies have demonstrated, tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties enable it to combat germs and plaque-causing bacteria, which lead to poor oral hygiene and bad breath. You can find mouthwashes that incorporate tea tree as an ingredient, or you can also mix a drop of tea tree oil with a cup of warm water to make your own DIY mouthwash at home. Be sure not to swallow it, though, as tea tree oil should not be ingested.

Antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and more, tea tree is a medicinal and cosmetic powerhouse for acne, bacteria, inflammation, wounds and more.

• Ayurveda Ingredients Oil Files
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THE UMA OIL FILES: WHY GRAPEFRUIT IS AN UPLIFTING, CLARIFYING, BOOSTING INGREDIENT FOR SKIN (AND BODY)

A vibrant, lively, bulbous fruit, grapefruit has long been lauded for its high concentration of vitamin C. It first became known as a nutritious food in the West Indies, where it grew abundantly on trees. Eventually the people, foods, and cultural pastimes of the South American island countries made their way to the mainland of North America, bringing with them the grapefruit. Today the trees grow across most countries where citrus foods abound. It’s widely loves for its juicy, pulpy, sweet meat—but beyond its nutrients, grapefruit is also brilliant for its ability to clarify skin, unclog pores, and aid in better circulation.

At UMA, we use the essential oil found in the grapefruit’s rind for its uplifting, energizing aroma, antimicrobial activities, and clarifying capabilities. Our grapefruit essential oil is cold pressed from the rind of grapefruits that are organically and sustainably grown, resulting in a pure ingredient for our brightening elixirs. For shinier, lustrous hair, grapefruit is a star ingredient in our Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil. The citrus helps to boost blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthier, more vital strands.

This ability to promote better circulation adds to grapefruit’s qualities. Studies show the flavonoids—naturally occurring compounds found in various fruits and vegetables—can have a positive impact on vascular health, thus improving blood flow throughout the body. This makes it an ultimate ingredient in our Absolute Anti Aging Body Oil and Absolute Anti Aging Balm. Applying this deliberately and sensuously to the body leads to skin that is dewy, toned, and ultimately radiant.

UMA ABSOLUTE ANTI AGING BODY OIL $90

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UMA ABSOLUTE ANTI AGING BODY BALM $90

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• Ayurveda Ingredients Oil Files
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THE UMA OIL FILES: THE BEST OILS FOR OILY SKIN AND ENLARGED PORES

The illuminating series The UMA Oil Files will detail several popular – as well as niche and undiscovered – oils that address your most pressing skincare questions on face oils and how to use them. See our popular prior feature on the The Best Oils for Dry Skin and the difference between Essential Oils and Carrier Oils here.

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OILY SKIN

Clary Sage is an excellent essential oil for oily skin because it has the unique properties of working with skin cells (at the subdermal layer) to “regulate” sebum production, all naturally. So instead of trying to artificially ‘dry out’ your skin using synthetic agents (which usually have the opposite effect at the cellular level – artificially stripped of oil, skin goes into panic mode to produce even more oil to try and balance the oil loss!). Clary sage is a very elegant, and deeply therapeutic solution to oily skin because of its unique moderation properties.

As a carrier oil, good ol’ Jojoba is one of our top choices for oily skins. Because it resembles the actual molecular structure of your skin, it not only is able to rapidly penetrate the skin and deliver nutrients subdermal, but also ‘tricks’ your skin into believing that it has produced enough oil, and more oil production is not necessary.

For Oily Skin, UMA Recommends:

UMA DEEPLY CLARIFYING FACE OIL $125

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2

COMBINATION SKIN

Does well with a carrier oil like Maracuja (derived from passionfruit plants). It is light and absorbent and also makes for a great body oil. It is usually well tolerated by most skin types and has a neutral scent, appreciated by many.

For Oily or Combination Skin, UMA Recommends:

UMA ULTIMATE BRIGHTENING FACE OIL $150

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3

ENLARGED PORES

Lemon essential oil is super-powered natural astringent which repairs skin rapidly, and tightens pores. One word of caution – it is slightly photosensitive, so use in generous quantities, but safely diluted in a carrier at night.

Chamomile is another powerful skin repair and pore tightening essential oil. Rich in an extraordinary naturally occurring compound Azulene, it – like Frankincense – helps cellular turnover. Older dead cells are usually pore causing so fight that with new, repaired cells – all naturally.

As a carrier oil, pomegranate or jojoba are your best bets. Because of their ultra small molecules that can penetrate the skin quickly, delivering potent nutrients – but without the slickness that can sit on your skin, giving pores an appearance of enlargement!

It is worthwhile to note that good cleansing, gentle exfoliation, frequent masking and water based skincare such as a great alcohol-free toner (rose water and cucumber water are some of our favorite bases) are important allies in your fight against larger pores.

For Enlarged Pores, UMA Recommends:

UMA TOTAL REJUVENATION NIGHT FACE OIL $150

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EXPECTING? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS

We get asked this question a lot – Are essential oils safe to use during pregnancy (or while nursing)? Pregnancy puts – as it rightly should – many of our diet and lifestyle choices under a strict lens of safety – and understanding what you put ON you is just as important as what you put IN you. With that in mind, we have pulled together this guide on the use of essential oils during pregnancy, that we hope would answer those burning questions for many of you, who are interested in natural remedies for pregnancy. Keep in mind, though, that like all guidelines – these are general, so it is always recommended to double-check with your medical practitioner to ensure your care plan is tailored to your personal anatomical needs!

The top line: Many essential oils are safe in moderate, external use for expectant and nursing mothers.

Clinical aromatherapy expert Jane Buckle states in her book Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Practice, that “There are no records of abnormal fetuses or aborted fetuses due to the ‘normal’ use of essential oils, either by inhalation or topical application” (377). In fact, certain aromatherapy essential oils have proven to be immensely helpful in easing discomfort for expectant and nursing mothers. However, it is important to note that there are some essential oils to avoid during pregnancy, as they can be harmful to both the mother and the developing fetus. According to the National Health Service (NHS), use of aromatherapy during pregnancy (through essential oils) has been proven to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation and empowerment, and aid in the process of childbirth. In fact, many expectant mothers choose to use these time-tested natural Ayurvedic formulas carried down through the generations instead of synthetic chemicals with little research regarding their long term effects.

The key considerations when incorporating essential oils uses into your wellness regiment (pregnant or otherwise!) are the following:

• Quality of Essential Oil and its Source: Essential oils should not be adulterated in any way for use, as it may increase the likelihood of an adverse response. It is imperative that you research the background of your supplier, even asking questions about the farming and extraction processes to ascertain that you’re buying the highest quality essential oils.
• Safe Dilution of the Essential Oil: To avoid sensitization of skin or allergic reactions, most essential oils must always be diluted before use in carrier oils (our favorites are jojoba, grapeseed and pomegranate!)
• Application: During pregnancy, it may be safer to avoid the internal consumption of essential oils, if you have never consumed them before. Try sticking to inhalation, and using them externally on the skin.

In researching the essentials oils to avoid while pregnant, we often rely on materials by Robert Tisserand, in addition to the wealth of expertise provided by our staff of generational practitioners of aromatherapy. Robert Tisserand points out a few essential oils to potentially avoid in the first trimester of pregnancy. These include wormwood, rue, oak moss, lavandula stoechas, camphor, parsley seed, sage and hyssop. It is important, Tisserand notes, to put these concerns in context, as the health risk for essential oils is minimal except in the case of prolonged or extremely high doses. Cooking with fresh herbs containing these oils is perfectly acceptable, without the danger of the possible risks. In addition, essential oils that are cardiac stimulants should be used minimally, during and right after pregnancy. These include cinnamon, hyssop, nutmeg and thyme.  As a general rule of thumb, always discuss essential oil use with your obstetrician if you are concerned that you may have an exacerbating condition.

Safe essential oils for pregnancy can be a great aid when used with appropriate safeguards in place.! They can be used in a massage for relaxation, or as a compress for relieving soreness. A few drops can also be added to your bath for a deeply relaxing effect. Essential oils can also help to soothe the tiredness, aches and pains, nausea, insomnia and backache that one often feels with pregnancy!

This content is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease, or affect the structure or function of the body.  The information herein does not constitute medical advice.  Anyone suffering from a medical condition should consult with a physician.  User reviews do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results — what works for one may not work for another.