• Anti Aging, & Wrinkles Ayurveda Ingredients
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UNLOCKING THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH: INDIAN GOOSEBERRY’S ANTI-AGING MAGIC

When it comes to antioxidants, few ingredients pack a bigger punch than Indian gooseberry. As Samar Kullab tells Byrdie, Indian gooseberry is “probably one of the highest antioxidant-rich foods. It has 50 times more antioxidants than blueberries.” Not only is Indian gooseberry full of antioxidants (particularly vitamin C)—it also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, all of which enable it to deliver deeply clarifying and soothing nutrition to both the skin and hair. As a result, it can turn the skin firm, bright, and soft and can boost hair growth, luminosity, and more.

What exactly is Indian gooseberry? Also known as amla, this round, green fruit grows on small trees native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia. In part due to its extremely high concentration of antioxidants, it has been highly regarded in Ayurvedic tradition for its potent benefits for both health and beauty. Today, it can be used as an extract or integrated into one’s diet, and we’ve incorporated it into products like our Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil for those who are seeking targeted beauty benefits. Here, we break down the numerous benefits of this Ayurvedic ingredient that make it a youth-bringing superstar for both skin and hair.

BENEFITS OF INDIAN GOOSEBERRY FOR SKIN

IT INCREASES SKIN ELASTICITY

As one study demonstrates, Indian gooseberry extract promotes the production of pro-collagen (a precursor to collagen) and also helps prevent the breakdown of collagen. As a key to maintaining skin elasticity, this collagen stimulation thus helps the skin remain firm and youthful. By forming the protein matrix in the skin, the presence of collagen also contributes to skin strength and brightness. Thus, in boosting collagen production, Indian gooseberry helps the skin become firm, bright, and healthy like a natural face mask.

IT REDUCES FINE LINES AND WRINKLES

As several studies show, another side effect of stimulated collagen production is the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, we produce less collagen, which leads to the formation of wrinkles. By contributing to a boost in skin elasticity through collagen production, Indian gooseberry thus helps to reduce their appearance and work as a natural anti-aging remedy. Furthermore, its high levels of antioxidants like Vitamin C enable it to combat the free radical damage caused by factors like UV exposure and pollution that further contribute to wrinkle formation. 

IT LIGHTENS AGE SPOTS AND HYPERPIGMENTATION

According to dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, Indian gooseberry extract helps promote cell turnover. As a result, hyperpigmented skin may become brighter and more even. In addition, since oxidative stress also contributes to age spot formation, the antioxidants abundant in Indian gooseberry further help to combat unevenness in the skin for a radiant, brightened complexion.

IT COMBATS INFLAMMATION AND PROMOTES WOUND HEALING

As studies show, Indian gooseberry has the power to reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress. The benefits of this anti-inflammatory property are wide-reaching, from protecting against liver damage to soothing red or inflamed skin. Furthermore, research shows that Indian gooseberry can also promote wound healing thanks to its potent antioxidants. For those experiencing inflamed or damaged skin, Indian gooseberry offers a potent natural healing and soothing solution.

BENEFITS OF INDIAN GOOSEBERRY FOR HAIR

In addition to these healing and anti-aging benefits for the skin, Indian gooseberry also boasts a number of benefits for the hair, transforming dry or damaged hair into a luscious, glowing mane.

IT STRENGTHENS AND PROTECTS THE HAIR

Thanks to its potent composition of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, Indian gooseberry can strengthen and nourish hair, thus giving it greater radiance and luster. Rich in Vitamin E, Indian gooseberry may also contribute to cell regeneration and revitalization in the hair. What’s more, Indian gooseberry’s antioxidants also protect the hair from damage that can occur from factors like pollution, dust, and certain styling methods.

IT PREVENTS HAIR LOSS

Research indicates that Indian gooseberry may inhibit the growth of an enzyme that leads to hair loss, a problem that many people struggle with, whether as a result of stress or the natural processes of aging. Additionally, by strengthening and protecting the hair, it can also discourage hair breakage and provide a healthy and natural hair care. Thus, Indian gooseberry not only provides radiance and nourishment to the hair, but it also helps the hair maintain these benefits by keeping it full and luscious.

IT PROVIDES DEEP HYDRATION

Thanks to its highly moisturizing properties, Indian gooseberry can provide potent hydration for dry, damaged, or dull hair. At the same time, according to Daboju Ogboru of NHCG Trichology, it also “helps with sebum regulation by soaking in all the excess oil present on scalp and conditioning [the scalp].” As a result, you don’t have to worry about the hair looking oily or feeling heavy—Indian gooseberry provides as much balance as it does deep hydration.

UMA RECOMMENDS

It’s no wonder Indian gooseberry has been revered in Ayurvedic tradition for centuries. We’ve harnessed the rejuvenating, revitalizing, antioxidant-rich properties of this super-ingredient in products like our Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil, which strengthens and brightens the hair, and our Intensely Nourishing Brow Oil, which stimulates the growth of full, youthful eyebrows.

UMA INTENSELY NOURISHING HAIR OIL $70

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UMA INTENSELY NOURISHING BROW OIL $36

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• Beauty UMA Products
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UNVEILING PURE LOVE BODY BALM: NOURISH YOUR SKIN

In case you haven’t heard the news: We recently launched our Pure Love Collection! In the spirit of promoting self-love and love for others, we’ve cultivated new luscious, rich, and romantic formulas sure to promote feelings of romance, pleasure, indulgence, contentment, and more. Settle in with these products before a date night or after a long week of work, and you’ll be engulfed in love for yourself and the world around you.

Wondering how exactly you can achieve this transformation of love? This week, we’re spotlighting our Pure Love Body Balm: a rich, indulgent balm intended to leave the skin glowing and the senses sharpened . Here, we’ll break down all you need to know about this sleek and sensational formula of hydrating and brightening skincare, including how to use and apply it for a maximally loving and sublime experience of skin rejuvenation.

UMA PURE LOVE BODY BALM $70

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PURE LOVE BODY BALM INGREDIENTS: NOURISHMENT FOR THE SKIN AND THE SOUL

With the increasing distractedness, business, and fragmented of today’s world, it has become increasingly difficult to take time to truly experience the beauty of our surroundings, to connect deeply with ourselves and others. Our Pure Love Body Balm was designed to provide deep, transformative nourishment—not only to the skin, but also to the soul—that leaves you feeling revitalized, compassionate, and attuned to the world around you. When combined, these ingredients create a sensuous experience filled with sweetness, tranquility, and restoration. They also work wonders on the skin, leaving it looking firm, brightened, hydrated, and toned.

MORINGA

Thanks to its rich composition of vitamins and fatty acids, moringa is often known as a powerhouse for the hair, instilling it with a deep hydration and glow. But it’s also a potent ingredient for promoting firm and toned skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and making skin glow. In our body balm, moringa works to increase firmness, brightness, and deep nourishment and hydration.

POMEGRANATE

Pomegranate has a well-deserved reputation as a superfood thanks to its ability to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. It has equally powerful effects on the skin: it reduces fine lines, increases collagen production, and provides long-lasting moisture. That’s why we chose pomegranate as one of the essential ingredients of our body balm—it simultaneously hydrates and firms, leaving the skin looking taut and youthful.

NEROLI

Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, neroli has a powerfully cleansing and restorative effect on the skin. It boosts luminosity and glow, promotes skin healing, and combats bacteria, thereby reducing blemishes and breakouts. And the best part? It radiates a sweet, uplifting, romantic scent that will engulf you in lightness and warmth.

GERANIUM

This vibrant garden flower’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a superstar for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, providing deep hydration, calming irritation, and boosting luminosity. Like neroli, it also has a fresh, sweet scent that both soothes and uplifts, leaving both the skin and soul feeling revitalized and luxurious.

These are just a few of the all-natural, preservative-free Ayurvedic botanicals we carefully incorporate into our Pure Love Body Balm. Here’s a full list of its ingredients:

​​Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Persea Americana (Avocado) Butter, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Oil, and Essential Oils of Rose Flower, Santalum Album (Sandalwood), Jasmine Sambac Flower Extract (Bela), Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Neroli) & Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine).

HOW TO USE OUR PURE LOVE BODY BALM

Using our Pure Love Body Balm is simple: massage a small amount into your hands and apply to the skin in loving, circular motions. You can give extra special attention to areas that are particularly dry or cracked, like elbows and feet for a hydrating body treatment. After a few minutes, the balm should absorb smoothly and seamlessly, feeling rich and luxurious against the skin without leaving behind any sticky residue. You’ll feel instantly lifted into feelings of self-love, warmth, and radiance.

If you’re looking for a transformative moisturizer for your skin, look no further—our Pure Love Body balm is here to help you love not only your skin, but also your spirit and the world around you.

• Beauty UMA Products
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Discover the Power of Pure Love: Transform Your Skin with Our Body Scrub

Through the products in our new Pure Love Collection, we’ve strived to bring you an experience of self-love that is not only pleasurable and indulgent, but also renewing and revitalizing. The beneficial, love-inducing effects of these products don’t last for only one night—they inspire a holistic rejuvenation that lasts in the long term, bringing both skin and soul some much-deserved TLC. At UMA, we believe that self-care is self-love, and that true self-love leads to the development of health and wellness practices that can effect profound, lasting changes to our wellbeing.

This week, we’re featuring a product from our Pure Love line that truly empowers its users to achieve long-lasting rejuvenation in both the skin and mind: the UMA Pure Love Body Scrub. Formulated with powerfully purifying and soothing Ayurvedic ingredients like Himalayan Sea Salt, rose, and geranium, this body scrub soothes, cleanses, and detoxifies the skin, leaving it feeling both deeply relaxed and profoundly energized and revitalized. In the short term, the self-care practice of body scrubbing produces feelings of instant tranquility and calm; in the long term, the skin gains increasing radiance, softness, and vitality.

UMA PURE LOVE BODY SCRUB $45

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Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients in our Pure Love Body Scrub, and a quick tutorial on how to use it for maximum softness, glow, and energy.

PURE LOVE BODY SCRUB INGREDIENTS: COMFORT, PURIFICATION, AND REJUVENATION

The ingredients in our Pure Love Body Scrub strike a delicate balance between soothing and energizing, comforting and purifying. They bring tranquility to the mind while detoxifying, softening, and rejuvenating the skin. They also include sweet, indulgent botanicals that together create an irresistible aroma, sure to leave you feeling luxurious and full of self-love. Here are a few of the powerhouses behind the magic:

HIMALAYAN SEA SALT

The ancient Himalayas have long held the key to soft, glowing, and healthy skin. These cleansing sea salts are well-known for their ability to induce calm and tranquility, hence their common use as bath salts or the popularity of Himalayan salt lamps. Furthermore, Himalayan sea salt also has strong antimicrobial properties, making it a fantastic cleansing and purifying agent, capable of combating acne and soothing redness and irritation.

GERANIUM

Native to South Africa and cultivated in Europe and Asia, geranium oil is a natural astringent that soothes redness, calms inflammation, and provides deep hydration and toning to the skin. As dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, notes, “geranium helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while calming irritated spots and boosting naturally glowing skin.” By naturally tightening the skin, it combats wrinkles and fine lines, and its anti-inflammatory properties enable it to soothe acne and hyperpigmentation. As a result, geranium oil lends the skin a natural evenness and radiance.

JASMINE

Known for its delicate, soothing scent, jasmine is an aromatherapeutic powerhouse: it soothes the mind and boosts one’s mood, producing powerful feelings of well-being and romance. But it’s not only a harbinger of inner tranquility; it also has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, enabling it to rid the skin of toxins and impurities.

SANDALWOOD

Lauded in Ayurvedic tradition for its countless beauty and wellness applications, this essential oil is packed with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. As a result, it makes an especially potent ingredient against signs of aging, like wrinkles, inflammation, and age spots. It also minimizes oil production while simultaneously keeping the skin deeply hydrated and exfoliated making it a powerful ingredient for combatting acne and irritation.

Complete Ingredient List: Pink Himalayan Salt, Epsom Salt, Coconut Sugar, Coconut Powder, Honey, Neem, Walnut, Orange Peel Powder, Oat Powder, Orange Essential Oil, Neroli Essential Oil, Tocopheroldl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Cocos Nucifera, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Powder, Honey, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Juglans Regia Shell Powder, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Powder, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour, Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil & Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil.

HOW TO USE THE UMA PURE LOVE BODY SCRUB

To use our natural skincare product, Pure Love Body Scrub, add a bit of water to the scrub to form a paste. Gently massage this paste onto wet skin using circular motions, starting at the neck and working downward. Pay special love and attention to rougher areas in need of TLC. For added hydration and aromatherapy, let sit for a few minutes before rinsing off. Use 1–3 times per week for ideal results. Do your soft skin treatment with natural ingredients. 

• Ayurveda Ayurvedic Remedies Body Care
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HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SHOWER OR BATH, ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

In Ayurveda, bathing is a revered ritual for its wide range of therapeutic benefits: not only does it purify and cleanse the skin, but it also relaxes the spirit, soothes muscle tension, improves mental clarity and focus and balances the emotions. A simple bath can transform your day, filling you with energy, confidence and motivation while leaving your skin feeling hydrated and detoxified.

It’s perhaps no surprise that Oprah considers bathing her hobby of choice: baths cleanse, restore, and rejuvenate. And we couldn’t be more thrilled that our Pure Calm Wellness Bath & Body Oil Gift Set is featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021 List, in part because we also know how important bathing is for our overall mental health and well-being.

UMA PURE CALM WELLNESS BATH & BODY OIL GIFT SET $165

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Ayurveda offers a number of tips and practices for making the most out of every bath so that you can emerge feeling 100% revitalized. Here are 4 ways you can transform your bathing ritual to maximize its healing and rejuvenating powers.

ADD ESSENTIAL OILS TO YOUR BATH

Different essential oils offer different healing and aromatherapeutic properties. By adding a few drops of selected essential oils to your bath, you can tailor your baths so that they target your own specific wants and needs. Lavender oil, for example, both improves mood and relieves pain and inflammation. Sandalwood evens skin tone and soothes inflammation, while geranium provides deep hydration and calms irritated skin. Chamomile, in addition to soothing the mind and improving sleep quality, lightens age spots and hyperpigmentation and reduces wrinkles. In short, there are essential oils that target every skincare and wellness need! If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend trying our Pure Calm Wellness Bath Oil, which includes a potent mixture of calming and hydrating Ayurvedic ingredients like chamomile, neroli, lavender and clary sage. To use, simply pour 2 tablespoons into your bath for instant relaxation and indulgence. You can even use it as a moisturizing body oil for supple, baby-soft skin.

UMA PURE CALM WELLNESS BATH OIL $80

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COLD THERAPY

One way to achieve instant alertness that also benefits your health is through Ayurvedic cold therapy, a process that involves massaging the face with cold water. You can also try out a contrast shower, in which you alternate hot and cold water for short periods (for example, 3 minutes of hot water and 1 minute of cold water). According to health coach Jim Curtis, “Contrast showers can boost mental and physical alertness, increase circulation, support the immune system, reduce inflammation, aid in muscle recovery, and really increase mood and energy.” In addition to boosting your health and increasing focus and clarity, cold therapy also brings an extra layer of radiance to your skin. While it may take a little bit of time to get used to bathing in cold water, the results are powerfully motivating.

DRY BRUSHING

Another way you can enhance your bathing routine is by quickly dry brushing before jumping into the bath or shower. Dry brushing involves running an Ayurvedic dry brush (such as our Lymphatic Detox Dry Brush) against the skin in gentle, firm strokes. Dry brushing is crucial for promoting lymphatic drainage and maintaining the health of the lymphatic system, which in turn helps the body expel toxins and promote circulation. It leaves the skin lifted, glowing and rejuvenated and instills the mind with instant clarity and alertness. By dry brushing before your bath or shower, you can relax the mind and prep the skin for detoxification. By the time you get out of the bath, your skin will have an extra-powerful glow.

UMA LYMPHATIC DETOX DRY BRUSH $27

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UMA ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL SELF MASSAGE OIL $54

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SELF-MASSAGE

You can extend your bathing ritual by preceding it with abhyanga, or Ayurvedic self-massage. This practice involves massaging essential oils (or our Absolute Essential Self-Massage Oil!) into the skin, body and scalp. In addition to being a transformative practice of self-love and intimacy, self-massage provides a number of health and wellness benefits: it relieves pain, promotes hair growth and boosts luminosity, promotes skin brightness and circulation, improves memory and mental function, fights off infection and irritation and more. If you find yourself pressed for time, even a few minutes of self-massage can make a major difference, making your bath feel all the more relaxing and transformative.

• Ayurveda Ayurvedic Remedies Body Care
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GET AYURVEDA 101: KEEP YOUR BODY AND MIND BALANCED DURING WINTER

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, the winter months come with challenges for maintaining our health and wellness that we don’t necessarily face throughout the rest of the year. Our skin may experience greater dryness and dullness, and our bodies may become out of balance more easily.

Ritucharya in Ayurveda refers to the practice of living seasonally and maintaining balance between the doshas as our environments change. Since winter is a kapha season, it’s important to keep your body warm, nourished and hydrated, to regularly detox and gently exfoliate and do winter skincare.

Wondering how to fight that winter imbalance and maintain strong beauty and winter wellness habits? Here are some tips from Ayurveda for keeping your skin and body healthy and robust this winter!

WINTER BEAUTY & WELLNESS PRACTICES

OIL PULLING

During kapha season, the body often experiences some stagnation and a greater buildup of toxins, making detoxifying winter wellness practices something absolutely essential. Oil pulling is a simple Ayurvedic practice that has major benefits for our overall health, as it flushes out the toxins in our mouths that can reflect larger imbalances within our body. In addition to its detoxifying benefits, oil pulling can also freshen breath and even whiten the teeth. To oil pull, all you have to do is swish one tablespoon of oil (such as coconut oil, sesame oil or our UMA Pure Detox Oil Pulling Treatment) in your mouth for 15-20 minutes before spitting it out and rinsing out your mouth with water. You can oil pull as you take a shower or go about the rest of your morning routine, making it a convenient and potent practice for detoxification.

UMA PURE DETOX OIL PULLING TREATMENT $36

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EXFOLIATE!

One downside of the colder weather is that the skin is more prone to accumulating toxins, developing dryness and becoming dull. By exfoliating and sloughing off dead skin cells, you can help in skin rejuvenation, promote skin cell renewal and improve brightness and glow. We have some recommendations for DIY exfoliating masks here. We also recommend trying out our deeply cleansing and exfoliating UMA Ultimate Brightening Rose Powder Cleanser. If you have oiler or acne-prone skin, we highly recommend our UMA Deeply Clarifying Neem Charcoal Cleanser!

UMA ULTIMATE BRIGHTENING ROSE POWDER CLEANSER $65

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UMA DEEPLY CLARIFYING NEEM CHARCOAL CLEANSER $65

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DRESS WARMLY

Now more than ever, dressing warmly is crucial to fighting off illness and infection as we venture into the chill outdoors. We recommend layering up, wearing hats, mittens and scarves, and dressing in warm, heat-attracting colors like red, orange and black.

KEEP THE SKIN & HAIR EXTRA HYDRATED

Given that our skin is more prone to dryness in the winter months, it’s important to keep the skin and hair hydrated and nourished without over-stimulating oil production and excess sebum. Our UMA Total Rejuvenation Night Face Oil is a fantastic nighttime option formulated with rejuvenating, anti-aging and gentle geranium, frankincense and rose, designed to potently hydrate the skin overnight. To keep the body hydrated, nourished and youthful, we recommend our UMA Absolute Anti Aging Body Oil, which soothes and heals cracked and dry skin, provides deep hydration and leaves you with a healthy glow.

UMA BRILLIANT BRAIN HERBAL SUPPLEMENT $30

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UMA DEEP DE-STRESS HERBAL SUPPLEMENT $30

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To maintain luscious, radiant hair and to combat dryness, hair loss and hair damage, we recommend our UMA Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil, formulated with rejuvenating and growth-stimulating amla and hibiscus. And for those with sensitive, acne-prone or oily skin, we recommend our UMA Deeply Clarifying Face Oil and UMA Deeply Clarifying Blemish Spot Treatment, which both provide lasting hydration and glow while also detoxifying the skin, combating blemishes and preventing the buildup of excess oil.

UMA ABSOLUTE ANTI AGING BODY OIL $90

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UMA ABSOLUTE ANTI AGING BODY OIL $90

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UMA ABSOLUTE ANTI AGING BODY OIL $90

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• Ayurveda Beauty Hair Care
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UNLOCK YOUR HAIR POTENTIAL : 5 DIY MASKS FOR REVITALIZATION AND EMPOWERMENT

Whether you’re having a bad hair day, trying to repair damaged or chemically-treated hair or simply wanting to pamper yourself, a natural hair mask is a surefire way to combine hair care with luxury.

More heavy-duty than shampoos, hair masks are deep conditioning treatments intended to repair, nourish and revitalize the hair and scalp. While commercial products can become expensive (not to mention the lack of control we have over their ingredients), DIY hair masks are a great way to customize your hair care treatment with ingredients you can find in your kitchen.

Simple natural ingredients like avocado, olive oil and yogurt each offer potent benefits for the hair, providing deep hydration, stimulating growth, promoting healing and repair and more. The best part of making your own mask at home? You can try out different combinations to target your specific needs.

Here are 5 DIY hair masks whose ingredients powerfully combat dryness, damage, frizz and more for health, radiance and repair.

1

For Dryness, Thinness & Frizz: Yogurt & Honey

In Ayurveda, honey is considered a versatile ingredient whose antibacterial and hydrating properties are useful for healing wounds, combating inflammation and providing deep moisture. In terms of hair care, honey acts as an emollient, sealing in and boosting moisture. Its detoxifying properties also enable it to cleanse clogged hair follicles, thereby preventing hair loss. Rich in protein and fats, yogurt is also an excellent tool for restoring moisture and nutrients to the hair. Given its lightweight texture, it also helps to volumize thin hair rather than weigh it down.

To make, add 2-3 tablespoons of honey to a cup of plain yogurt. Massage the resulting mixture into the scalp and through the hair. Wash off with warm water after 10 minutes.

2

For Split Ends: Avocado & Olive Oil

More than a tasty and nutritious topping on salads or toast, avocado also acts as a moisturizing, restorative hair care ingredient. It is especially useful for treating split ends, breakage, coarseness and other signs of damage that result from chemical treatment, heat styling or free radical damage. Olive oil acts as an occlusive, locking in moisture and nutrients while also taming frizz and bringing radiance to damaged hair.

As hair stylist Amy Abramite tells Byrdie, “Avocados have minerals that will seal the cuticle, as well as proteins and vitamins to nourish and soften the hair,” while “a layer of olive oil will add extra shine and sleekness to gloss over the damaged hair.”

To make this healing, glow-inducing mask, mash ½ cup of avocado and ½ cup of olive oil to form a thick mixture. Apply to split ends for 30 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

3

For Damage & Hair Loss: Hibiscus, Honey & Coconut Oil

Hibiscus is a superstar in the beauty and wellness world for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the hair, it helps stimulate hair follicles and transmit essential nutrients to the scalp and hair, thereby promoting hair growth. Honey offers moisturizing and cleansing properties, while coconut oil’s fatty acid content enables it to absorb quickly and deeply into the hair, bringing hydration and nutrition. Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties also help it to unclog pores and help damaged hair appear healthier.

To make this mask, combine 4 tablespoons of coconut oil, 4 tablespoons of crushed hibiscus and three tablespoons of honey. Apply to the scalp and hair for 30 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

4

For Dryness & Dullness: Aloe Vera & Coconut Oil

The antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of aloe vera make it a powerful healing salve. Rich in moisture, it helps to lock in hydration, combating dryness while also providing the hair with nutrients for a healthy, shiny mane. Combined with the hydrating and cleansing qualities of coconut oil, this mask leaves dry, dull hair looking radiant and thick.

To make this mask, combine ½ cup of fresh aloe vera gel with ½ cup of coconut oil. Massage into the scalp and hair. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

5

For Damage & Buildup: Lemon & Egg

Utilizing purifying and hydrating lemon and egg, this mask is especially useful for those with damaged hair, or for those who experience scalp buildup from products like dry shampoos and hairsprays. Protein-rich egg whites provide essential nutrients to the scalp and hair, helping to combat damage while cleansing the scalp of buildup. Lemon helps to boost hair growth, balance the scalp’s pH levels and promote overall shine.

To make this mask, combine an egg white with the juice of one lemon and apply to the scalp and hair. Leave on for an hour before washing off with warm water.

• Beauty Hair Care
• Posted By

5 NATURAL HAIR CARE TIPS – THE SECRET TO BETTER HAIR

We get it. Even though you’re curious about natural hair care, you’ve been afraid that the suds-free, supposedly-healthier products might fail you. You’ll end up with a perennially greasy head, or an Albert Einstein untamable frizzy mane, or dull, flat strands that are in dire need of some luster. Here’s the good news: just like skincare, the green beauty hair world has been on the upswing—even Hollywood stars are getting behind it (Natalie Portman uses natural shampoo to treat her fabulous locks). There are many products, both DIY and professionally made, that can do your head a world of good—sans suds. Here are 5 natural hair care tips for nourishing and regenerating your hair.

1

 Cut Sulfates Out Of Your Shampoo

By now, you may have heard of the dangers of SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) in shampoo. This ingredient can be harsh on your hair, and when used too frequently can lead to thinning, and strip your hair of its natural oils. However, it’s also the ingredient that creates the foaming effect we’re all used to in shampoos. Many natural shampoos—which leave sulfates out—won’t have as much of that familiar, extra-sudsy feel. But that doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing results! Many natural shampoos cleanse your hair in different ways. Look for shampoos that use oils to cleanse hairs. Oils gently remove excess grease from the roots without stripping hair of its natural oils as other shampoos do. Rahua Classics, for example, uses coconut as the main cleanser.

2

 Try A Powdered Dry Shampoo

Many of us are used to spraying dry shampoo from an aerosol can. While it can be a little intimidating to try a dry shampoo that comes in powder form we can promise you it as just, if not more, effective which makes it even better for those of you who struggle with grease coming back within hours of applying. The natural base for dry shampoo should be an oil absorbing agent like arrowroot or cornstarch, and possibly other ingredients to darken it depending on you hair color. When you use a natural powder dry shampoo, start with less and build your way up, and apply it at the roots with a makeup brush. After a few moments, brush your hair through to ensure it’s completely blended.

3

Switch To A Natural Hair Mask

After the stresses of heat styling, chemicals and coloring, our hair needs some serious TLC from time to time. This is why hair masks can often be a girl’s best friend. This time, skip the leave-in conditioner. Did you know that there are natural hair masks that have the same results without any harmful or irritating products? A simple, one ingredient mask is coconut oil, one of the best hair oil. Rich in nutrients, this is an excellent natural alternative that can nourish hair. Tip: for certain hair types coconut oil can be more difficult to wash out. Make sure to use a good natural shampoo to wash it out and be prepared to rinse and repeat several times. See some of our favorite natural DIY hair mask ingredients and recipes here.

4

Use A More Natural Mousse

Mousse is a beloved styling agent for many of us trying to achieve a more voluminous look or emulate the perfect wave of a Victoria’s Secret Angel’s mane. Unfortunately, finding a good mousse is difficult because the alcohol dries hair out and often leaves it crunchy. Instead try a simple natural solution: sea salt spray. Try Captain Blankenship’s Mermaid Sea Salt Spray, which doesn’t use any synthetic ingredients, or if you’re so inclined, you can blend a DIY hair mask with this recipe from Elle.

5

Get Frizz Free Style With Hair Oil

Argan oil and moroccan oil have been popular ingredients for both heat styling and smoothing, but many products that contain these ingredients also contain other chemicals. Organic, pure hair oils are a perfect replacement, and argan and moroccan oil are just the beginning. Try something like fatty acid rich mongongo oil, which works to protect and repair dry or damaged hair as well as treat dry scalp and dandruff. Also, prevents split ends. Products rich in essential oils can also have a plethora of benefits for your hair and scalp. (May we humbly suggest Uma’s new Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil?  It’s perfect for heat styling and smoothing, with a healthy mix of essential oils).

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• Body Care Health
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HOW TO UNDO THE DAMAGE FROM A HALLOWEEN SUGAR BINGE

It’s Halloween season, that festive time of year when it’s ok to stash copious amounts of candy and spend the following days – nay, weeks – consuming them. Whether you’re trick or treating with your kids or attending a costume party, chances are you’ll end up indulging in a treat or two. Although we love the sweet stuff as much as the next girl, there is no denying the adverse effects of consuming refined sugar.

Sugar causes inflammation and has been implicated on everything from skin problems, weak immune systems, diabetes and heart disease. It’s also extremely addictive: when you eat sugar, your blood glucose level spikes, giving you a burst of energy – quickly followed by an inevitable crash that gets you craving more sugar to stave off fatigue. It’s a never-ending cycle!

We are not here to tell you to skip on the Halloween fun altogether! If you are going to treat yourself this weekend, abide by these two rules: 1. Skip the chemical-laden, processed junk. Look for treats made with real food – think honey, nuts and cacao. 2. Practice moderation. Even the healthiest treat will cause a spike on blood sugar levels when you overdo it.

How To Deal With Excess Sugar

Okay, so a candy or two will made it’s way to your mouth and you woke up the next day experiencing some not so sweet side effects. Here’s what you can do for sugar detox:

Clean Up Your Diet

• Amp up your Omega 3 intake: a new study found that the omega 3 fatty acid known as docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA reverses the genetic damage caused by sugar. Although your body isn’t able to produce DHA, you can get it by eating wild salmon (not farmed salmon), other fish and fish oil, as well as walnuts, flaxseed, and fruits and vegetables.
• Replace sugar with healthy fats: Eating more avocados and nuts tastes really filling and decadent, while also helping to curb any sneaky sugar cravings. On that note, avoid low-fat processed foods, which typically replace fat with sugar.
• Pair sweet foods with protein: consuming sugar with protein helps to slow down its absorption and prevents blood sugar spikes.
• Stick to 15 grams of sugar per serving – or less: this means cutting out fruit juices, alcohol, and “health-food” bars.

Ward Off The Dreaded Sugar Face (It’s A Thing!)

Sugar wreaks absolute havoc on your skin. It weakens the immune system, making your body less able to fight acne-causing bacteria. It triggers insulin production, which can “gunk” up your pores and lead to breakouts. It increases testosterone, making your pores look larger and skin oilier. It also breaks down collagen, the stuff that keeps your skin looking plump and youthful. But fear not, you can get your skin back into balance with a powerful detoxifying and anti-aging routine. This is also a great step-by-step routine to get your skin to bounce back after wearing heavy Halloween makeup!

1

Exfoliate

Choose your favorite gentle exfoliant or make your own by mixing rice powder with water. Gently rub the mixture on your face and neck to slough off built up of dead skin and impurities.

2

 Time To Mask

Immediately after exfoliating, slather on the Deeply Clarifying Face Mask. This ancient Ayurvedic formula packs a spicy punch, and will undo all the damage from excess sugar! It draws out impurities from deep within the pores, soothes inflammation and minimizes visible signs of irritation. Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric, clove and neem destroy acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin, while astringent botanicals dramatically tighten pores.

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3

 Plump In The Pm

Your skin is purified, fresh and ready to receive a boost of healing botanicals. This is the time to stop sugar’s wrinkle-inducing side effects on their track. Take 3-4 drops of the Absolute Anti Aging Face Oil and massage all over your face and neck in circular motions. Frankincense essential oil works as a ‘natural retinol’ catalyzing production of healthy new skin cells, while sandalwood essential oil neutralizes inflammation for softer, brighter and glowing skin.

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4

Balance In The Am

In the morning, you will want to regulate oil production and keep breakouts at bay. After cleansing your face, massage 3-4 drops of the Deeply Clarifying Face Oil between your palms, and gently pat your face in firm circular motions. Clove and tea tree essential oils fight infection and bacteria. Lavender and clary sage essential oils regulate the skin’s natural sebum production, creating a protective barrier from bacteria and external toxins and are one of the best face oils. This blend comes in a grapeseed oil base that is rich in linoleic acid and Omega-3 fatty acids for reducing inflammation.

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5

Treat Any Breakouts

Sometimes no matter what you do, a breakout still makes its way to the surface. It’s not as bad as you think, this simply means your body is ridding itself of toxins the best way it knows how. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through a long and painful zit, which is why we are super excited to introduce our latest pimple-fighting hero:

The Deeply Clarifying Spot Treatment

This concentrated essential oil blend harnesses an age-old formula of tea tree, juniper berry, clove, lavender and clary sage to target blemishes by penetrating the skin’s surface and killing bacteria at its source. Its anti-inflammatory properties diminish swelling and redness, and accelerate healing. Unlike most acne spot treatments, this Ayurvedic formula is as nourishing as it is potent – soothing grape seed oil and lavender essential oil ensure it will not leave blemishes dry or cracked as they heal.

Use the Deeply Clarifying Spot Treatment at the first sign of a blemish. It is effective at every stage – even on blemishes that have not fully surfaced. Apply to the affected area both morning and evening after cleansing, or as often as required in the day, until the inflammation and redness subside. You can also use this treatment as an acne-fighting booster; just add a few drops to your regular lotions, oils and masks to both prevent and treat breakouts.

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• Ayurveda Beauty Self Love
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AYURVEDIC LOVE: HOW AYURVEDA TEACHES TRANSFORMATIVE SELF-LOVE

Despite its apparent simplicity, self-love is an elusive thing. The business of everyday life and the demands of work, childcare, and other responsibilities can leave us feeling swept up in chaos and out of touch with our own feelings. While social media has brought about novel means of connecting and communicating with others, it also facilitates imperfect comparisons that make us unhappy with the status of our own lives. And even when we do find time to relax and unwind—say, by taking a warm bath or going to the spa every now and then—we soon find ourselves caught up again in the fast-paced cycle of our obligations.

Given these difficulties, a question emerges: How can we fight off feelings of inadequacy, exhaustion, and self-doubt and learn to love ourselves in a way that lasts? Fortunately, Ayurveda offers answers that have the power to transform not only our mental state, but also our physical health and wellness. In fact, the interconnection of these states is at the heart of Ayurvedic tradition. Ayurveda posits that our minds, bodies, and spirits are deeply connected, and it proposes a holistic approach to wellness, one that tackles the roots of our ailments rather than their symptoms. Self-love is at the heart of successful Ayurvedic practice—our inner spirit reflects our external health, and vice versa. By adopting Ayurvedic practices that restore balance to our bodies and minds, it becomes easier to enter a lasting state of self-love.

Improving Ojas: How Ayurvedic Practices Encourage Both Health And Self-love

A central Ayurvedic concept for understanding the connection between health and self-love is ojas. In short, ojas is a subtle force in our body that represents radiance—both physical and mental. When our ojas is strong, both our immunity and our spirits are strong too; we find ourselves able to withstand challenges with acceptance and serenity, and we are able to fend off external negativity. We experience a greater sense of satisfaction and contentment with our lives. In short, we gain a strong capacity for self-love and self-acceptance, which in turn influences our relationships with others and the world around us.

Maintaining a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet full of fruits, vegetables, and nuts and a regular routine is essential to improving our ojas. In the next section, we break down several Ayurvedic rituals that can be incorporated into your routine for lasting health and wellness benefits—and a corresponding uplifting of the spirits.

Ayurvedic Rituals For Cultivating Self-love

While writing in a journal, meditating, and doing yoga are all great ways to cultivate mindfulness and self-love, unless they’re made a regular part of your routine, their effects won’t be long-lasting. It may seem daunting to try to incorporate new “tasks” into one’s already busy schedule, but fortunately these Ayurvedic practices can take as little time as a few minutes—and they bring profound results.

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OIL PULLING

Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing 1-2 teaspoons of oil in the mouth for 10-20 minutes. As the conditions of the mouth often reflect the larger innerworkings of the body, oil pulling detoxifies the mouth of impurities and toxins, thus helping to combat conditions like disease, joint pain, acne, and more. It also freshens the breath and whitens the teeth. Oil pulling is a rejuvenating ritual you can incorporate seamlessly into your daily routine—simply oil pull while taking a shower, washing the dishes, or going about your other tasks! This transformative practice leaves you feeling refreshed, centered, and ready for the day—and it also has long-term benefits for your health.

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2

SELF-MASSAGE (ABHYANGA)

Self-massage is a transformative Ayurvedic practice that allows us to feel deeply attuned to the needs of our bodies, which in turn helps us feel more intimate and loving toward ourselves. Through this practice of massaging oil into our bodies, we can relieve pain, improve our skin, sharpen mental focus, improve circulation, and more. By relieving our own pain and rejuvenating our bodies and spirits, this process shows us that we don’t need to go to the spa to treat ourselves, and that a little self-love can bring amazing results.

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3

DRY BRUSHING

The practice of dry brushing is simple: you run a dry brush along your skin in firm, gentle strokes, a process that improves circulation and lymphatic function. The lymphatic system plays an important role in helping us fend off disease and other impurities; dry brushing stimulates greater lymphatic flow and facilitates the expulsion of toxins. On an immediate level, dry brushing helps the skin feel rejuvenated and awakened, and it also promotes a youthful glow. A practice that only takes minutes, dry brushing truly helps us to love the skin we’re in.

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4

INCENSE AND CANDLE BURNING

In addition to the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, Ayurveda also posits that our environment deeply affects our wellbeing. Having harmony with one’s environment is crucial for improving one’s ojas and for feeling at peace. The simple practice of lighting a candle or burning incense can radically transform and elevate the mood of your space, encouraging a sense of calm and self-acceptance.

It’s important to remember that there’s no one pathway for learning how to self-love—everybody is different, and different rituals may work better for you than others. However, taking the time to practice self-care and to prioritize your health and wellness (if only for a few minutes every day) can have a profound impact on how we view ourselves. When we feel more in tune with our body, we gain a greater sense of self-acceptance and understanding. And when we establish routines that improve our ojas, we find ourselves more amenable to the radical practice of self-love, a practice that, with time and practice, can transform us.

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• Ayurveda Beauty Oily, Blemish, or Acne-Prone
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CLEAR SKIN AHEAD: AYURVEDIC INGREDIENTS TO COMBAT ACNE AND INFLAMMATION

Acne is something that many people struggle with, regardless of age. There’s nothing more frustrating than waking up to an unexpected breakout, or celebrating when a blemish subsides only to have another appear in the same location. Experimenting with different over-the-counter pharmaceutical solutions is a challenging and time-consuming process, and oftentimes the chemicals in these products can actually exacerbate rather than alleviate the skin.

While acne may initially appear to be a cosmetic issue, in Ayurvedic tradition, the appearance of acne reflects greater imbalances within our bodies. Understanding your doshic balance and paying close attention changes in your body or routine will help you identify the root cause of such imbalances. Additionally, there are a number of herbs and spices that are revered in Ayurveda for their purifying, acne-relieving effects. Here are 5 Ayurvedic ingredients that can help combat acne and inflammation, and tips on how to incorporate them into your routine. Some of the best ayurvedic herbs for acne treatment:

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TURMERIC

Turmeric is a renowned spice in Ayurvedic tradition because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which make it an excellent anti-aging ingredient and a powerful immunity booster. Furthermore, research has shown that turmeric can inhibit the body’s inflammatory response, enabling it to combat acne and other forms of inflammation.

Fortunately, turmeric is an incredibly versatile ingredient; you can use it in cooking, as a mask or as part of a soothing tea. For example, you can crush mint leaves to extract their juice, then combine this juice with turmeric powder and apply the resulting paste to your face for 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can make your own golden milk as a way to wind down before bed—while also boosting digestion, improving mood and more. Note that some research suggests that the hormones in cow milk can contribute to acne by throwing your hormones off balance. If you’re not sure how your skin reacts to dairy, you can still brew your own turmeric tea with a water base.

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ALOE VERA

You might know that aloe vera is a healing agent for sunburns and wounds. Rich in antioxidants, aloe vera also acts as a potent anti-aging tool with the capacity to reduce wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and inflammation. Research demonstrates that aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties come from its inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway. This enables it to effectively combat acne among other inflammatory conditions.

While there are a number of products available that channel the skincare benefits of aloe vera, you can also apply fresh aloe vera to your skin to experience its full impact! Simply cut open a fresh leaf and apply the gel to acne. Wash off with water after 5-10 minutes. Applying the fresh gel twice a day for 10-12 days yields the best results.

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SANDALWOOD

Sandalwood is another Ayurvedic ingredient whose antimicrobial and antiseptic properties make it a fantastic anti-aging and acne-reducing resource. Its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties enable it to minimize oil production while keeping the skin hydrated, thus effectively combatting acne without drying out the skin. Furthermore, sandalwood can lighten acne scars and instill the complexion with a warm glow.

You can combine the purifying powers of sandalwood and turmeric by mixing equal proportions of turmeric and sandalwood powder. Add rose water to form a paste and apply to the skin for 15 minutes before washing off with water.

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PAPAYA

Rich in antioxidants and nutrients, papaya has been shown to boast impressive anti-inflammatory properties, thus making it a healthful and revitalizing source for combatting acne. Thanks to its vitamins and enzymes, it can also brighten and hydrate the skin while also reducing the appearance of inflammation and acne scars.

You can use fresh papaya to make an anti-inflammatory face mask by mashing papaya and mixing it with honey. Apply to the skin for 30 minutes, then wipe off with a warm, wet tissue before washing off with cold water

5

TULSI

Tulsi, or holy basil, is a revered adaptogenic herb whose benefits include boosting overall immunity, improving circulation, lifting one’s mood and strengthening cognitive function. To top it off, tulsi’s powerful antibacterial properties make it an excellent reliever of acne scars.