Whether it is the ashwagandha gummies or turmeric-infused face washes or sandalwood body and face oil or, argan oil or rose water, and red saffron-based exclusive moisturizers or clays, algae, aloe vera-based face masks, more people are looking at ayurvedic tradition as going back to nature, going back to that which is authentic, natural, non-toxic, sustainable and safe to use. Ayurveda, a science of life, has become a source of enormous relief and healing for many and though the science itself is more than 5000 years old, it is being rediscovered, applied, studied and benefited from on a global scale.
As a result, we have seen many Ayurvedic skin care brands mushroom around us, each Ayurvedic skin care brand clamoring for our attention, which brings us to the next problem-how do we learn to trust and know the real from the first copies? Not all Ayurveda beauty brands, are created equal. So, what makes an Ayurveda brand stand out?
The first and most important aspect of a good Ayurveda brand is authenticity. Authenticity refers to the use of genuine, high-quality, and pure ingredients in the manufacturing of products. The Ayurveda philosophy emphasizes the use of natural and organic ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals and additives.
Always look at the pedigree of the Ayurveda skincare brand before you make the purchase. Where does it come from? What are its roots? Who are the founders? How are the ingredients sourced? How does Ayurveda inspire its intent and brand philosophy? How well do they understand the Ayurvedic sciences? What kind of commitment to values of authenticity and efficacy do they have?
Firstly, an Ayurveda skincare brand should do justice to and be founded on the principles of Ayurveda. This means that the brand should follow the basic tenets of Ayurveda, such as using dosha-specific natural and organic ingredients, herbs, and formulations strictly based on the prescribed texts in Ayurveda; should avoid harmful chemicals; and promoting holistic well-being. Ayurvedic beauty products should be designed to promote balance and harmony in the body, and not just superficially treat the symptoms of an illness.
One such brand that has won the trust of consumers for over two decades and more since the times when the power, potential and benefits of a very ancient science like Ayurveda was still quite unheard of in the region, is Shankara.
The product is inspired by the vision of the global humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, whose organizational philosophy entails a vision to see a healthy, violence and stress-free society. Since 2001, as a pioneer in this space, Shankara's unique line seeks to work on the physical, mental and emotional levels to promote a sense of well-being.
Secondly, the ayurvedic skincare brand should be completely transparent about the ingredients it uses, its manufacturing, and shelf life. As modern research invests more time and resources into authenticating the myriad applications and uses of Ayurveda-based products for personal, skin care routines, and skincare; brands in order to qualify as Ayurvedic brands should do their part in being transparent about how their products get sourced and made. The information should be easy to find on the product.
The manufacturing process should also be transparent, and the brand should be willing to answer any questions that customers may have, particularly at a time when people are growing more curious about Ayurveda and are willing to adopt it in their lives.
Sustainability in Ayurveda skincare is becoming increasingly important as people are looking for more natural and eco-friendly alternatives to commercial skincare products. In Ayurveda skincare, natural ingredients such as turmeric, sandalwood, neem, and licorice are used to cleanse, moisturize, hydrate, brighten, and nourish the skin and they are sustainable by being sourced from renewable sources.
Sustainability in Ayurveda skin care products is also about its production and packaging. Many Ayurveda skincare brands use eco-friendly packagings such as glass jars and recyclable materials. They also strive to minimize their carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources in their production facilities.
Brands like Shankara, Kama Ayurveda, Forest Essentials have one thing in common-they are strong on their sustainability values. Ayurveda is the science of life and teaches man to live under the care of nature, and in return, he must protect and nurture its presence.
It is about living in harmony with nature and a good Ayurveda skincare brand will reflect this impetus on coexistence by making sure it is aware and mindful of the herbs that are rare and limited in availability. The brand would use eco-friendly packaging, avoid animal testing, and support fair trade like Shankara does.
Another aspect of sustainability in Ayurveda skincare is the use of locally sourced ingredients. This not only supports local farmers and businesses but also improves the brand’s carbon footprint.
Additionally, ayurveda skincare products are often made in small batches to reduce waste and ensure the freshness and efficacy of key ingredients in the product. Really high-quality, ayurvedic ingredients and skincare brands like Shankara are aware of the seasons when the ingredients must be harvested for their full potency and maintain the natural cycle of planting/sowing and harvesting without manipulating it.
This may sound obvious but it is surprising how many brands out there do not qualify as Ayurveda-inspired brands in skincare when it comes to giving you the right outcomes. Ayurvedic skincare brands should be aware of the basic Ayurvedic principle of how each individual has an absolutely unique constitution based on varying dominance of doshas, and so their skin and hair care and products must be personalized based on an individual’s prakruti.
For example, Shankara's ayurvedic formulations and nourishing oils balance each individual skin type for the best results. Our Ayurvedic formulation comprises essential oils and herbs of the highest quality.
Positive results are crucial when it comes to purchasing an Ayurvedic skincare brand. Ayurveda focuses on the balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurvedic skincare products are designed to restore this balance by using natural ingredients and techniques that have been used for centuries, to undo the damage caused to our skin by pollutants, aging, harsh chemicals, or if you wear makeup.
When you invest in an Ayurvedic skincare brand, you want to see positive results that reflect the brand's claims and promises. When you see positive results, you know that the ingredients in the product are working with your unique skin type and that you are getting the benefits you want. This makes you feel good about yourself and your skin, which can boost your overall confidence and self-esteem. When you are happy with how the products are working for your own skin tone, you know it is money well worth spending.
In Ayurveda, the best skincare and beauty brands are able to offer personalized products based on each dosha constitution and skin type.
The oils that work for the pitta skin type may not work for kapha skin types; the moisturizers that calm the pitta dosha may not be something that work for dry vata skin type. And so it is most recommended that consumers get a diagnosis from Ayurveda practitioners before picking up their Ayurvedic skincare products, based on their dosha type and imbalances. When they do that, the practitioners will be able to guide them on the contraindications of ingredients and herbs that they should avoid or keep in mind.
The oils that go into the Vata products are the richest and heaviest because we are dealing with dry skin. We go to oils like sesame, coconut oil, avocado, macadamia nut, hemp seed, and some of the very rich oils.
Their Pitta products are also deeply moisturizing but less viscous, suiting the nature of Pitta skin. They're also cooling because Pitta skin will typically run warm. Sunflower and almond oil are the two fundamental ones that work quite well. Olive oil works well too.
Their Kapha offerings are ideally suited for the kapha skin which is already thick and heavy in its nature -- thus lighter oils are required and naturally feel soothing to a Kapha person's sensitive skin. Ideal oils used in this regard are grape seed, hazelnut, and jojoba, among others.
When a beauty brand follows some of the above pointers, it is sure to win the trust of the consumer for the long run, while simultaneously helping build a healthier and more sustainable planet, where people live long lives connected to nature.
Another way to know if an Ayurveda brand is authentic is to check if it follows the principles of Ayurveda. Authentic Ayurvedic brands will typically use natural ingredients and traditional methods in their products. They will also avoid the use of synthetic chemicals or additives, as these are not in line with the principles of Ayurveda.
Additionally, authentic Ayurvedic brands will often have a team of other Ayurvedic doctors and experts who can provide guidance and support to customers.
Finally, it can be helpful to read reviews and testimonials from other customers who have used the Ayurveda brand in question. Look for reviews from people who have used the product for a similar health issue as you. This can help you get a sense of the effectiveness of the product and whether or not it is authentic.
Another important aspect of a good Ayurveda brand is the knowledge and expertise of the practitioners and staff. Ayurveda is a complex health system that requires in-depth knowledge and understanding. Like Shankara does, a good Ayurveda brand should employ qualified practitioners and staff who have the necessary training and experience to provide authentic Ayurvedic services and products. They should be able to guide customers on the best products, ayurvedic herbs, ingredients, and services to users based on their individual needs.
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