Ayurveda has found a prominent place in modern cosmetic care. Treatments that were lost in the mists of time have been revived and viewed in the light of modern scientific techniques. Today, along with yoga and meditation, Ayurveda has also become popular worldwide.
Herbal and natural extracts have been formulated into different products for skin, hair and body care, using the latest scientific techniques.
After centuries of usage, it has been seen that natural ingredients help enhance the beauty of the skin and hair. Another important advantage is the lack of side-effects. Synthetic preparations and chemical ingredients, on the other hand, can cause allergies. They can also cause a build-up of toxins in the system, over a period of time. Herbs in Ayurveda are used to clean the skin of toxins and wastes.
Herbs also have powerful healing properties that benefit the skin and hair. In fact, they have definite protective, preventive and corrective actions. They also contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other valuable substances, which are imperative for the health of the skin and hair.
Ingredients such as sandalwood, basil, mint, neem can be used to treat acne. Herbs help improve the normal functions of the skin and scalp, including that of cell renewal. Thus they have the power to revitalise and rejuvenate.
Herbs also help in restoring normal balances. The same goes for the scalp too. Synthetic and chemical ingredients in cosmetic preparations disrupt the normal balances and undermine the natural functions of the skin and scalp. In fact, when the normal pH balance is disturbed, it results in skin and hair problems. So, our regular skin and hair care routine should be such that it helps to restore the acid-alkaline balance and improve the skin’s normal functions. This is possible through herbal ingredients.
Some natural ingredients are powerful cleansers, while others moisturise the skin. Some improve blood circulation, while others tighten the skin. By and large, they have preserving, preventive and rejuvenating powers. Natural ingredients are also readily accepted and assimilated by the body.
While the accumulation of certain chemicals over a period of time can disturb bodily functions. Some have been known to affect functioning of the kidneys. Moreover, long-term exposure to chemicals increase signs of ageing.
Today we can look at nature with enlightened eyes and make our choices, thanks to scientific rese arch and information.
The author is CMD, Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies