PURAVEDA ORGANICS BLOG -

Is your Organic Skincare Brand Really Organic?

organic skincare Should you switch to Organic for you and your family? It’s undoubtedly worth it, but only if you can separate truly Organic brands from the ones trying to hoodwink you!

“Our Advice: Be very cautious and do your research more before you get scammed by tricky words, fake labels and ‘Natural Looking’ packaging!”

Why Organic is important?

In layman terms, the term ‘organic’ means crops that are grown with no pesticides, no chemical fertilizers, no GMOs, no additives or artificial ingredients and those without the use of hormones, drugs and synthetic chemicals.

With the rising concern of systemic toxicity and the negative health effects of sythnthetic chemical laden (toxic) ingredients in beauty products, going ‘green’, ‘organic’ and ‘non-toxic’ way has become a major trend in recent times. Unfortunately ‘Trends’ lead to all kinds of abuse of the system in the name of quick profits for the big commercial cosmetic companies.

Organic vs. Not-so-Organic

If your favorite commercial brand advertises ‘botanical infusions’ in their latest greatest products, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they actually are organic or synthethic chemical free. More often than not, they are actually ‘Green Washed’ or ‘Angel Dusted’ to deceive you and the rest of their customers.

There are many commercial brands available today that mark their products as being ‘Organic’. The problem is that most of these brands use a percentage 80-95% (or even less) of actual organic skincare product ingredients, while the remaining portions are most definitely NOT. And these non-organic toxins do not need to be in great concentrations in order to be bio-disruptive and detrimental to your health!

‘In 2011, the Center for Environmental Health found that 20 popular cosmetic companies falsely labelled their products as ‘Organic’ in order to boost sales. It was later found that these so called “Organic” products contained only a tiny amount of actual organic ingredients, with the rest of the organic skincare ingredients being comprised of the same old “junk” ingredients contained in similar conventional products, known to cause long term health problems in humans and the environment.

As outlined by the author of ‘Not Just a Pretty Face’, Stacy Malkan reinstates that “Personal Care Products are the least regulated by the FDA”!

How do you know if your Organic Skincare brand is really Organic?

Here some key elements that you should check before buying an Organic product:

Greenwashing/ Angel-Dusting

Research and make sure that the brand isn’t practicing ‘green washing’/ ‘angel dusting’ (a practice that is often used by many beauty, cosmetic and nutritional brands wherein the company finds an eco-friendly way to produce a product and only uses a miniscule amount of an organic ingredients..ie; not enough to one thing for you except lighten your wallet!

Home Grown/ Wild-Crafted

Products labelled as containing ingredients that are ‘wild-crafted’ or ‘local organic’ have a greater chance of being truly organic. Quality end products that are 100% organic, sourced directly from farmers via free trade, or sustainably wild-crafted, while maintaining a strict supply-chain cycle from farm to manufacturing units.

What’s the difference between ‘Certified Organic’ and ‘Wild-Crafted Botanicals’? The former is grown under ‘ideal’ conditions, by maintaining cultivation standards, while the latter is grown under natural conditions “In the Wild” (sustainably of course) and gathered by indiginous local gatherers. This not only allows manufacturers a far greater range of botanical actives to utilize in product formulations (this is especially true for Ayurveda, which traditionally uses many Wild-Grown ingredients).

Seals and Certifications

Consider “Seals” on your products carefully. Unfortunately the Seal system is also subject to commercial abuse. You must always avoid products whose labels read as ‘Made with Organic Ingredients’. Such products contain 70% organic ingredients while 30% of the remaining ingredients are non-organic/allowed/non-agricultural ingredients and do not qualify for any USDA approved seal and are best avoided. It is a wise idea to look for products that contain certified ‘Organic’ ingredients, with the balance being labelled as Sustainable, Free-Trade ‘Wild-Crafted’.

Sustainability

If the product is labelled ‘Sustainable’, this means (if farmed) that the ingredient has been grown using techniques that protect the environment, nutritional value, animal welfare, public health and human communities. Sustainable farms use techniques such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, mixed cropping etc. to protect biodiversity and maintain a healthy ecosystem. This helps in production of proprietary biodynamic products which have sufficient concentration of active pyhytochemicals to combat skin and hair issues like aging, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, acne, hairfall, dandruff, acne and other ailments in delicate skincare and hair care formulas. Sustainability when it comes to Wild-Gathered ingredients indicates that the source plants are not over-harvested in order to ensure an adequate supply for future generations.

Labels

In the Skincare industry, the FDA mandates that ingredients are mentioned in listed in order of the concentration from greatest to least. Thus, if the labels contains botanical/herbal/organic ingredients at top ingredient listing, the product is far more likely to be true to it’s advertising. If a product is labeled “Aloe Skin Cream’ and Aloe Vera is the last ingredient with Mineral Oil being the first, don’t you think it would be far more honest to call it “Mineral Oil Skin Cream”?

Always scan for harmful ingredients (even if they are mentioned at the end of the list!) before purchasing a product. Some of the most common toxic ingredients used by commercial skincare companies are: Parabens, Mineral Oil, Phtalates and their derivatives Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes and more. These ingredients only need to be used in very small concentrations to be extremely harmful as far as adding to your bodies toxic load.

Last, but not the least, truly organic products will show actual results within weeks of starting your healing regimen. You can actually sense that something good is happending within your body while you relax and restore yourself, and begin to detoxify the chemical load you’ve been exposing yourself to for decades!

Using Organic personal care is one of the most proactive ways of coexisting with the environment to ensure your skin and hair look natural and beautiful. Here at PuraVedaOrganics all our products are approved and labelled as Organic, Wild-Crafted, Sustainable, Free Trade and Cruelty Free!

NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHY ORGANIC IS BETTER… COME SHOP OUR PRODUCTS FOR THE BEST SKIN & HAIR OF YOUR LIFE!

Color Additives and Dyes – And Why You Should Avoid Them

Does your facial cleanser or shampoo looks like it contains strawberries, avocados, oranges or other premium ingredients? If it’s a commercial product, this is certainly due to artificial colors and fragrances intended to deceive you, and have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with any actual product ingredients! As pretty as many of these artificial scents and color additives may look and smell, in point of fact, many of them are actually made from Coal Tar and Heavy Metals like lead, which add to our body’s toxic load and implicates in hundreds of diseases. .

Why You Should be Concerned:

In today’s world, the entire cosmetic industry (encompassing skincare, hair care and makeup) with such products as shampoos, shower gels, lotions, serums, gels etc, is rampant with Artificial Colors, Dyes and Fragrances which are nothing but synthetic chemicals that can increase our risks of systemic cytotoxicity. Let’s face it, natural ingredients are quite expensive, and take extra precautions in manufacturing (must be made in small batches and kept fresh…again expensive!). And we all know that big commercial corporation are all about bottom line profits. Even if your product only contains a single dye in its formulation, you can actually be exposed to a dozen of chemicals that can impact your DNA.

Here are some preliminary methods to identify if a product that contains synthetic dyes:

The ingredient list contains azo dyes, anthraquinones and phthalocyanines which are linked to advanced health and environmental negative effects. These are usually ‘bright’, ‘clean’ and, ‘transparent’ colors.
The presence of CI (Color Index) and/or D&C and FD&C codes on the label.
‘Organic’ pigments (not the botanical ones) and Lakes are generally insoluble and opaque. Lake tars are known to cause allergic reactions for many individuals.

The Impact of Color Additives

Most products that contain harmful color additives contain a miniscule percentage of the synthetic compound. Currently, the US FDA hasn’t banned the usage of most commonly used synthetic colors that are derived from coal tar (containing lead and arsenic at the rate of less than 10 ppm and compounds such as 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine). However, they come with certain restrictions in terms of their usage, which some companies simply do not follow. Coal tar is commonly used in hair colors, many dandruff therapy shampoos etc. FDA claims that these additives are not toxic, even though current research shows they are potentially carcinogenic and can cause serious problems if used for longer periods of time. Some of these dyes are associated with thyroid malfunctioning, hyperactivity and kidney tumors.

How You are Being Deceived:

Though color additives are one of the most tightly regulated groups of ingredients, there are still many under-researched chemicals that are being added to products which are not currently regulated by the FDA.

FDA categorizes color additives of being – ‘organic’ and ‘inorganic’, however, people often are deceived by the word ‘organic’ in this context, which doesn’t mean ‘safe’ or ‘natural’ but merely means that the compound structures include carbon atoms. These are primarily manufactured in the form of synthetic dyes and “lakes”. On the other hand, inorganic additives contain mineral based colors such as iron oxides, ultramarines, manganese, titanium dioxide, ferric ferrocyanide, chromium oxide and zinc oxides. These chemicals when used in your daily personal care and skincare products can cause sensitization, allergies and toxic exposure in the long run.

The concern here is, that the terms ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ are currently quite unregulated, as a result of which most products that claim to be 100% organic may still contain compounds such as iron oxides and synthetics that probably won’t show any symptoms, but secretly they aren’t good for your health over time.

The Way Out

color additives organic skincare — organic skincare

The FDA also categorizes another group as truly organic, and that is the ‘Botanical Group’ which contain truly natural colors, wherein the final product hasn’t been altered to enhance its color. These include naturally derived ingredients such as turmeric, spirulina, molasses, henna, cocoa, clays (like French Green Clay and Bentonite White Clay), charcoal, beetroot, papaya and honey, naturally derived/ essential oils etc. So, if you are using a beauty product where you may see slight color differences in different batches of products, then this is completely normal and an indicator of the product being naturally derived. Heavily colored products are less likely to be found in formulations that contain 100% botanical ingredients.

Before you begin a product search, keep in mind to look for professional skin, hair, and personal care products that are labeled as being free from synthetic fragrances, parfumes, artificial dyes, Parabens, phthalates and DEA, at the very least. PuraVeda Organics uses a combination of natural and clinically proven skin care ingredients that ensure you can solve your skin care issues effectively, without your system being exposed to toxic chemicals.

Synthetic additives, colorants, dyes and lakes, or whatever else they may be called, may make the product look appealing, but they don’t do anything positive for your health. Read your labels carefully, and make an effort to use botanical alternatives for you and your family.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHY ORGANIC IS BETTER.. COME SHOP OUR PRODUCTS FOR THE BEST SKIN & HAIR OF YOUR LIFE!

Dos and Don’ts of Men’s Organic Skincare

With Father’s Day right around the corner, we thought the time was right to outline the correct approach to Men’s Organic Skin Care. Taking care of your skin is not just for women! Proper skin care in your earlier years will prevent problems and ensure younger looking, healthier skin for your entire life.

From fighting acne or red shaving bumps to helping reduce the signs of aging, skincare can be more difficult for men compared to women. Before we get into this guide, it’s important for you to first know your Skin Type in order to get the best results possible. .Without further ado, here’s a brief guide on how to care for your unique skin issues and some recommendations for men’s organic skincare products that we believe will work great for you:

Do’s

Moisturize: – Moisturizing your skin daily with a light moisturizer (preferably non-oily if you have a kapha/pitta Ayurvedic dosha) is non-negotiable. If you are in your 40s, or older, using BioScience Peptide Complex with it’s light Moisturization will also help slow signs of aging.
Sunscreen: – Skin cancer (or, specifically Basal Cell Carcinoma) affects about 4.3 million people per year in the US. And the primary factor in this terrible disease is the Sun! Applying Sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 or higher, which has properties such as broad spectrum coverage (UVA and UVB protectant), is mineral based and is purely organic and nontoxic (free from chemicals and toxins) is absolutely mandatory.
Deep Clean: – It’s just not make-up that can clog pores and cause acne and dull skin, but pollution, dirt and debris, as well as cigarette smoke and bacteria can all contribute to less than perfect skin. After a tiring day of hard work, lathering up with a deep cleanser will help you get rid of grime and the dead skin cells which make your face look dull. Deep cleansing your face every day and using an exfoliation scrub at least twice a week helps stimulate cellular turnover and the growth of new skin cells. When washing your face, start with your forehead and work towards the edge of your face, to your cheek bones, jaw line and neck in a massaging circular motion. Never rub your cleanser aggressively on the skin.

Don’ts

Delay Anti-Wrinkle Treatment: – Contrary to the belief that men do not require anti-aging skin treatments (or conversely only require them after age 50), it’s been proven that getting an early start on anti-wrinkle/anti-aging treatments which can improve and minimize the destruction of your youthful skin collagen matrix.
Ignore Red Bumps/ Razor Rash and Post-Shaving Irritation: Regular shaving can give cause ingrown hairs/red bumps and skin irritation after shaving which many men believe is inevitable for their skin type and just deal with it, allowing time to heal the situation. However, uncontrolled, recurrent, infected angry red bumps (especially in sensitive skin and Vata skin types) are actually ingrown hairs which can lead to complications such as permanent skin damage, dark spots/hyperpigmentation and scarring. When shaving, never use a dull blade or shave against the grain or growing pattern of your hair. Using a natural cooling After Shave Balm and Toner (with ingredients such as Pure Sandalwood) post shaving will help prevent and heal these issues.
Not Controlling your Food Habits/Sugar Intake: – While Caramel Lattes, Cold Coffees and French Fries can be tempting; they can often be the reason for your breakouts. Eating healthy whole foods, such as grass fed dairy, organic meats and produce etc, can help balance your out-of-sync Doshas which in turn reflects on the condition of your skin.

Our top picks for Men’s Organic Skincare :

Papaya and Honey Exfoliation Mask and Scrub
Cleansers – Daily Foaming Cleanser (Normal Skin) , SBR Cleanser (Sensitive Skin) and Pore Perfect Cleanser (Oily Skin)
SunProtect SPF 30+ Sunscreen with Carrot Seed Oil
PuraVeda’s Aftershave Balm & Toner
Moisturizers and Anti-Aging Treatment – BioScience Peptide Complex, Collagen Boost and SBR Serum.

Also try our top picks for Men’s Organic Haircare:

Shampoos and Conditioners – Clarifying (Removes chemical/styling product build-up which can clog hair follicles causing premature hair fall), Revitalizing (Dry/Brittle/Frizzy Hair), Everyday (Normal, healthy hair), Big & Bouncy Volumizing (Fine, Thin & Limp Hair)
Leave-in Styling Gel – For safe, non-residue styling and control. Imparts a beautiful shine and manageability.

French Green Clay – The Ultra-Detoxification Agent for All Skin Types

Looking for an overnight solution that can pull toxins, debris and deep seated dirt from your pores? Organic French Green Clay is a highly absorbent bio-mineral that serves as a therapeutic treatment for helping you achieve flawless skin!

The Science behind French Green Clay Masks

Also known as Illite Clay, French Green Clay is a very fine, light green colored powder that is mostly mined from the Montmorillon in France and is also extracted from the sea coasts of Montana, Europe, China and Wyoming. French Green Clay consists of a detoxifying blend of earth minerals and micro-molecules such as Dolomite, Aluminium, Silica, Manganese, Phosphorous, Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron Oxides and Calcium. The green color of this clay is attributed to its naturally decomposed plant matter content. Isn’t that amazing? The natural green tones of this luxurious clay are very much derived from the cycles of life that our mother earth uses to regenerate herself!

Unlike natural face masks like French Green Clay, commercial face masks in grocery stores are loaded with toxic chemicals, such as Benzoyl Peroxide, which may be a fast-acting solution to your acne and blemishes, but is also a contributing factor in skin collagen breakdown and the premature aging of skin.

French Green Clay Action Mechanism

Our skin’s impurities (such as dirt, dust, dead skin cells, residues, pollutants and microbes) are generally positively charged. French Green Clay has a negative charge potential that acts like a powerful magnet to extract deep seated impurities from your skin’s clogged pores – leaving behind flawless looking fresh, clean and vibrant skin.

The three main skin benefits of French Green Clay:

Detoxification – Helps to draw impurities from the skin pores.
Exfoliation – Washes away dead skin cells.
Clarifying – Clears off oily skin and clogged pores.

Skin Care Benefits of French Green Clay

Remove Impurities from Clogged Pores This clay is a natural detoxifier. We liken French Green Clay to a vacuum cleaner for the skin! All the junk in your pores such as stale sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and make-up debris and dirt is gently extracted by French Green Clay quite effectively.
Treat Blemishes – Organic French Clay On The Spot Blemish Treatment (Night) is possibly the best way to start healing blemishes overnight. The formula is enriched with 100% organic French Green Clay, as well as steam-distilled Herbal Infusions of Gotu Kola, Neem Leaf, Comfrey, Grapeseed, Lemon, Lavender, Frankincense, Green Tea as well as 27 other active botanicals and phytochemicals!

Here at PuraVedaOrganics, our clay blemish treatments are the most expensive and time-consuming for us to make of all of our treatment formulas. These blemish treatments are small but mighty! Apply a tiny dab of this formula (with a Serum/witch hazel) on your blemish area and leave it to work overnight. Wash your face in the morning to get a clearer looking skin in the morning.

Follow it up with the Organic White Clay On the Spot Blemish Treatment (Morning) to perfect oily skin for a long-lasting blemish-free skin.

Get Rid of Bacteria – According to a research by Arizona State University, French Green Clay is effective in inhibiting bacteria such as Escherichia Coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Mycobacterium marinum and other bacteria pathogens that causes some serious drug-resistant skin infections. And, quite undoubtedly it’s also very effective natural remedy that works against Acne causing bacteria (Acne vulgaris).
Natural Deodorizer and Skin Soother – Both French Green Clay and Bentonite Clay have been used since time immemorial as natural deodorants. It neutralizes bad odor, absorbs sweat, soothes redness and helps improve skin sensitivity. If you are suffering from Eczema, Rosacea or Psoriasis, daily application of PuraVedaOrganic’s SBR Treatment along with our French Green Clay mask blemish treatments can provide soothing relief, while eliminating the root cause of the problem over time.
Oil Control – French Green Clay can absorb excess sebum production from your oil glands which tend to overproduce depending on hormonal levels, leaving you with clean, clear and mattified skin. It also diminishes the appearance of large pores and helps promote overall tightening of your skin.
Tones and Firms your Skin – If you still are not convinced about anti-aging formulas, a Green Clay mask can be a good pick to start your anti-aging regimen. Skin tightening properties of French Green Clay can help firm sagging skin, nourish skin cells, provide hydration and improve your overall skin quality with its rich trace mineral content.

What Could be Wrong with the ‘Parfum’ or ‘Fragrance’ in Your Beauty Products??

Enchanted with the beautiful fragrance of a particular cosmetic or a beauty product? Before you get too obsessed with that lingering scent, it’s important for you to know the ‘source’ of same. More often than not, commercial beauty brands refuse (or at least camouflage!) to disclose the origin of these fragrances. Here’s the reason;

Some Real Facts and Concerns

Currently, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) lists 3,059 ingredients being used as fragrance compounds, and there is at least some evidence that links these to serious health concerns such as reproductive toxicity, allergies, nervous system disorders, sensitivity, birth defects and even cancer! Not to mention they are alarming environmental toxins as well.

Essential Oils and Fragrance A study in 2016 assessed that 95% of random samples of US residents were exposed to synthetically scented skincare and hair care products at least once a week. Many who are exposed to such products often complain of problems such as migraines, asthma, breathing difficulties and gastrointestinal problems. 34% of those exposed, report at least one or more types of adverse health effects.

What are the Most Common Artificial Fragrances?

As described by the FDA, ‘fragrance’ is an unidentified, artificial mixture of ingredients. Some of the worst toxic artificial fragrances, or rather synthetic scents, are used in lotions, shampoos, conditioners, gels, sunscreen, deodorants, serums, cosmetics, perfumes, colognes, body sprays and others which are often labelled by the big giants as just, ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’!

While these companies hide their chemical formula under the veil of ‘trade secrets’, here, we disclose the most commonly used ingredients as synthetic scents in skincare and hair care products:

Acetaldehyde –National Toxicology Program and The International Agency for Research on Cancer suspects and classifies Acetaldehydes as potentially carcinogenic in humans.
Benzophenones – It is an endocrine disrupting compound that not only disturbs our hormonal system (especially, in women), but may also cause organ system toxicity and tumors.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) – Under California’s Prop 65, this compound is listed as a carcinogen and also finds a place in the list of Priority 1 Endocrine Receptors.
Betoxyethanol – Exposure in heavy dosage can lead to vomiting and nausea; skin, eye, throat and nose irritation and blood in the urine. Long term usage can impair your kidneys, nervous system, lymphoid system, respiratory system and blood cells.
Synthetic Musks (Tonalide, Musk Ketone, Musk Xylene, Galaxolide) – It can creep into the breast milk and can stay for years in body fats and new-born’s cord blood. Not to mention, it is also an endocrine disruptor and can cause organ damage in newborns.
Oxybenzone (BP-3) – It is an UV filter and is toxic to the blood, kidney and liver cells.
Formaldehyde – It is a very well researched human carcinogen and is banned in several toiletries in countries like Japan and Sweden. These are often mixed with other carcinogenic fragrance ingredients to form MEA, DEA, TEA (ethanolamines) and Nitrosamines.
Choloromethanes – Not only it is a greenhouse producing gas, but it can cause chronic effects to our liver and nervous system as well. Dicholromethane on the other hand is linked to mammary gland tumors.

If you read these ingredients on your product labels, you must immediately stop using them. This especially stands true for pregnant women, infants, children and elderly people who are amongst the most vulnerable populations when it comes to becoming affected by these toxins.

Some of the other chemicals that you should avoid are: Titanium Dioxide, Dioxane, Styrene, Resorcinol etc.

The Way Out

Thousands of years ago, pure fragrances derived from the nature were used in skin care, hair care, and body care products.. as well as in aromatherapy to bake it into our DNA in order to induce certain health benefits.

Buying certified organic products that provide an ingredients list are less likely to include the aforementioned harmful artificial scents, and their dangerous side effects.

Choosing products that use 100% pure essential oils will help you cleanse your body and the air around you. Some of the best essential oil fragrances: Peppermint, Calendula, Geranium, Sandalwood, Evening Primrose, Lemon, Lavender, Rose, Chamomile, Rosewood and Vanilla.

So remember…read your labels when shopping next time, particularly if it’s a scented product. Remember that high quality products that use 100% pure essential oils are not as cheap as synthetic products…it takes literally hundreds of flowers to make just a drop of fragrance rich – essential oil.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHY ORGANIC IS BETTER… COME SHOP OUR PRODUCTS (which are 100% Pure, Organic, Ayurvedic, Clinically Proven, Toxic-free and Free from Artificial Perfumes and Dyes) FOR THE BEST SKIN & HAIR OF YOUR LIFE!

Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

Benefits Evening Primrose Oil

Thousands of years ago, Native Americans used to soak the roots of Evening Primrose plants in warm water to make a poultice that was used to cure everything from wounds and bruises, to eczema and allergies, sore throats and even infertility and hemorrhoids! Today, the benefits of this amazing botanical are being utilized in skincare and haircare products in the form of rejuvenating night creams, antiaging facial serums and toners, shampoos & conditioners and more…

The Therapeutic Attributes of Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a hardy wildflower found in dry and sunny meadows, whose seeds in particular have countless medicinal properties for improved skin and hair, as well as women’s hormonal health.

Our body needs a hormone called PGE1 which has a wide range of beneficial effects and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is needed as a precursor to it. Our body cannot synthesize GLA on its own, so it needs to be obtained from outside sources such as Borage Seed Oil, Evening Primrose and Black Current Oil. The oil extracted from the seeds of Evening Primrose has rich sources of cis- GLA content which helps in regulating the production of prostaglandins (hormone like substances)/ PGE1.

To be specific, Evening Primrose Oil contains 70% of cis-linolenic acid and 6 to 8% of cis-g-linolenic acid. The oil extracted from high quality crops and through cold pressed method, can give a yield of ~10-11% GLA.

Evening Primrose Oil is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, which helps in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and minerals.

Skin & Hair Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

Clears Acne Flare-Ups

In a study, it was found that GLA supplementation can help reduce inflammatory and non- inflammatory acne lesions. The Omega 6 fatty acids in Evening Primrose help regulate oily skin caused by hormonal imbalance. It also plays a role in improving cell structure and nerve function helping to eradicate acne causing bacteria and infection.

Anti-Aging

A group of Canadian researchers recently identified an antioxidant compound known as Catechins (a type of flavonoid) in Evening Primrose Oil that help counteract the negative effects of oxidation on skin tissues. It is also one of the best botanicals to combat age-related skin tissue changes such as redness, roughness, loss of firmness and fatigue resistance. And so, here at PuraVeda Organics, it has found a place in our BioScience Peptide Complex formula to help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffy eyes.

Treats Sunburns

Overexposure to the sun not only ages your skin faster, but it can also play a part in the development of melanoma and skin cancer. Exposure to UVB causes several skin changes and the release of inflammatory chemicals that can result in characteristic redness, swelling and blistering of Sunburn. With an SPF of 6, Evening Primrose along with Carrot Seed Oil (with high SPF of 38-40) often are used in organic sunscreen forumulas.

Reduces Hair Loss

Evening Primrose Oil with its high omega content can also help reduce the sensitivity of your hair follicles towards Androgens, particularly a male hormone called 5ἁ-Dihydrotestosterone or DHT, which causes shrinkage of hair follicles leading to hair thinning in women and characteristic male pattern baldness in men.

Eases Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema is triggered due to an inflammatory allergic response to certain foods, chemicals, perfumes, soaps and other substances that can cause dry, itchy and red skin which often blisters and cracks. Studies show that Eczema is often caused due to the deficiency of GLA and Omega 6 fatty acid content which helps our body to reduce inflammation. Evening Primrose Oil shows promising results to give you relief from skin conditions such as Eczema, Rosacea and Atopic Dermatitis with it’s painful and annoying symptoms of itching, redness and edema.

Treats Psoriasis

When skin cells multiply faster than normal, it can cause your skin to develop scaly patches or psoriatic plaques. The areas of inflammation and excess skin production can be treated with diet, hormonal re-balancing and regular application of moisturizing skin treatments containing Omega-6 fatty acid rich ingredients such as Evening Primrose and Borage Seed Oil.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF EVENING PRIMROSE OIL, COME SHOP OUR PRODUCTS FOR THE BEST SKIN & HAIR OF YOUR LIFE!

The Super Star Anti-Aging Botanicals of Ayurvedic Medicine

It is well documented that the Ancient Ayurvedic Practitioners remained healthy and ageless well into their later years.. Aside from favorable (organic!) environmental factors and a more stress free lifestyle in those eras, the practice of relying only on nature-derived herbs and botanicals kept their individual Doshas in balance leaving them looking and feeling their best for life!

And so today we have put together a list of the best of these anti-aging botanical miracle containing compounds such as anti-oxidants for free radical scavenging and collagen building adaptogenic powerhouses. These ‘medicines from nature’ reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, hyperpigmentation and other signs of aging:

Aloe Vera

Whether applied topically or ingested as a supplment or food, Aloe Vera proves itself to be one of the most potent anti-aging plants on earth! It improves facial elasticity and promotes natural collagen production – which imparts less wrinkles and a firmer looking skin. Aloe Vera has large amounts of Mucopolysaccharides which rehydrates your skin (that our body stops manufacturing by the time we reach puberty) and Lectins which are a type of protein that boosts our immunity and greatly calms our inflammatory response system.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) is a revered ancient herb well known for it’s amazing skin rejuvenating properties. The therapeutic component in Gotu Kola, Asiaticoside, regulates cell turnover, and reduces toxic degredation compounds, which helps inhibit the activity of enzymes that can cause irritation as well as degrade skin quality (thinning of collagen matrix etc). It is also rich in Vitamin A, E and C as well as Glycolic Acid which stimulates collagen production. Gotu Kola has some serious AntiAging action via DNA protection from harmful UV light induced damage.

Comfrey

Allantoin, derived from Comfrey, is a very important component in our breakthrough anti-aging serum, BioScience Peptide Complex. It can help revive tired, photo-aged and wrinkled skin. Allantoin in Comfrey has great value in the medicinal world and is known for reducing inflammation, due to its rich Tannin content. Keratinolytics in this purple flowered plant softens skin keratin are ‘hydrophilic’ or ‘humectant’ i.e; attracting water from the air and retaining it in the skin for thicker more supple skin.

Pomegranate

The fruit itself when eaten has a powerful anti-aging ‘Urolithin A’ content, but Pomegranate Seed Oil, helps to strengthen your skin which delays the appearance of wrinkles. Pomegranate, in fact, is a pretty amazing “elixir of youth” and is an anti-aging superhero; neutralizes harmful molecules in our cells, controls UVA and UVB induced damage and hyperpigmentation, inhibits metalloproteinase production and promotes collagen production. The fruit is a potent anti-oxidant with it’s well-documented ellagic acid, punicic acid and polyphenol components, all of which have powerful free radical scavenging capabilities.

Soy

Soy extract has been used in beauty products for hundreds of years due to it’s unique ability to create new skin layers. It also provides youthful glow and skin suppleness with its moisturizing properties, and protects against sun damage and environmental pollution. Completely vegan, topical soy doesn’t exert any hormonal effects. The active components in soy are: Genistien and Daidzein (phytoestrogens, which prevent oxidative DNA damage), Vitamin C, retinol, Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid.

Bilberry

If you ask us, we call it the queen of the berry family! Bilberries are rich in Vitamin A, B1, B2, K, Copper, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Selenium, Chromium and Resveratrol (also found in Red Wine!). Anthocyanins and Flavonoids in Bilberries are powerful antioxidants that can increase blood supply and generate more oxygen to help repair your damaged skin cells faster.

Green Tea

If you believe in a healthy lifestyle, your mornings might be already starting with super-beneficial Green Tea. The Japanese are one of the largest consumers of Green Tea world- wide and in our mind, it’s no coincidence that the Japanese look so much younger than the rest of the world! Green Tea Extract can quell inflammation and the Polyphenols and Catechins (like EGCG or Epigallocatechin-3-gallate) helps destroy free radicals to keep skin looking and acting far younger than your years.

Grapeseed

You’ve probably heard of Grapeseed, and for good reason! Grapeseed extract contains tannins, lignins, flavonoids (like quercitin) and EGCG, cinnamic acid (such as those found in coffee), coymarins, stillbenoids and resveratrol – and thus is one of the most vital ingredients in a serious anti-aging skin care regimen! 70-90% of proanthocyanidin content in Grapeseed extracts makes it a powerful bioactive agent that counters the oxidizing (aging) effect of free radicals. It also mitigates the effects of photo-aging (UV Damage) by providing protection to the collagen-elastin matrix of our skin.

Neem

Neem is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants (in the form of Vitamin E) known to nature. A natural blood purifier which helps detox the skin from within, leaving you with younger looking skin. Neem oil contains Omega 6, Omega 9 and Palmitic Acid which plays an important role in effectively repairing damaged skin to keep it wrinkle-free. Neem Oil also plays an integral role in our SBR (Sensitive/Blemished/Rosacea) Skin Care Line as it has the natural ability to control bio-organisms which can overpopulate and result in conditions such as Acne and Rosacea.

Some of our 100% Organic Botanical Recipes and the Best Anti-Aging Picks are:

Also suffering from Rosacea? Read more about the best active botanicals that can treat Rosacea, Sensitive and Blemished Skin.

NATURAL SKIN CARE FOR MOMS

skincare in pregnancy — Melasma (mask of preganancy)

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’ve compiled our best skin care advice for all the moms out there. Whether you are pregnant now, or have given birth recently, you’re probably thinking about the importance of organic nontoxic skin and hair care in order to keep chemicals out of your children’s environment.

As we all know, pregnancy and childbirth can take a serious toll on your hair and skin, and even as you are madly in love with the new addition to your family, you still want beautiful, vibrant, glowing healthy skin and hair.

Skin Problems During and After Pregnancy

Both pre and post partum, hormonal changes can wreak havoc on your hair and skin, beginning with frequent acne breakouts or conversely dryness and irritation in the first trimester of pregnancy. Your second trimester brings an increase in melanin production, which can cause hyperpigmentation (a condition called as Melasma).

You may also temporarily get dark patches around your cheeks, neck & forehead, which can be treated with our BioScience Peptide Serum and SunProtect SPF30+, both of which contain our proprietary “Deva-Bright” containing Uva Ursi, Licorice Root and Kojic Acid (naturally derived from mushrooms), the top three natural melasma fighters from nature.

By the third trimester, some mothers-to-be will also get rashes and small red bumps around their belly, which should be calmed down with an effective moisturizer.

Since the amount of blood increases by over 50% during pregnancy, your skin glows naturally due to all that extra circulatory system under the skin. However, this temporary effect reverses itself after pregnancy, leaving you paler and more dehydrated.

How to Take Care of your Skin?

There are various lotions, creams and serums available over the counter that claim to resolve the after effects of pregnancy such as pale skin, under eye dark circles, dark spots, skin sagging and stretch marks. However, while the efficacies of these products may be questionable, the toxic load is something to worry about.

Since you will get an urge to scratch your skin while it expands and develops stretch marks, you calm this unpleasant side effect down with Vanilla Silk Body Butter, our deep moisturizing organic liquid silk for the body, which is based in the luxurious, nutrient-rich (& fair trade harvested!) natural Shea Butter, and lightly scented with Pure Madagascar Vanilla.

Postpartum, the stretch marks may not go away completely, but they will eventually fade with time. Since your body is still undergoing hormonal changes, skin discoloration and acne may continue to bother you, but using an effective Cleanser, SunProtect SPF 30+ Sunscreen (with broad UV protection) and oil-free natural makeup, will help prevent dry skin, breakouts and dark spots. Large dorky hats, rash guards, and a natural mineral based broad spectrum sunscreen are your best friends in managing Melasma.

Rapid weight gain and loss may cause skin sagging and our safe and revolutionary BioScience Peptide Complex helps you to tighten and firm your skin.

Cleaning up your diet with pregnancy-specific nutritional foods that are Vitamin A, C, D and E enriched and effective stress management can curb the after effects of pregnancy and bounce back in no time!

Why you should use safe products?

Today, it is a well-established fact that chemically curated cosmetics and beauty products can overload your body with Xenoestrogens and other endocrine disrupting chemicals which can cause hormonal irregularities and affect the quality of your breast milk. Make sure that you use products labeled ‘organic’, ‘child-safe’, ‘non-toxic, and those which come with ‘no nano particles’.

During pregnancy and afterwards, you should make an effort to avoid skin care products whose labels read ingredients such as ‘eth’ in its ending (such as Sodium Laureth), the Paraben family (Methyl Parabens, Ethyl Parabens and Butyl Parabens), Glycols (Propylene Glycol and Butylene Glycol), PEG, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbates, dyes, additives, artificial fragrances, parfum and more.

These chemicals can affect birth weight and gestation period, shorten menstrual cycles, cause thyroid dysfunction, endometriosis and several other conditions that are currently being researched, such as autism and other genetic disorders in your baby. Avoiding detergent based products can help both you and your baby minimize the likelihood of developing skin conditions such as dermatitis (all forms), psoriasis and eczema.

Rosacea – Do you have it? Natural Treatment works!

rosacea treatment According to the National Rosacea Society, 16 million Americans are currently suffering with active Rosacea symptoms and many more are in temporary remission. Many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms and do not realize there is a name for this painful and embarrassing condition.

What causes Rosacea?

Up until recently, the exact cause of Rosacea was unknown to the medical world, but recently the American Dermatology Association came to the same conclusion that Ayurvedic Medicine has known about for centuries and that is for some reason that may be partially hereditary and partially lifestyle triggered. Certain individuals skin becomes overrun with microscopic organisms known as ‘demodex mites’ and these mites wreak havoc when their population gets out of control. Demodex mites are a part of every adult persons body ecology so in and of themselves are nothing to be alarmed over, but when they overpopulate, they cause the redness, irritation and blemishes which are the hallmarks of Rosacea.

Some of the signs and symptoms of Rosacea are:

Redness in the face (especially towards the center of the cheeks)
Spider Veins (visibly broken tiny superficial blood vessels)
Swelling and Pain
Stinging and Burning Sensation
Sensitive skin
Dry, itchy, rough and scaly skin
Appearance of Plaques or raised patches
Large, inflamed and visible pores
Swelling and redness of the nose

Clinically Proven Botanicals in Controlling Rosacea

We say “Control” because there is no Cure for Rosacea. It’s unfortunately a progressive condition. However, the Good News is that it CAN be kept under control as long as you stick with the treatment. Here is a list of the top Ayurvedic and Botanical Ingredients you should look for in an All Natural Rosacea Regimen:

Neem – Since ancient times, Neem is known to be ‘Sarva Roga Nirvani’ or ‘Curer of all ailments’. It’s mild, nourishing, and anti-microbial and is rich in natural fatty acids, vitamins, triglycerides, calcium and antioxidants. While mild enough for infants, Neem is also a very powerful insecticide (kills Demodex mites!) and as such Neem is the most powerful weapon in your Anti-Rosacea arsenal.

Aloe Vera Gel – When treating Rosacea, Aloe Vera gets results! ‘B-sitosterol’ is a powerful anti-inflammatory active compound in Aloe Vera that can help alleviate chronic Rosacea and promote faster healing.

Gotu Kola – This botanical is widely known for its abilities of increasing vascularity (blood supply) and thus helps promote collagen growth. The active ingredients in Gotu Kola are the triterpenes such as asiaticoside and madecassic acid, which have antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Peppermint – The anti-inflammatory agents in Peppermint Oil are Menthol, Menthonone and Rosemarinic acid. It has the highest amount of antioxidant capabilities compared to any food and when applied on the skin in the form of ointment and lotions, it provides a calming and cooling effect that is extremely helpful in skin conditions such as Rosacea, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rashes and more.

Geranium – Some of the main components of Geranium essential oil are myrcene, menthone, citronellol, geranoil and alpha pinene. It can treat a wide range of dermatological problems such as problems dealing with inflamed skin, excess oiliness, psoriasis, eczema and rosacea due to its antiseptic and would healing capabilities.

Lavender – ‘Lavare’ means ‘to wash’. From treating minor burns and wounds to being antifungal, detoxifying, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, Lavender oil is one of the most popular ingredients to be used in aromatherapy and skin purification. The anti-inflammatory properties of Lavender are derived from chemicals such as linalool, limonene, geraniol and cis ocimene.

Green Tea – Contains Quercitin (a flavonoid antioxidant) and polyphenols. It helps to reduce the inflammatory response (calming) involving the macrophages and neutrophils of white blood cells and inhibits the activities of interleukins, which are primarily responsible for inflammatory triggers such as rosacea and other skin problems.

Rosemary – Rosemarinic acid and Carnosol are the active chemicals present in Rosemary Essential Oil that reduce inflammation by inhibiting the immune response to allergens. It helps to lower DHT, reduce oxidative stress and with its amazing fragrance, this magical ingredient is a great skin tonic for fighting rosacea and other skin problems.

The Holistic Method of Treating Rosacea

For controlling Rosacea outbreaks, our popular SBR Line is an extremely effective Rosacea Treatment that is a perfectly balanced Organic and Ayurvedic formula of clinically proven active botanical ingredients that fight the root cause of Rosacea.

SBR Cleanser – Deep cleanses your skin to remove impurities in a gentle way. Helps to heal and calm irritation.
Papaya & Honey Exfoliation Mask and Scrub – While exfoliation is important to remove dirt and debris from your skin, people with Rosacea skin should be careful about harsh exfoliators. Loaded with the goodness of Papaya & Honey, this Exfoliator Mask and Scrub not only pulls off debris from your skin pores, but also encourages cell regeneration with delicate exfoliating agents such as honey, lemon, papaya, milk, yucca root, Echinacea and others.
SBR Hydrator/ Toner – Your skin’s lost moisture is restored with this award winning product. It’s brimming with essential oils and aloe vera that helps to hydrate your skin, while eliminating factors that trigger Rosacea.
Organic BioScience Peptide Complex II – Rosacea should always be moisturized and nourished with calming ingredients and essential vitamins. This revolutionary product not only soothes your skin, but also helps to prevent and reverse the signs of aging skin.
SBR Serum – The most important element in your Rosacea Fighting Regimen! This revolutionary formula contains all the elements neccessary to get your rosacea under control and keep it that way.

For more information on how you can be pro-active in your battle with Rosacea read more here about your Ayurvedic Dosha.

Why Hemp Seed Oil is a Star Ingredient in Skin & Hair Care..

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp Seed Oil is attracting immense attention across many industries world wide, and this includes the Healthy and Beauty Industries as well!

Hemp is one of the most important industrial crops in the world and the natural fibers of hemp are put to dozens of uses. While they closely resemble Marijuana in their characteristics, it definitely doesn’t cause any psychotropic reactions!

What makes Hemp Seed Oil Healthy & Beneficial?

Hemp Seed Oil is rich in proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, insoluble fibers and Tocopherols. The presence of all-natural Vitamin E and Antioxidants makes it an ideal pick as an emollient or moisturizer in organic beauty products. It is also power packed with minerals such as Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Phosphorous. The ‘Omega 3’ and ‘Omega 6’ content in Hemp Seed Oil helps to counteract aging skin and ~60% ‘Gamma Linoleic Acid’ or GLA (hormone like chemicals) content in it makes it an outstanding aid for preventing skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Eczema and Rosacea.

Other important components of Hemp Seed Oil – Vitamin A, Retinol, Alpha and Beta Carotene, Beta Cryptoxanthin, Lycopene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Beta Tocopherol, Gamma Tocopherol, Vitamin K, Riboflavin Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Folic Acid, Choline, Betaine, Pantothenic Acid and Vitamin B12.

What are the Important Beauty Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil?

Regenerating Skin’s Protective Layer – Omega 3 fatty acid rich hemp seed oil has a composition that closely mimics the structure of our skin cell lipids. Infused in our Award Winning Formulation, BioScience Peptide Complex II (with its essential oil blend of Sunflower, Hemp Seed, Jojoba, and Borage etc…), Hemp Seed Oil plays an important anti-aging role and helps bring firmness to the skin.

Fighting Inflammation – Rich in GLA, Hemp Seed Oil is known to boost immunity in our body by promoting the production of prostaglandins that control inflammation. A study done by the ‘Free Radical Biology & Medicine Journal’ by the University of Mississippi, Medical Center found that ‘Cannabidiol’ in hemp seed oil can reduce the impact of inflammation on oxidative stress and thus promote the sustenance of healthy organs. A combination of Hemp Seed Oil with Neem Oil is a powerful organic skincare solution to heal acne faster while preventing scarring.

Regulating Sebum Production – Linoleic Acid is an Adaptogen, which helps it to control/regulate sebum production and is thus an essential aid for people with kapha Ayurvedic dosha (oily skin type), and Vata/Pitta doshas! Lack of GLA can provoke excess sebum production, which can clog pores and give rise to nuisances such as blackheads, whiteheads, acne and other skin lesions. It also helps to relieve your skin from dryness and itchiness, hence reduce the dependence on medications.

Prevents Sunburns – Hemp seed oil has a natural SPF 6 factor and can help you stay protected on mild sunny days. Adding Zinc Oxide and Carrot Seed Oil with it can boost its sun protection rating and help you soothe down. Our SunProtect SPF 30+ is a perfect combination of nature-derived Natural Oils of Sesame Oil (SPF 4), Carrot Seed Oil (SPF 35-40), Almond Oil (SPF 5), Coconut Oil (SPF 2-8), Shea Butter (SPF 3-6), Grapeseed Oil (SPF 4), Jojoba Oil (SPF 4) and Hemp Seed Oil (SPF 6).

Maintaining a Healthy Complexion – Hemp seed oil is known for its moisturizing effect (without being greasy or comedogenic) and also helps to clean, nourish and detoxify our skin – making space for an even skin tone and bringing out a natural glow. Since, it has a similar lipid composition, it helps to deeply moisturize and penetrate into the epidermis and subdermal layers of our skin.

Boosts Hair Growth – The benefits of this oil are not just limited to the skin, but the lipids are also advantageous to promote healthy hair growth, bring shine, strengthen fragile hair strands, and add moisture to your hair. Massaging into the scalp can improve blood circulation and help correct such problems such as scalp psoriasis, itchiness, dryness and dandruff.

The benefit of Hemp Seed Oil is literally countless! Shop our top products with Hemp Seed Oil infusions to see fruitful results for your skincare and haircare goals.