Skin in India
Wow, did we learn a lot from our study tour to India!
We have a lot of success stories about our skincare range working its magic here in rugged Australia. We have the dry, wind, snow, humidity, sea, heat and cold all with their unique skin challenges. What we don’t have a lot of though, is pollution, and this was a big eye opener for me (or should I say, eye closer!). We put Science Skincare to the test and found out a bit more about what Indians value in skincare, plus some of the challenges.
Pollution and its effects on skin
We started in Delhi, went up to Chandigarh at the base of the Himalayas and then made our way south to Mumbai, and whilst I knew that the air quality was poor in Delhi (they even have a real-time billboard outside the airport updating this fact regularly) I wasn’t prepared for how sensitive my skin would be.
It took five days for the stinging of my skin to settle, especially along the top of my lip. Also, each morning for these first few days, I woke up with bags under my eyes and they were a bit swollen too. I paused my Authentic Aging System and took things back to basics with what I know works for sensitive skin. I washed with our Soothe + Calm Gel Cleanser and applied Nurture and Repair. The anti-inflammatory properties in both these products calmed my skin after about five days and my eyes soon adjusted too. Soothing ingredients like cucumber seed, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.
Ayurvedic Skincare
The other thing I confirmed, to my delight, was India’s love of ayurvedic medicine and the parallels between ayurvedic ingredients and our Australian botanical ones. Ayurvedic principles align beautifully with our Science Skincare systems believe it or not! More about this in a minute.
Ayurvedic medicine principles state that in order to attain balanced and bright skin, that you emphasise the use of natural products and customised routines depending on one’s dosha (body type). Ayurveda advises staying away from harsh chemicals and using herbs and oils that are appropriate for one’s skin type.
The doshas are said to be very important in establishing one’s skin type and skincare requirements in ayurveda. The relationship between each dosha and skincare is briefly described below and how it fits with Science Skincare is astounding.
Vata skin is typically thin, dry, and delicate with a propensity for fine lines, wrinkles, and early ageing. In order to avoid dryness and preserve suppleness, ayurvedic skincare for Vata skin focuses on nourishing and moisturising the skin using natural oils and herbal components. This one sounds like an ad for our Authentic Aging System, designed for dry and mature skin or to maintain skin health.
Pitta skin is irritable, greasy, and prone to rosacea, acne, and other skin conditions. Natural components like aloe vera and rose water are used in ayurvedic skincare for Pitta skin to calm and cool the skin, reducing inflammation and balancing excessive oil production. This one describes our Soothe + Calm System to a tee.
Kapha skin type has oily, thick skin that is prone to congestion, blackheads, and acne. To get rid of extra oil and impurities and stop breakouts, ayurvedic skincare for Kapha skin emphasises deep cleaning and exfoliation. The skin can be cleansed and detoxified with natural products like honey. Sound like our Breakout System much?
Tridosha skin has a harmonious balance of all three doshas and is typically vibrant and healthy. Using gentle, natural ingredients that are acceptable for all skin types, ayurvedic skincare for Tridosha skin seeks to preserve this equilibrium. Aaaah, vibrant and healthy speaks to our Mankind System.
Sensitive Skin and Dermatologists
People in India are well acquainted with their dermatologists because the pollution, heat and humidity play havoc with their skin. We got to meet some of the best dermatologists in the business in both Delhi and Mumbai who generously shared their insights with us. Dermatologists in India are the cornerstones of skincare and are easily accessible for their population. It is also well-known that Indian dermatologists are shining lights in the peer-reviewed literature about complex skin conditions.
India Loves Australia
The word on the street from everyone we spoke to was the high esteem in which Australian formulated and made skincare is held. It was spoken about with the same reverence you see reserved for premium Swiss and French products. We are trusted and respected in India.
Australia Loves India
We loved India, and there is so much more to see and experience. It was indeed, “Incredible”, just like their tourism posters say. We got to see two weddings and an engagement party, what a treat that was. The brides and the grooms, oh my, breathtaking. We visited the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, went up to a village at the base of the Himalayas and had high tea at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. We can’t wait to go back again!
