The global pandemic has given way to many beauty trends - ‘maskne’ skin solutions and a focus on credible and reliable products being the top priorities among consumers. This fares well for homegrown, desi beauty practices since natural and Ayurvedic ingredients have long been at the centre for our skin and hair care. Post-pandemic personal care is all about minimal buying (given the fact that people want to save up during uncertain times), with the idea of it being quality over quantity. But what made natural ingredients and/or Ayurvedic formulations jump in demand, and do they actually do you a lot of good? Here are a few factors to consider…
- 01. A rise in at-home skincare
- 02. Maintaining your skin’s microbiome
- 03. Immunity-boosting ingredients
- 04. A concern for the environment
01. A rise in at-home skincare
Due to reduced access to salons and clinics, beauty largely shifted to at-home routines that could be done on your own. This in turn led to building personal care regimens that are not just good for quick results, but also improve your skin and hair in the long run. The principles of Ayurveda have the exact same idea at their root. Plus, the fundamentals of preparing these products with clean beauty practices have given the idea its long legs.
02. Maintaining your skin’s microbiome
Natural ingredients have always been credited with maintaining your skin’s natural microbiome - a collection of microorganisms living on the skin. This includes bacteria, viruses and fungi that are tasked with keeping our skin healthy. If disturbed (for instance making your skin’s pH too acidic), it could lead to a reduction in your skin’s capacity to fight off bad bacteria and other infections.
03. Immunity-boosting ingredients
Natural, bio-based and Ayurvedic ingredients are able to tap into age-old remedies that kept our mothers and their mothers thriving. Plus, these ingredients claim to further the health of your skin, for instance ascorbic acid derived from citrus fruits (vitamin C) helps brighten the skin and prevent sun damage but also makes you resilient to common cold and other diseases. Even with hair care, multidimensional ingredients, like the Ayurvedic superstar ashwagandha, have a truckload of benefits for not just your hair but your immune system too.
04. A concern for the environment
The global pandemic has given new life to the discussion around protecting the environment. The beauty industry has always been at the forefront with eco-friendly innovations, especially when it comes to raw materials, production techniques and packaging. This has now gotten a new incentive as individuals are trying to make their beauty habits more sustainable. Hence, the obsession with an au naturel regimen.
Written by Sumona Bose on Nov 17, 2020
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!