Not only is slathering minerals, salts, sugars and oil all over your body wickedly pleasant, but the exfoliating factor leaves skin refreshed, vibrant, and as soft as a certain anatomical part of an infant! Cleopatra, who is synonymous with luxury beauty, used a scrub made with Roses, Oil from Argan nut and Dead Sea Salt to leave her skin feeling soft and luxurious.
Most ancient cultures, scrubbing the body before the bath was considered a ritual! Cleopatra used the minerals from Dead Sea to exfoliate twice a week. Ancient Indian princesses used Vetiver and Rose to do the same. In fact even today, in India, a whole day is dedicated to bridal bath before a wedding. Creams made from Haldi (Turmeric) and Chandan (Sandalwood) are used to give the brides body a natural glow! In Ayurveda, these body scrubs are called Ubtan.
“Dry brushing” or “Scrubbing” stimulates the lymphatic system, increases circulation, and removes dead skin cells. The exfoliating component is generally abrasive enough to achieve this but not too strong so as not to damage healthy skin. One of the most common methods used in today’s time poor world is by using loofas and brushes. These however can do more harm than good as they can catch bacteria and it can be difficult to keep them sterilized at home.
Many people have asked me what the difference is between the “Ubtan” and the “Body Scrub” and which is better. To answer the second question first, it is a matter of choice! Both of them are better than doing nothing! They are both methods to rid the skin of dead cells and leave it glowing and healthy. I will try to explain the difference and you can be the judge of which method you want to use!
are a popular body treatment that helps to exfoliate and hydrate the skin, leaving it smooth and soft. The paste is made by mixing carrier oil, aromatic oils and the abrasive material used is usually sea salt or sugar. The scrub is followed by an application of high-quality lotion or cream that leaves your skin hydrated. One should also be mindful to only apply gentle pressure so as to not damage the skin as salt and sugar are both quite abrasive. The market now has “scrubs for Sensitive skin” which uses less abrasive materials which may be better to use as a novice or one with sensitive skin. The scrub is applied and massaged and rinsed off with lukewarm water. One must then apply a “body Oil” immediately after to keep the skin soft and hydrated while protecting the new skin from free radicles in the air. It is recommended that one uses a body scrub no more than twice a week and to not use on the face where the skin is a much thinner and delicate surface.
The Ubtan is made by mixing different powders from grains and spices, together with oils and/or butters and floral waters to form a paste. This paste is then rubbed on the body before a shower. It is this combination of the oils & floral waters with the powder and a mechanical rubbing that kills the dead cells on the surface giving it the glow while ensuring that the superficial layers do not become dry and rough in the process and leaves the skin feeling subtle, soft, clean and lustrous. Like anything Ayurvedic, the more you use it the better the skin feels! It is gentle, has no chemicals or sulphates and can be used daily. The abrasiveness is achieved from organic grains such as Rice and Lentils which even when powdered remain slightly coarse (which is good enough for the skin) and are extremely beneficial in maintaining a youthful skin. Because of these softer abrasives not only can they be used daily but also on the face! Made with the right ingredients it also becomes a deodorant and natural retards the growth of body and facial hair.
AyurDeva loves the Ubtan
Our vision is to create nourishing skincare products that feed your skin, keep it healthy and make it easy for you to maintain gorgeous skin.
At AyurDeva we want to keep it simple. Simply speaking therefore we have tapped into Mother Nature’s vast resources to keep your skin beautiful all round the year.
When natural is not just an option and luxury remains a staple, turn to the kindand tender skin and hair care range from AyurDeva.
The products are so amazing. The soap is divine and the face cream! I wash my face just so i can use it! I can’t describe how much better they are than “normal” products!
At Ayurdeva, we aspire to provide affordable & clean skin & hair care products made with safe and effective phytonutrient ingredients for optimum skin health and wellness. We believe you should not have to compromise your personal health and safety, or the health of the environment.
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