Why I've Added Collagen and Beta-Carotene to the Best-Selling Lalita's Creams

Recently, when I was conducting research for my new Cellulite Course – I realized and observed that especially in the case of older skin, certain nutritional materials need to be delivered to the skin in greater quantities.  In Ayurvedic terms, I realized that adding certain ingredients - namely, collagen and Beta-carotene - to my facial creams would yield even greater benefits on the Rupam (physical) level.  The power of auspicious transformation has always been a key factor in my facial creams.  But sometimes, in some people, the physical materials, the physical proteins and other molecules to be transformed into the body’s molecular ‘bricks’ are in short supply.

Collagen, Keratin and Elasten

Two of these ‘bricks’ are keratin and collagen.  There are three key ‘beauty’ proteins in the body, collagen, elastin and keratin.  Collagen is a type of protein, and works with keratin to provide the skin strength, smoothness, elasticity and resilience. It is produced by the skin and other parts of the body. When you are young, you have an abundance of collagen in your body, which is why young children have such lovely shiny hair and smooth skin. It is referred to be the “cement” which holds everything together.  As we age, our body’s production of collagen and other structural proteins starts to slow down, our skin starts to lose its elasticity and, sadly, we start to notice sagging skin, wrinkles, and lines forming around the eyes and mouth. 

Furthermore, with time, reactive oxygen molecules, associated with many aspects of aging, lead to increased production of the enzyme collagenase, which breaks down collagen.  It’s been found that certain diseases are related to either collagen deficiencies or the lack of its synthesis by the body. Such diseases most commonly arise from a combination of either genetic defects, poor intake of collagen-rich foods, nutritional deficiencies, or digestive problems affecting the production (synthesis) of collagen.  

The key detail is that collagen is only found in animals and there is no plant source for collagen.  It is the main structural protein in the extracellular space in the various connective tissues in animal bodies (including humans). As the main component of connective tissue, it is the most abundant protein in mammals. Collagen tissues may be rigid (bone), compliant (tendon), or have a gradient from rigid to compliant (cartilage).

Keratin is one of a family of fibrous structural proteins that occurs naturally in hair, nails and skin. Keratin is the protein that protects epithelial cells from damage or stress. It is the key structural material making up the outer layer of human skin. Depending on amino acid levels, it can be hard (as it is in nails) or soft (as it is in skin).  No matter what form it’s in, keratin is designed for protection.  In our skin, the outer layer (the epidermis) is made up of a layer of dead keratin cells, pushed to the surface by new keratin cells growing underneath.  This outer layer provides waterproofing functions as well as strength and elasticity.  The loss of strength and elasticity in older skin is due to losing keratin over the years. When the top level of keratin is compromised, the sensitive inner layers are exposed to damage through heat, chemicals, or friction.  When skin keratin is damaged, it results in skin looking flaky and dry.  Typically, the healthiest skin has the thickest layer of dead keratin protecting the cells underneath.

Keratinization is the process by which keratin hardens.  Without the mesh-like outer layer formed by keratinization, the skin would easily break, resulting in frequent infection by foreign invaders like bacteria.  Keratin hardens as keratinocytes, found in epithelial cells, produce more and more keratin. Keratin forms a tight mesh, making it impenetrable unless damaged. As these keratinized cells age on the skin, the body sloughs off the dead or damaged cells. 

Collagen facial creams have been around for decades.  But do any of them really work?  Not really, because the collagen does not get absorbed, since collagen is quite a large molecule, and it does not penetrate the skin but stays idly on top of it, and gets washed off. Same applies to keratin. Certain creams containing keratin do seem to fair a little better in terms of results but many do not, especially those keratin products made with excessive heat which damages the proteins, changes the properties, and making them useless. The point here is the same as with supplementation. Once it is determined that there is a deficiency, we try to supplement things externally, because the body is not producing enough on its own. But most of the time the oral or transdermal supplementation is neither absorbed nor utilized by the body. 

Coming back to my research on Cellulite I realized that I already had the answers in my existing Lalita’s Line.  All the power of transformation to make collagen and use keratin was already there.  I already use the most intelligent wild harvested Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) in high quantities in my creams.  My father, with whom I interned after graduating from college, called this herb ‘maha twaga’ rasayana – a great or the very best rasayana for the skin.  

Modern science agrees: 

•The centella asiatica (gotu kola) extract asiaticoside is well-known to promote skin connective tissue repair and wound healing. 

•In a study assessing the exact biology of this action of asiaticoside on skin and connective tissue repair, it was found that asiaticoside affected the expression of 54 genes related to connective tissue function!

•Specifically, asiaticoside upregulated the expression of genes related to fibroblast "cell proliferation, cell-cycle progression and synthesis of the extracellular matrix".

•This, in simple terms, means that collagen cells mature and multiply faster and produce more collagen and other connective tissue proteins.

•In the same study it was found that asiaticoside boosted the secretion of collagen type I (the hard collagen that gives firmness to skin and connective tissue) and collagen type III (the softer, "baby collagen", which is produced before collagen type I and helps with connective tissue repair and regeneration).

There is no shortage of research on using this remarkable herb for collagen synthesis:  Gotu Kola for the Skin – The Ancient Healing Herb for Anti-aging.  Centella asiatica in Cosmetology    

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is the one other ingredient I felt was missing and could make my facial creams even more efficacious.  Looking at beta-carotene we find that it is effective in conditions like dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. Vitamin A, being a powerful antioxidant, is involved in the growth and repair of body tissues and hence, protects the skin against damage. When applied externally, it helps in treating ulcers, impetigo, boils, carbuncles and open ulcers, and removes age spots. It also speeds up the healing of skin lesions, cuts and wounds. Beta-carotene helps premature skin ageing by acting as an antioxidant, a substance that reduces oxygen damage caused by UV light, pollutions and other environmental hazards like smoking. Adequate intake and transformation of beta carotene imparts luster, making the skin more attractive and beautiful.  Last, but not least, beta-carotene can even help reduce sun sensitivity.    

Confident in my research and understanding of the ancient shastras, all I needed now was to source the best collagen and beta-carotene and do samyog (skillful combination) into two select products from my existing line of facial creams.   As mentioned, collagen is found only in animals.  There are no plant sources of collagen.  I use animal collagen sourced exclusively from organically-raised chickens.  The beta-carotene is derived from organic carrots.  

Now you can use two of your favorite Lalita’s Facial Cream enhanced with natural collagen & beta-carotene:  I have incorporated the new ingredients into all the original Lalita’s Age Defying Cream (with aroma) and into the Pearl and Jasmine- Lalita's Age Defying Cream

(Those who prefer not to have any animal products in their creams can still use the original versions of these two creams.)

Ingredients

Saffron, Flame of forest, Manjistha, Turmeric, Gotu kola, Bacopa, Shankha pushpi, Nutmeg, Lodhra, Ashoka, Sensitive plant, Shirish bark, Punarnava, Ashwagandha, Green tea, Greater galangal, Wood turmeric, Mucuna in a base of Sesame oil, Jojoba oil, Grapeseed oil, with aromas of Jasmine, Lavender, Rose, Ylang-ylang

Size

30 mL

Directions

At bedtime, after your facial cleanse, apply a few drops of oil to the face and gently massage and leave overnight.

Use under the guidance of a Shaka Vansya Ayurveda practitioner.  As with all herbs, please consult your physician before using.

Cream may cause oil spots on clothing.

Disclaimer

This product and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or compliment medical advice.