Vaidya’s Lalita’s Skin Care Line has been women’s best friend for more than 10 years. His recent Navratna Celestial Radiance Cream was a celebrated addition. But now you have even more choices to address the very specific needs of your skin. In the mood for some Pearl Bhasma? How about the vibrational charge of planetary gems combined with Rose Absolute for added balancing and glow?  You could also add traces of pure gold, silver, “thousand puti” mineral ash? What do all these ayurvedic ingredients have in common besides being key for total radiant health? This: you can now order your own jar of facial cream with any - or all - of these ingredients, and we at SVA will make it from scratch, just for you, when you place your order! Every single ingredient that Vaidya adds to his formulations have a distinct purpose. Even the aromatic flowers such as Rose or Jasmine have specific skin nourishing and glow enhancing properties. To address the growing needs of the SVA following, we now offer more creams to complement the existing family of Lalita’s Age-Defying Facial Creams.

 All of the new custom-made products have the ingredients of the original formulas and carry the beautifying properties of the original products.  But now you can order Lalita’s Age Defying Facial Cream or Navratna Celestial Radiance Facial Cream with either Rose Absolute, or Sambac Jasmine. Rose and Jasmine carry distinct properties for the skin. 

We now also offer the option of Lalita’s Age-Defying Facial Cream with Natural Pearl Bhasma (nano particles of natural pearl).  Or Lalita’s Age-Defying Cream infused with the transformational power of Abhrak Bhasma. These can come with Rose or Jasmine - the choice is yours.

Why Pearl Bhasma?   

Three bio-chemical categories made up of the 5 elements of nature (fire, water, earth, air and space), known as “doshas” run our bodies, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each individual carries a unique signature mixture of these three categories. And each individual’s skin is also unique based on their doshic make-up.  Each of these has an additional 5 sub-categories.  

The skin is governed by 3 sub-categories or sub-doshas: Pachak Pitta; Vyana Vata; and Shleshak Kapha. Individuals who are more Pitta by nature, who carry more fire in their biochemical constitution, tend to have a more active bhrajak pitta subhdosha. In other terms, their skin tends to be more sensitive to developing rashes and imbalances due to heat, overexposure to sunshine, or it can also be triggered by spicy food, emotional challenges as well as mental stress. In addition, because Pitta skin tends to be more prone to acidity, and acidity induces inflammation and kills the friendly bacteria of the skin, Pitta individuals need specific skin care addressing their highly sensitive constitution. For this group of people who tend to have more sensitive skin, Ayurveda offers specific help with Pearl Bhasma.

Pearl bhasma is highly somagenic and cooling because when the macromolecules of pearl (bhasma) combine with the proper yogvahi, or carrier, the soothing benefits of the pearl will penetrate up to the 4th layer of the skin. The herbal syerngy of essential oils that Vaidya uses in his creams are meant as intelligent yogvahis. In this situation, bhrajak pitta gets pacified up to the 4th layer, offering inside-out relief.  

The micro-molecules of the pearl bhasma are highly alkalizing for the deeper levels of the skin.  Long-term use of the Pearl bhasma cream helps create a good environment for the friendly bacteria of the skin, and helps to fight against inflammation created by any external or internal factors. In particular, pearl bhasma with rose is great for somebody going through emotional challenges or someone emotionally sensitive in general. Rose is known for its great property for sadhak pitta pacification, while Jasmine helps unify all the layers of the skin which get separated due to acid induced inflammatory situations.  

Vaidya’s facial cream contains that contain Pearl Bhasma are specially formulated for high-pitta skin types that need deeper cooling and deeper nourishment for their skin.  Pearl Bhasma is the best for such skin conditions, because it’s highly Somagenic - very rich in the cooling, nurturing, replenishing vibrational energy of the Moon.  Pearl Bhasma is also firming for the skin.  You can now chose between a facial cream that carries Natural Pearl Bhasma with Rose, or Natural Pearl Bhasma with Jasmine.  Or, you can try them both!  

Why Pearl Bhamsa with Jasmine?

Did you know that jasmine not only uplifts and inspires but supplies deep age-defying support to the seven layers of the skin? This fragrant little flower carries a very special property, as explained by the ayurvedic texts, that restores the youthful glow to our skin. In our youth, the 7 layers of our skin are naturally bio-chemically connected to one another. As we age, due to the accumulation of toxins, internal and external stressors, the layers of our skin gradually lose integration, resulting in heavy, sagging, dull and flakey skin.  Jasmine is renowned for its Sandhaniya (unifying) and purifying effect on the skin.  In addition, the aroma and the transdermal absorption of Jasmine supports mental bliss by re-establishing the connection between "dhi, dritti," and "smritti": the power of your brain to gather, store and recollect information. When these are working in full coordination, your mind feels clear, strong, and you are ready to undertake anything! Jasmine thus maintains the elasticity of your skin and your brain, supporting both together.

Ingredients:

Saffron (Crocus sativus): modern science confirms the extremely rejuvenating properties of the crocitin molecule, confirming Saffron to be an ancient super-anti-oxidant for the skin, potent in its action up to the 5th dermal layer; Flame of forest (Butea monosperma): supports the skin in its intelligence, shields itself against ultraviolet sunlight rays; Devil’s apple (Solanum Linnaeanum): bolsters the skin cells’ intelligence to actively detox by releasing amavisha and garavisha effectively; Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): literally from the Sanskrit “punar+nava= again+new” rejuvenates the skin by supporting integral detox of the skin by helping the release of toxins through sweat; Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): a hypo-allergenic herb that pacifies the hyperactivity of the immune system by addressing amavisha; Turmeric (Curcuma longa): reputed anti-inflammatory that enhances dermal intelligence and protects against inflammation; Daruharidra, also known as Tree Turmeric (Berberis aristata): supports the skin fight against inflammation, and is active up to the third layer; Gotu kola (Centella asiatica):  enhances collagen synthesis, preserving the skin’s elasticity and maintaining its youthfulness; Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): enhances the connection and communication between prana vata, the subdosha that governs the mind, and vyana vata, the subdosha that governs the skin, a unique SVA  approach to skin health through the pacification and balancing of psychological mental stress; Nutmeg (Myristica): enhances the complexion by clearing and balancing the micro-channel of the mind; Lodhra; Mucuna: lubricates and hydrates internally, modulates hormonal flow and lubrication; Green tea: a reputed anti-oxidant that defies psychological aging, and supplies tone and elasticity; Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): supports mind/body coordiation, nourishes the tactile nerves, thus supporting the skin’s resistance against internal and external stressors; Lemon (Citrus limon): enhances the skin’s resistance to sunlights, supporting its sensitivity; Indian sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus): cleans the pores for an even healthy skin by purifying the sebum and sebaceous glands; Ashoka (Saraca asoca): for the Sanskrit ashoka = no grief, supports the skin’s health by enhancing bliss through its ability to pacify the emotional heart, or the sadhaka pitta subdosha; Shirish bark (Albizia lebbeck): provides sustained deep skin layer detox with long term use; Sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica): nourishes and supports the regeneration of the tactile nerves, helping to maintain the sensitivity of the facial skin; Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): a thermogenic plant that enhances and supports overall circulation and communication between all layers of the skin; Neem (Azadiracta indica): supports the immune system of the skin; Pearl Bhasma: Deeply cooling and alkalizing for the deeper levels of the skin; Sambac Jasmine: Mental Bliss enhancer renowned for its Sandhaniya (unifying) and purifying effect on the skin.

With: White grapefruit extract, a natural preservative in a base of Organic coconut oil, a cooling firming, lubricating, and nourishing oil; with Grapeseed oil, a natural preservative; Vegetable stearic acid, a lubricant; Organic aloe juice, a cooling and detoxifying plant that pacifies bhrajak pitta, the pitta subdosha of the skin;; in a Kosher vegetable glycerin base, a lubricant; and emulsifying wax.  Emulsifying wax (NF), a lubricant.  

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.)

Size:

30 ml 

Directions:

 Use as a daily moisturizing and replenishing cream by applying morning and evening, after cleaning and toning your skin (Lalita's Facial Cleanser and Lalita's Facial Toner). You may also use with your SVA Facial Marma protocol, by applying on the SVA marma points, gently massaging and then spreading all over the face. For more information or to find out more specific guidelines for use, visit: www.vaidyamishra.com/blog, or email us at svahealth@prana-center.com 

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.