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How To Use The Kansa Wand

Back in 2017, UMM founder Anisha Vinjamuri took a trip back to her homeland for an intensive few months spent immersing herself in the history and science of Ayurveda. And while she’d heard about it before, it was here that she had a chance to experience for herself the magic of the Kansa Wand. First discovered almost 5000 years back, the tool has been an integral part of the wellness rituals of Indian men and women since centuries but it is only now that the Western world has come around to it’s many benefits that extend, as it often does in Ayurveda, beyond what you can see with the physical eye. Made of a kansa (an alloy of copper + tin) tip and a rare teakwood base, the UMM Skincare Kansa Wand is directly sourced from artisans in India - effectively guaranteeing it’s authenticity and efficacy. The wand is the perfect addition to your wellness ritual and helps to refresh and rejuvenate your skin, diminish the appearance of fine lines, smoothen out wrinkles and tighten the jawline and cheekbones for skin that is healthy and radiant from the inside out. The Kansa Wand, or rather it’s metal tip, is also helpful in balancing the pH levels of the skin - effectively helping prevent acne and reduce inflammation over time. The Kansa Wand is useful when used on a number of different parts of the body (and not just the face); we love to use the wand on the scalp, face, arms and legs for a complete experience. Scroll down to read our guide on the different ways that you can use the Kansa Wand: Tap here to check out our Kansa Wand in action. Soha Joshi

Abhyanga - How To Incorporate This Ancient Wellness Ritual Into Your Life

When we began putting together our inspirations for the Body Oil, one of our main inspirations behind the product was abhyanga - an ancient Ayurvedic massage therapy that involves a self-massage using a dosha specific herb infused oil and is one of our greatest allies to holistic wellness and self-care. A daily Abhyanga practice soothes and nourishes the nervous system, improves the circulation of blood in the body and heals + hydrates the skin from the inside out. The Sanskrit word for oil is Sneha (also a popular Indian name for girls) - which literally translates to ‘love’ or ‘affection’. Succinctly put by Yoga Journal, “the essence of who we are is love, just as the essence of a plant is its oil. If we keep extracting something to its purest essence, what remains is love.’ In other words, when we are practising the art of Abhyanga, we are intentionally practising the art of self-love - love for our body, mind and spirit in its purest form. The art of abhyanga has several benefits, but one of the most important ones includes the reduction of the stress hormone, cortisol. Incorporating abhyanga into your daily wellness rituals can be as elaborate or brief as you want to make it. No matter which one you choose, always make sure that you practice the art with intention and remain mindful of the present moment to reap in all the benefits that it has to offer you - physically, mentally and spiritually. How to practice abhyanga Choose your oil While there are plenty of options available depending on your doshas and your skin type, an oil which generally works across all categories would be one that combines the power of the sesame, safflower and Ashwagandha oils. Warm your oil Place the bottle of oil in a pan of hot water until the oil is pleasantly warm (about ten minutes). Remove all clothing and jewelry Make sure that you are protected from any wind before you begin your self-massage. Sit or stand in a comfortable place and keep an old towel at your feet to avoid getting oil everywhere. Begin the abhyanga Starting from the top of the end, pour the oil directly onto the crown. Generously massage the scalp before making your way down to the neck - of the one hundred and seven energetic points of the body (also known as marmas), over thirty seven are located on the head and neck. Continue onto the face and the rest of the body On the arms and legs, use long back and forth strokes while on the joints, use circular strokes. On the other belly, use circular motions in a clockwise direction (if you are looking down at your belly) - this helps nourish the long intestine and stimulate proper digestion. Try to spend at least 15-20 minutes massaging your entire body, paying close attention to every single part of your body. Rub off excess oil before you take a shower After twenty minutes, rub off any excess oil using a towel and step into the shower. Make sure you shower with warm water - this will cause your pores to open and allow the oil to penetrate even deeper into your skin. Gently wash off with soap and water - don’t worry if you are not able to wash off all the oil in one go; the body will likely absorb it over time, especially if you have extremely dry skin. Have more questions for us? Send us a DM here Shop our Body Oil here. Soha Joshi

Sugar Scrubs - Why, How and When

Using a sugar based scrub is one of the most decadent ways to exfoliate your skin and one of the easiest ways to evoke a sense of luxury into your daily wellness rituals. However, it is important to know the correct way to use a sugar based scrub and its benefits for your skin before you make it a part of your skincare routine. Read on below for how and why you should make a sugar based scrub an integral part of your everyday beauty rituals. Broadly, there are two ways to exfoliate the skin - physically and chemically. Chemical exfoliators contain ingredients like glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid to clear out the pores and give you a smoother and cleaner complexion. Physical exfoliators like sugar scrubs, however, work to exfoliate the skin physically and manually with the help of granules that buff away dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover. Using an organic sugar scrub also reduces the chances of inflamed skin after using the scrub. SUGAR SCRUBS FOR THE FACE Sugar scrubs are usually not meant to be used for the face as the granules can damage sensitive face tissue and can cause irritation and micro skin tearing. They are, however, perfect to be used for the lips - which can quickly become dry and chapped due to a variety of reasons, including a lower density of oil glands, frequent contact with saliva that contains alpha-amylase (a digestive enzyme that can break down the skin) as well as exposure to external environmental factors such as heat, wind, cold weather, dust and pollution. Simply swipe some of the scrub on your lips and gently rub until the granules have melted away. Top up with a layer of your regular lip balm to seal in moisture. SUGAR SCRUBS FOR THE BODY Sugar scrubs are ideally the greatest investment that you can make for your body; quite often, the skin on the rest of your body doesn’t get treated as much as the skin on your face. Exfoliating your body with a sugar scrub encourages the breakdown and removal of dead skin cells which, with regular use, reveals healthy, hydrated and soft skin. In most cases, if you’re using a high quality scrub, you won’t even need to use a moisturiser after using the scrub. HOW TO USE A SUGAR SCRUB Exfoliate using a sugar based scrub after a shower (on towel dried skin) for best results. If you’re short on time, you can also squeeze in the scrub as part of your in-shower routine as well! Using your hands, massage the scrub into your body in slow, circular motions; self-massage (when done correctly and intentionally) also helps to increase the circulation of blood in the body, improve the tone and texture of the skin and induce a sense of calm. Massaging with a sugar scrub is also great for stimulating and increasing blood circulation, both of which helps give the body a healthy glow. Exfoliate using a sugar based scrub once or twice a week to get the most out of the routine. Click here to shop our Sugar Body Scrub.

Five Quick Tips For Great Skin

As a skincare brand, we often advocate for the need to cultivate a holistic wellness ritual that goes beyond investing in products for your skin. The food we eat, the thoughts that we think, the people we share our energy with and the activities that we indulge in all have the potential to impact our well-being - and in turn our skin. As we spend time investing in products for the skin, it is important to remember that our skin is a reflection of everything that we put *inside* our body, as much as everything that we put on externally. While our daily routines may not allow for as many opportunities to invest in our ideal wellness rituals, there are some simple ways through which we can ensure that we are doing a little bit everyday to take care of ourselves on the inside out. Here are five that we like: Begin your day with a glass of warm lemon water With it’s high Vitamin C content, warm lemon water boosts your immune system. It also helps balance the body’s pH because of it’s alkalising properties once fully metabolised. Warm lemon water also helps kickstart your digestion - making it great to drink early in the morning. Spend time with the people that you love As human beings, we are wired for connectivity and studies show that spending time with your loved ones can boost your oxytocin levels, majorly impacting your mental health and well-being as well. Reduce your screen-time We know, we know, this is easier said than done. Start small - look for activities that you can do instead of looking at your phone or computer when you’re not working. Reducing screen time reduces your exposure to blue light - that, over a period of time, can lead to inflamed skin, weakening of the skin’s surface and promotion of stressors in the skin that cause photo ageing, aka ageing from exposure to light. It also affects your sleep (and while this can take time to put into practice!) we recommend keeping the phone in another room or at least away from the bed before you go to bed. Workout! We know that many of you might be doing this already, but for those who are still struggling with finding the time, energy or motivation to work out (don’t worry, we’ve all been there!), we recommend you to start with 15-20 minutes of an easy activity - whether that means playing with your dog or taking a walk by yourself or with a loved one. By amping the blood flow in the body, exercise helps nourish skin cells by carrying fresh oxygen and nutrients to the working cells throughout the body, including the skin. They also help carry away waste products, including free radicals, away from the working cells. Find your own product holy grail When it comes to skincare products, what works for one may not always work for the other. In this case, it is important to make sure that you invest time and effort in finding out works for your skin - and what doesn’t. Quite often, the right knowledge and investing in a few key products depending on your skin type help pack a punch and are all you need for great skin! What are some wellness essentials that you swear by? Send us a DM on Instagram or write to us at umm@ummskincare.com x

HEALTHY SWEET POTATO FRIES + SAUCE

INGREDIENTS 2 sweet potatoes, sliced 1 tsp olive oil 1 spoonful of your favourite spices (We LOVE red chili powder as well as cumin and coriander powder) Salt to taste RECIPE Mix all ingredients and fry them in an air fryer. If you don’t have an air-fryer, you can bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees. While the fries are cooking, make your dipping sauce! INGREDIENTS 1 cup Greek yogurt 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon Garlic and herb blend salt 1/2 cup water Blend all ingredients together and set aside as a dipping sauce. Enjoy your healthy fries + dipping sauce with a glass of wine or fresh iced tea.

Turmeric - 6 Facts You Have To Know

Turmeric is a flowering plant that is native to South Asia and is a product of Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the ginger family Zingiberaceae. It’s name is derived from the Latin word Terra Merita (meritorious earth), which refers to the color of ground turmeric. Across India, it is called by various names (as per the local language) and has been used in culinary preparations and skincare rituals since centuries. While the uses of turmeric is plenty and it’s history expansive, we’ve put together six quick facts about this ancient wellness ingredient for you below that will help you discover more about its origin and some of the ways it is used in and consumed. -In Sanskrit, turmeric has at least 53 different names. Some of them include bhadra (which means auspicious or lucky), haridra (which refers to Lord Krishna’s affinity to turmeric), jayanti (one that has the power to eradicate diseases), laxmi (proximity), mangalaya (auspicious), yuvati (which is often used to refer to a young girl). -India produces nearly all of the world’s turmeric and also consumes about 80% of it; it’s most common use is that in culinary preparations, including haldi doodh (aka golden milk) - an Indian staple that has been prepared since centuries to aid in both internal and external health, dal (or lentil soup), vegetable curries and so many more. Erode - a city in the South Indian of Tamil Nadu - is the world’s largest producer of turmeric and is also known as the Yellow City or Turmeric City. Indian turmeric is often considered to be the best variety of turmeric in the world. -Turmeric is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutaganic, antimicrobial and anti-cancer agent. It is traditionally used for both prevention AND treatment of diseases throughout Asia by means of different local culinary preparations and skincare and wellness rituals. -While it’s picked up in the West only recently, golden milk - or haldi doodh as it is known traditionally - has been an Indian culinary staple since centuries. Often touted for it’s many health benefits (and for good reason!) haldi doodh helps boost immunity and prevent and treat a wide range of diseases, thanks to it’s antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and it’s ability to improve your mood, boost your memory, protect against heart disease, lower blood sugar. Plenty of haldi doodh recipes also use ginger, that can help with indigestion and aid in the treatment of dyspepsia. -In India, plenty of cultures include a pure-wedding ceremony known where family and friends of the bride and groom apply a turmeric paste to the bride and groom. It holds special significance since turmeric helps purify and cleanse the body both internally and externally. It also denotes protection and the yellow colour of the turmeric is believed to bring prosperity to the couple in their new life together. What are some facts about turmeric that you would like for us to know? Drop us a DM @ummskincare or share with us in the comments here. -Soha Joshi

Tangy Lemon Rice Recipe

Rice is one of the most popular grains that finds its way into a myriad dishes, across the many cultures that make up the rich canvas of India. Within the grain itself, there are numerous varieties (over 6000!) that are categorised according to the region that they are cultivated in. From the ever popular and fragrant Basmati to the RoseMatta (a variant of rice that is local to the southern state of Kerala in India), rice is used to prepare everything from khichri to kheer. Like so many others, our founder Anisha Vinjamuri grew up eating (and loving) rice in all its forms and one of the dishes that she has grown to love over the years - first in India and now in the United States - is Tangy Lemon Rice. Made with a cup of humble white rice and some of India’s most loved spices, the rice is equal parts tangy and spicy - thanks to the heady mix of lemon juice and chillies. The peanuts break the monotony of the flavour, while also adding to the protein, fat (the good kind!) and vitamin profile of the dish. Tangy Lemon Rice makes for a perfect meal (especially at the end of a long day when you are craving something delicious + healthy), and with it’s complete nutrient profile, can be had just by itself or with a serving of fresh salad + a protein of your choice. INGREDIENTS One cup boiled white rice Three medium size lemons Green chili Olive oil Mustard seeds Split Chana dal Curry leaf Turmeric Asafoetida Peanuts Salt RECIPE Heat the oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they start spluttering add the Split Chana dal, peanuts, red and green chillies, curry leaf, asafoetida powder and turmeric. Lightly fry them for a couple of minutes. Turn the heat off once the mixture starts to give out a flavourful aroma. Add salt and fresh lemon juice and mix in the spice preparation with the rice. Enjoy! -Soha Joshi

Chilled Green Vegetable Soup

This soup is a spring staple on our table and I love how quickly it comes together! I also love that it can be served warm or chilled; simply switch it up depending on the season and you have a delicious soup that can be enjoyed by every member of the family. It is also packed with nutrients and is high on flavour - a winning combination that promises you good health and great skin! INGREDIENTS Asparagus Green Peas Basil Leaves Hawaiian Sea Salt OR Smoked Salt Olive Oil RECIPE Boil 6 asparagus stalks along with half cup green peas, 2 basil leaves and a pinch of salt (Make sure you boil the mixture only for about 5 minutes to ensure that the greens don’t lose the color). Allow to cool + blend until you get a thick, creamy mix. Pour in the soup bowl and drizzle a pinch of sea salt and a few drops of olive oil. You can also refrigerate and blend when ready to serve. This recipe makes 2 bowls of soup and can be enjoyed both warm and chilled! Enjoy 💚 Anisha Vinjamuri XO

Celebrate The Art Of Indian Cooking With UMM

“Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people eat together.” Guy Fieri A few weeks back, we shared our first recipe ever - the Vegan Coconut Curry, a house favorite straight from the kitchen of our founder, Anisha Vinjamuri. Since then, we’ve gone on to share over 10 recipes of everything from Masala Tea to Cauliflower Fritters to Kheer - all of which are traditional Indian dishes that Anisha has grown up eating (and cooking!). In India, the art of cooking food is synonymous with a myriad flavours; from spicy to sweet and from elaborate to simple, Indian food and it’s many flavours covers the entire spectrum. However, no matter which ingredients you use or the style of cooking that you incorporate, traditional Indian food has the potential to transform your entire life - mentally, physically and spiritually - and if consumed consciously, can elevate your health and general well-being. Right from the spices that we use to the way we chop our vegetables, every action is reflective of the time-tested techniques that have been perfected by our ancestors and have been handed to us to reap the benefits of. As we prepare for our first ever cooking class this weekend, we are excited to share with you five recipes that celebrate the rich diversity of Indian cuisines - some from our own trove and others from chefs who we deeply respect and whose work we tremendously enjoy. Malai Kofta and Hash Brown Chaat by Milk & Cardamom Hetal of Milk & Cardamom is a bonafide genius when it comes to churning up lip smacking dishes that incorporate the many flavours of Indian cooking with a modern twist that allows it to fit into today’s modern lifestyle. While we love absolutely every mouthwatering delicacy that she posts - whether on her blog or on her Instagram - we especially love these recipes for Malai Kofta, which is a spicy tomato based gravy mixed with creamy rich kofta that pairs well with both bread and rice and a Hash Brown Chaat that promises an explosion of flavours with every single bite. Image courtesy - Milk & Cardamom Samosa Chaat Pizza by The Chutney Life Indian street food meets an American classic with the Samosa Chaat Pizza by Palak Patel of The Chutney Life. The traditional Indian chutneys, cheese and fruit along with the crunchy sev packs just the right amount of flavour to make this a delicious snack that can be enjoyed with your evening tea or glass of wine. Image courtesy - The Chutney Life Butter Chicken by Love Laugh Mirchi This classic Indian favorite by Nisha of Love Laugh Mirchi makes for the perfect option for when you’re feeling really indulgent. Drenched in a creamy sauce that is made with fresh tomatoes and traditional Indian spices and laced with butter, Butter Chicken pairs well with all kinds of bread and rice and can be enjoyed by just about everyone. Image courtesy - Love Laugh Mirchi Baked Cauliflower Fritters by UMM Skincare As a small business, every single view matters so much to us so you can imagine our excitement when our reel for Baked Cauliflower Fritters crossed over a thousand views in just a matter of minutes! Cooked in traditional Indian spices albeit with a modern twist (and a surprise crunch courtesy of the cashews), the Baked Cauliflower Fritters are the perfect healthy snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of your favorite wine. -Soha Joshi

Doshas - An Introduction

Believed to be the elements that create the physical body, doshas have formed the cornerstones of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic medicine since its very genesis. Even today, modern Ayurvedic practitioners completely rely on their knowledge of the dosha(s) that make up an individual’s physical body to prescribe the right course of action for them, for everything ranging from hairfall to more serious illnesses like PCOD, infertility and cancer. It has long been understood by Ayurvedic practitioners that the quantity and quality of the three doshas present in the body at any given time fluctuate depending on the season, time of the day, diet, physical activity and several other factors. Ayurvedic practitioners also believe that perfect health is an inevitable result of the presence of an equal amount of the three doshas in the body called Vāta, Pitta and Kapha (or wind, bile and phlegm). Vāta Vāta is the Sanskrit word for air or wind and an imbalance of it is identified by pain in the physical body. Some of the diseases that result from an unbalanced Vāta are flatulence, gout, rheumatism and others. Pitta The Pitta dosha represents the metabolism and is primarily characterised by an increase in the heat in the physical body. An unbalanced pitta most often results in an increase in body heat as well as a burning session and redness in the body. Kapha Kapha is the element that is characterised by heaviness, lethargy, excessive sleep, constipation and poor appetite in the body. All soft organs in the body are made of Kapha and it plays an important role in the perception of taste, along with nourishment and lubrication. Typically, one of the three doshas predominates the physical body, which it is then attributed to. Any dysfunction in the body is associated with a disorder in the doshas and is believed to throw the system off balance. The key to maintaining perfect health is to ensure the presence of the right amount of Vāta in the physical body as it considered to be the origin of the other two dosha types. -Soha Joshi

How To Pursue Entrepreneurship And Build A Life That You Love

Have you just started on your entrepreneurship journey and are looking for inputs on creating a life that you love beyond your business? Perhaps you are a long-term entrepreneur with a couple of successful businesses under your belt looking to take some time out for yourself while working on your next big idea. No matter where you are on your entrepreneurship journey, seasoned entrepreneur and founder of UMM Skincare - Anisha Vinjamuri - shares her tips below on prioritising oneself + creating a balanced lifestyle while pursuing entrepreneurship. MOVE YOUR BODY Pick an exercise of your choice and let the endorphins kick in each day. WATCH YOUR MINDSET Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a destination, so be sure to celebrate the small wins and keep an open mind to help you overcome setbacks. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the experience. DO WHAT YOU LOVE Schedule free time in your calendar to pursue a hobby or just to disconnect from the daily grind. This will give you a chance to look at the bigger picture + help you come back stronger. EAT WELL Set aside some time each week to plan ahead + meal prep to ensure that your food and drink intake meets the high output lifestyle that is often synonymous with entrepreneurship. SLEEP Schedule in a fixed time every day to go to bed and make sure you stick to it as often as possible. BE NICE TO YOURSELF It is important to look at your entrepreneurship journey as a lesson in loving yourself. While it is important to push yourself to make the most of your talents and skill set, make sure you are always working from a place of self-love + self-care. THINK COMPARTMENTALIZATION As an entrepreneur, it can be easy to want to involve yourself into every aspect of your business but sometimes it’s best to work on that which you can control and delegate the rest to someone else or come back to it another time! FIND BALANCE, BUT IN YOUR OWN WAY There is no one definition of balance; as entrepreneurs, everyone’s journey is different and you will find it best to focus on creating a routine that best serves your lifestyle instead. FIND YOUR TRIBE As an entrepreneur, the journey can occasionally get very lonely. Work on cultivating a community of like-minded individuals that you can learn from and who will help you grow. Don’t forget to make time for your family + friends! ASK FOR HELP As human beings, we are often taught that to ask for help is a sign of defeat, but asking for help might just enable you to find the solution that you were looking for. At the very least, you’ll end up making a friend!

DIY Turmeric + Honey Face Mask

Cultivated for it’s root, turmeric has been widely used throughout South Asia since centuries. This potent spice is hailed as the holy grail of skincare and is also used in cooking, dyeing and as a medicine. It is a powerful antioxidant + anti-inflammatory and along with honey, provides powerful benefits to the skin that leave it healthy and glowing. Honey is one of the most revered natural skincare essentials as well; with it’s antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. As a natural humectant, it also hydrates the skin without leaving it too oily. Indian men and women have long turned to the kitchen for skin remedies and while the developments in science and technology have made it easier to inculcate these practices in our lifestyle in an easier manner, there is something incredibly relaxing about creating something from scratch on occasion. Whether you are looking to flex those creative muscles after a long day at work or looking for a new addition to your weekend wellness rituals, our DIY Honey + Turmeric Face Mask is definitely something that you will enjoy! You will need: 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp honey A bowl Old makeup brush How-to: Mix the honey and turmeric together in a bowl until you get a smooth blend. Cleanse your face and apply the mixture on to clean, dry skin with the brush. Leave for 15-20 minutes. Remove the mask using a warm washcloth or lukewarm water. Apply a layer of moisturiser after to seal in the benefits of the mask. Don’t forget to share with us a picture of your masks if you happen to try it out on @ummskincare x -Soha Joshi Do not forget to do a patch test and/or check with your doctor before trying on a new product or recipe.