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Body Oil - How To Use And Why It Is Important

Our Body Oil is a multifaceted gem with benefits that extend well beyond the skin. Thoughtfully formulated with a power packed organic blend of almond, jojoba, sesame, safflower and grapeseed oils and infused with 24K gold flakes and luxurious saffron threads, the oil works at hydrating and softening the skin and repairing the original skin barrier. The infusion of gold and saffron also provides a host of antioxidants while improving skin health. The Bode Oil also contains Ashwagandha Root Oil that deeply penetrates into the skin and restores the skin’s natural elasticity and suppleness. Check out some of the ways by which you can incorporate this wellness wonder into your skincare rituals: As a scalp conditioner + frizz controlApply a few drops of oil directly to your scalp and gently massage it in with your fingertips. You can also take a few drops into your palm and apply a few drops of oil to the ends of your hair or all over for dry and dull hair. Leave it in overnight as a pre-conditioning treatment for your hair or apply a couple of drops after washing your hair to control frizz. The oil is deeply conditioning and works well for all hair and scalp types, but especially if you suffer from a dry and itchy scalp.As a facial oilTake a few drops into your palms and massage all over your face and neck. For an added boost, massage the oil in with the Kansa wand in a slow, circular motion. Leave it in as a masque before you take a shower or wash your face and especially if you are using retinol or salicylic acid for exfoliation. The oil works very well with all gentle peels, even as a post-procedure treatment. For exceptionally dry skin, use the oil as a serum for an added layer of moisturization after cleansing your face.As a Body OilApply generously after the shower when you skin is still a little damp as this is when your skin will absorb most of the oil. The Bode Oil is crafted to provide deep hydration without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. Depending on your skin type, blend in the oil with your lotion or simply skip it altogether. Click here to shop the Body Oil. Soha Joshi

Healthy Nacho Recipe

Staying home this weekend? Enjoy this delicious healthy nacho recipe, perfect to make whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day, a fun Galentine’s evening with your girls or in the mood to celebrate yourself! IngredientsSweet potato (thinly sliced)Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded; you can also use a diary free version!)Black beans, canned (drained + rinsed)Mango (peeled + diced) optional Radish (sliced)Avocado (diced)Serrano pepper (thinly sliced)1 Lime (sliced into wedges)Adobo sauce (from canned chipotles in adobo sauce)1 pinch sea salt1 dash black pepper InstructionsPreheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.Toss the sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.Spread in a thin layer on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Top with the cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sweet potatoes are golden brown.Remove the baking sheet from the oven and top the sweet potatoes with the black beans, mango, radishes, avocado, and serrano pepper and optionally pickled dill. Add a squeeze of lime, drizzle with the adobo sauce and sprinkle with a few pinches of salt.Serve straight from the pan with extra lime slices on the side.Enjoy!

This Valentine’s Day, Build Your Own At-Home Spa Experience

Whether you are celebrating with a partner or simply taking time to relax and unwind by yourself, we have some quick tips on how you can create an indulgent spa day at-home using your favourite products from UMM. Start by creating the ambience. Dim the lights, turn on some relaxing music and light our sensuously fragrant Diya to set the mood. Follow with a deeply nourishing massage with the Body Oil. Using the Kansa Wand, go over the entire body in slow circular movements; pay special attention to the areas of your body that need some extra tlc. Fill the tub with warm water and indulge in a soak. Take your time and truly savour the moment as you sip on a glass of your favourite wine or a cup of UMM’s Relax tea. As you shower, cleanse your body with our Activator soap and follow with our gently exfoliating Body Scrub. Savour in the delicious aroma of the Body Scrub, that comes formulated with organic brown sugar and a potent blend of pure sweet almond, and coconut oils and fragranced with all-natural rose and lavender essential oils. Wrap up the spa experience with the ultra hydrating Body Créme. Build your own spa experience with us here. We are including our beautiful and naturally fragranced Rose Diya as a Valentine’s Day gift with all your purchases over $100 all month long.

Cabbage Curry - Wholesome Nutrition For Your Soul

As a young girl from the city of Hyderabad in South India, founder of UMM Skincare Anisha Vinjamuri grew up eating the local cuisine - which included everything from elaborate rice dishes to fresh local vegetables. A dish she fondly remembers eating (and the memories of which she carried with her all the way to the United States) is Cabbage Curry - a delicious cooked vegetable dish that is traditionally eaten with rice or the local bread. Here in Seattle, Anisha preferred to tailor the recipe to suit her lifestyle; she still wanted to get all the benefits of eating wholesome food but in a way that worked for her. This Cabbage Curry can be eaten just by itself as a cooked salad or with a serving of rice and beans. You can even give your tacos a delicious + healthy twist and use it as a filling! Check out the how-to below: 🥬 Chop cabbage and sauté it in the oil of your choice. I switch between both olive and coconut oil. 🧂Add salt, turmeric, chopped coriander and some chopped green chili. Cover + cook for 10 minutes. 🍋 Add some freshly squeezed lemon and serve as a salad or with a side of rice or beans + tofu. You can even use it as a taco filling! 😍 🥩 Ayurveda is primarily a vegetarian diet, but you can always blend in elements that work well for you! I occasionally add shredded lean meat to the mix for my protein option 🥰 Anisha XO

Gotu Kola - An Ayurvedic Wellness Gem

Hailed as the herb of longevity, Gotu Kola is an Ayurvedic wellness staple and is traditionally referred to as Brahmi. The plant is indigenous to the wetlands of Southeast Asia and is commonly consumed in teas, juices and in the form of a green leafy vegetable. It is believed to boost brainpower and promote liver and kidney health. It is also pegged by medical practitioners to have antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and memory-enhancing properties. This potent herb works wonders at treating a range of both mental and physical disorders; Gotu Kola is beneficial for treating everything from Alzheimer’s to depression and also has a potent impact on the quality of your skin. Take a look at some of the ways by which you can benefit from consuming Gotu Kola, which also makes up an important part of the formulations of the UMM Skincare teas. As a mood-booster Gotu Kola has long been used as a memory enhancing and mood boosting tonic. It also works to reduce anxiety by reducing the activity of neurotransmitters known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). 2 Asiatic acid is the compound in Gotu Kola that is believed to trigger this effect upon consumption. Consuming the herb in the form of a tea can work wonders at reducing fatigue that can improve a person’s short term memory. Moreover, reduced anxiety and a feeling of calmness can also translate to better concentration and memory retention. For disease prevention Gotu Kola contains potent antioxidant properties that help in neutralising free radicals and reducing cell damage at the molecular level. Asiatic acid, found in Gotu Kola, has been shown in ongoing research to induce apoptosis (spontaneous cell death) and inhibit cell growth activity in certain types of cancer cells, including liver, breast, skin, brain, and gastrointestinal tumor cells. Gotu Kola is also beneficial in treating leprosy. For healthy skin Triterpenoids are responsible for stimulating collagen synthesis and are found in Gotu Kola, which lends to its ability to encourage the production of collagen and increase antioxidant levels in the newly formed tissue. This can also keep the skin from sagging. Gotu Kola is also known to contain vitamins B and C, along with phytonutrients such as flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins and polyphenol which can promote wound healing and contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These are just some of the ways by which Gota Kola can benefit you; it also helps in improving blood circulation, treating Alzheimer’s disease and may even help in treating insomnia. Our teas are a great way to incorporate this potent Ayurvedic staple into your daily wellness ritual and with regular consumption, work amazingly well to improve your overall well-being -Soha Joshi

ALOE VERA - LUSH GOODNESS FOR SKIN AND HAIR

Aloe Vera is an ancient beauty staple that is found in regions with tropical, subtropical and arid climates around the world. This potent succulent is cultivated for both agricultural and medicinal purposes and is considered native only to the South East Arabian Peninsula, although it is naturalised in other parts of the world, including South Africa, Sudan and the Canary Islands. Aloe Vera’s water dense leaves are an excellent source of nutrients that can be used to enhance the skin and the hair and with it’s anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, it is one of the most popular natural remedies to help soothe sunburn and alleviate cuts and burns. It also helps to speed up the production of skin cells and is known to penetrate the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) faster than even water. Aloe Vera is also an effective moisturiser. Whether you use it fresh off the leaf or via a store bought moisturiser, it softens the skin without leaving a greasy residue. This also makes it an excellent moisturiser for oily skin, as it is non-comedogenic and in fact, actively works as an astringent to unclog pores and flush out excess sebum, microbes and dirt. Aloe Vera is also packed with an abundance of Vitamin C and E along with beta carotene and instantly works at eradicating skin blemishes and fine lines. With it’s anti-aging and antimicrobial properties, it also helps to improve the elasticity of the skin and collagen production in the body. Aloe Vera contains proteolytic enzymes that also help repair the dead skin on the scalp, combat fungal infections and heal dry skin, making it extremely effective against dandruff. This also aids in activating hair growth as it improves the circulation of blood to the scalp. Fresh Aloe Vera gel can also be applied to the strands of your hair as a conditioner and is excellent in helping maintain it’s vitality and shine. Our luscious, fragrance free Body Créme is formulated with organic aloe leaf juice (along with a host of other delicious ingredients) and is the perfect moisturiser for all ages and genders. Click here to shop the Body Créme. -Soha Joshi

ASHWAGANDHA - THE INDIAN ADAPTOGEN

Feature image courtesy - Australian School of Meditation and Yoga Also known as Indian Wild Cherry or Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha is a potent wellness staple and has been widely used in India since centuries. The name Ashwagandha is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Ashwa’ meaning horse and ‘gandha’ meaning scent with an Ayurvedic Scholar from the 100 B.C. quoting the following about Ashwagandha’s medicinal properties: ‘One obtains longevity, regains youth, gets a sharp memory and intellect and freedom from diseases, gets a lustrous complexion, and strength of a horse’ Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that is found in India, as well as in the Middle East and some parts of Africa. In traditional Indian medicine, it is known as a Rasayana, which means that it helps to lengthen the lifespan while modern medicine classifies it as an adaptogen, helping the body and mind to adapt to higher stress levels. In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is also referred to as a Bhalya - an ingredient that increases strength, and Vajikara - that which promotes healthy sexual function. Every part of the Ashwagandha shrub is extremely useful, but it’s churna - a powder commonly consumed in India with milk, ghee or honey - is perhaps the most potent of them all and is prepared from the roots of the shrub. The churna is highly effective in alleviating leucoderma, insomnia and anxiety, among other ailments. The churna powder can also be made into a thick paste and when applied over the joints, helps to get relief from inflammation. Ashwagandha leaves, on the other hand, can be consumed in the form of herbal tea and though bitter in taste, are rich in iron and help to provide relief from anemia and blood loss during menstruation. The flowers are an astringent, in addition to being a powerful depurative, diuretic and a potent aphrodisiac. The seeds are anthelmintic and when combined with astringent and rock salt, help to remove white spots from the cornea. Ashwagandharishta - a health tonic prepared from Ashwagandha seeds - is used to treat hysteria, anxiety and memory loss. The power of the Ashwagandha shrub lies in its unique chemical structure. All plants possess an array of special compounds known as phytochemicals, which exist to perform specific tasks. When consumed, these phytochemicals can overlap with the ones that activate pathways in our bodies and can have a very meaningful effect on our bodies. The ashwagandha shrub carries a very large quantity of these phytochemicals, which makes it extremely beneficial to almost every part of our body and mind. Needless to say, Ashwagandha works wonders for the skin and hair and also makes up the formulation of our Body Oil, along with a blend of natural oils, saffron and 24K gold. It possesses powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to promote scalp health. It also helps to promote post-partum hair growth and provides strength to the hair. With its high antioxidant content, Ashwagandha is extremely beneficial for the skin as well and helps slow down the signs of aging. It also provides an even skin tone and stimulates soft, healthy skin. -Soha Joshi Shop the Body Oil here.

FULLER’S EARTH - THE ANCIENT BEAUTY ESSENTIAL TO KNOW

Among the many wonderful ingredients that make up our Activator Soap is Fuller’s Earth - a clay-like substance that is composed of aluminium magnesium silicate and is traditionally used to remove dirt and oil from oil. It is also known as Multani Mitti - roughly translated to ‘mud from Multan’ - because of its historical origins in the city of Multan in Pakistan. For centuries now, this ingenious ingredient has been a part of beauty rituals of men and women in South Asia because of its ability to absorb oil and other impurities that makes it an effective cleanser for those with oily skin or clogged pores. It is also effective in improving skin tone and texture and during the Second World War, it was even mixed with water and applied to the feet to reduce inflammation. Fuller’s Earth is also a gentle exfoliator and is perfect to use - by itself or as part of a product - at the end of a long day or whenever your skin feels dry and dull. Fuller’s Earth is a major ingredient in our Activator Soap and can be used to cleanse the skin on your face and body but if you are looking to whip up a quick DIY treatment using this ingredient, you can mix it with almond milk, rose water or even honey. As always, remember to exercise caution and check with your doctor or do a patch test before. DIY Face Mask (Suitable for all skin types) Ingredients: -Fuller’s Earth -Rose Water/Almond Milk/Honey -Jojoba Oil Directions -Mix ½ tbsp Fuller’s Earth with your wet ingredient of choice until you form a smooth paste. -Apply the mixture on the face and keep it on fifteen minutes -Rinse off with water and pat dry with a washcloth. Benefits: The mask works at removing oil and impurities from the face and with prolonged use can also help with improving the tone and texture of the skin. Do you have a DIY recipe for us? Don’t forget to share it with us here. -Soha Joshi Shop our Activator here.

2021 - OUR RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR

It’s the start of a new year and here at UMM HQ, we are excited to dive into the first working day of 2021. The last year has been difficult for more reasons than one, but we are grateful for the chance to start anew with our community. While it’s customary for so many of us to set resolutions and map out goals for the new year, we intend to work on ours a little differently this year. Whether it’s a fitness goal or a professional milestone, we are taking the time this year to stay mindful and balanced through it all. At UMM Skincare, we focus on more than just your external well-being and we wanted to make sure that our resolutions for this year reflect just that. -Give back Giving back to our community has been one of the core pillars upon which UMM Skincare was founded and this year, we are looking forward to investing in it more than ever. Over the years, we have dedicated our time, energy and resources (and so many of our products) to organisations and individuals who need it the most and we are excited to continue working towards impacting even more lives and businesses this year. If you are an organisation or individual looking to partner with us, we look forward to hearing from you at anisha@ummskincare.com -Prioritize our mental health 2020 afforded us the time and gave us the direction that we needed to focus on our own selves. In the months to come, we hope to be able to be able to continue working on ourselves and prioritize our mental health, which means working hard but also setting out time to connect with ourselves through the mediums that speak to us. -Focus on more than just our external hearth While this might sound ironic coming from a wellness brand with a significant number of skincare products in their offering, we strongly believe that the key to great skin is a body that functions well - both internally and externally. This year, we intend to set some time to work on integrating a holistic nutrition plan and sustainable sleeping schedule into our routines and we are looking forward to sharing some tips with our community as well; stay tuned to our Instagram for more. -Find what energizes us For so many of us, 2020 was a pivotal turning point and the lockdowns afforded us ample opportunity to turn to activities that we could not find time for otherwise. If you were lucky enough to find something in the last twelve months that you enjoyed, think about how you can incorporate more of it into your schedule this year. If you didn’t, try and set aside some time this year to find what energises you. -Take care of ourselves Whether that means indulging in a skincare ritual, taking a day off or eating better, taking care of yourself - both mentally and physically - is important. This year, we are excited to continue doubling down on our efforts to prioritise ourselves and the activities that we enjoy and the people who we love. -Soha Joshi

SAFFRON - THE WELLNESS WONDER

Feature image courtesy - Conde Naste Traveller If you own a bottle of our Body Oil, you might have noticed the delicate red threads that constitute it’s formulation. These are sourced from none other than the saffron crocus flower, also known as the Crocus sativus - a vivid lavender hued bloom that originates in Asia and the Middle East and produces three yellow styles from which the crimson hued stigma are obtained. These stigma are then hand plucked and dried to produce the exotic threads of saffron - the spice that is prized the world over for its many benefits to the skin and hair and used in countless food and drink preparations. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and for good reason; each flower produces only three strands and blooms for just one week every year. Saffron is also harvested entirely by hand at a specific time of the day (mid-morning, when the flowers are still closed) to protect the delicate stigma inside. Fun fact: It takes more than ten thousand flowers to produce just an ounce of saffron! While we love to use spice in our hair and skin rituals, there are a few ways by which we can inculcate it in our meals as well. Saffron provides immeasurable benefits to the body - both internally and externally - and is a true investment; a little goes a long way. -Add it to a glass of milk The next time you want to perk up your drink, add a couple of threads of saffron to it. Research suggests that the spice works wonders at boosting your memory and learning ability and is a great way to kick start your day. -Soak overnight with 5-6 raisins If you suffer through extreme PMS symptoms, this is an excellent alternative to start your day with (we can personally vouch for it!). The saffron, along with the soaked raisins, helps to alleviate some of the most common symptoms of PMS such as irritability, headaches, cravings and pain. -Mix with your favorite oil for a healthy mane The next time you oil your hair, add a couple of threads of saffron to it; the spice works like magic for a healthy scalp and mane. Alternatively, you can also use our Body Oil which comes pre-infused with saffron and 24K gold. -Soak overnight in water for an instant pick-me-up for the skin Splashing your face with saffron infused water can instantly refresh the skin and give you that much needed boost to start your day. Saffron aids in glowing skin and is also a great way to combat acne. -Reset and recharge with the UMM Skincare Body Oil Our power duo of the Body Oil and Kansa Wand is perfect to use at the end of a long day or whenever you need some extra tlc. Packed with a potent blend of organic oils and 24K gold and saffron, the oil (especially when used in combination with the Kansa Wand) works wonders at helping the skin recover from daily damage and restore its natural moisture barrier. While we can personally vouch for the above benefits and the authenticity of our product offering, we strongly suggest you to consult with a doctor or perform a patch test before attempting any of them yourself. -Soha Joshi

2020: HOW TO HAVE A MEANINGFUL HOLIDAY SEASON

For most of us, the weekend signalled the start of the winter break and a chance to catch up with family and friends whether in-person or virtually. At UMM HQ, we are taking a minute after a frenzied few weeks of packing and dispatching your orders. We are so grateful to have such an amazing community who continues to support us despite the year we’ve all had and constantly pushes us to become better versions of ourselves. As we continue working through the holidays, we are also being mindful of how we spend our time, whether with our loved ones or even (as some of you all) by ourselves. Here’s a quick list that we have if you, like us, are looking to enjoy a meaningful holiday season: -Give thanks The power of expressing gratitude - whether through your words or your actions - is exponential and has been reiterated time and again. Giving thanks is a simple but powerful way to show your appreciation for the present moment and pave the way for similar experiences in the future. -Set your intentions for the new year As we walk into a new year full of unexplored possibilities, setting your intentions is a powerful exercise that can help anchor you in the face of all the different experiences that 2021 might hold. Take some time and think about how you want to enter the new year; consider it a general guidebook that can help you optimise your time and live life to your fullest as much as possible. -Give back where you can While we know that the year has been hard on a lot of you, there are still ways through which you can give back to your community. Volunteer for a local shelter, donate your skills for a small business or use your social media to support the businesses that you love! Get creative; there is so much that you can do! -Spend time with your friends and family Holidays are for catching up with your loved ones and we highly recommend you to do so; whether in-person or via a screen. For those who might not have this option, reach out to friends and family that you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while - the holidays are, after all, the perfect time to reconnect! -Make time for an activity that brings you joy Whether it’s playing a favorite game with your family, baking, reading or even an indulgent skincare ritual, use the holidays to do something that you love, even if it’s for an hour. This will help ground you, enjoy the present moment fully and give you a chance to catch up on something that you love. That’s it from us! Don’t forget to share your feedback with us via Instagram or email at umm@ummskincare.com; we would love to hear from you. Happy Holidays xx -Soha Joshi

COFFEE + HONEY - THE DRY SKIN HACK YOU NEED TO KNOW

A couple of days ago, we ran a poll on our Instagram asking how many of you suffered from dry skin this time of the year and a whopping 96% of you replied with a yes. We also asked you the DIY hacks that you used and the responses included everything from coffee scrubs to fresh milk cream. While consulting a dermatologist is a crucial step before you embark on any kind of skincare regime, a quick DIY mask using the ingredients in your pantry is easy to whip together and even easier to apply. Below, check out a DIY face mask that uses all natural ingredients and takes less than a couple of minutes to put together, but leaves your skin feeling smooth and plump after. As always, we recommend that you do a patch test and consult with your dermatologist before. Coffee and Honey Face Mask You will need: Two tablespoons of ground coffee One tablespoon of honey Bowl Washcloth How to: Mix two tablespoons of ground coffee and one tablespoon of honey to form a paste. Apply to the face and neck using your fingers and keep it on for fifteen minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water or a damp washcloth. Benefits: The coffee grounds help to exfoliate the skin. An excellent humectant, honey helps in preserving the natural moisture of your skin and makes it smooth and supple. Do you have any DIY remedies for dry skin? Don’t forget to share them with us; send us a message here. Soha Joshi