Abstract

CONCEPT OF COSMECEUTICALS IN AYURVEDA- AN APPROACH

Dr. Vivek Kumar Mishra* and Dr. Neha Mishra

ABSTRACT

Cosmeceuticals refers to the combination of cosmetic and pharmaceuticals. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients purporting to have medical or drug like benefits. Dermatological studies suggested that the bioactive ingredients used in cosmeceuticals have benefits beyond the traditional moisturizers. These have ingredients that can influence biological function of skin and claims to improve skin care, texture, complexion, reducing wrinkles and anti aging. Nowadays Cosmeceuticals are the fastest rising part of natural personal care industry. Extensive uses of chemically derived cosmetic products harm the skin permanently. This awareness increases the demand of Ayurvedic or organic herbal cosmetics which itself have drug like effect. The uses of herbal ingredients in a cosmetic product have dual advantage; on one hand it serves as cosmetic product and the other (second important) it acts as nutrient for skin and give anti aging effect. These herbals contain essential oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, vitamins and trace minerals which can exhibit skin care effect as well as anti aging. Ayurveda the science of life has talked about skin care, hair care etc. Literary review of samhita provides unique combinations for this purpose. In this era herbal cosmetic is occupying more popularity than synthetic one. Necessary steps are required in this regard to develop cosmeceuticals as a new twig of Indian medical system. Present paper deals with concept of skin and cosmetic care in Ayurveda with examples of dincharya procedures and herbs being used for this purpose.

Keywords: Cosmeceuticals, concept of skin in Ayurveda, cosmetic care in Ayurveda.