Category Archives: Amla for Skin

DIY Detox Mask (for the Skin)

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Hello Maicurlies,

I have been busy trying to record videos back to back because I will be out of the country in 2 weeks (on holidayaaayyyy) so please forgive my delays. 

Today I am going to be sharing a new Skin DIY! And yes, the title of the post gives it away, it will be a face mask that helps to detoxify the skin.

DIY Detox Mask

DIY Detox Mask

Benefits

  • Brightens the skin (NOT LIGHTENS but brightens).
  • Leaves you with a youthful glowy finish.
  • Helps reduce redness.
  • Soothes the skin.
  • Helps to remove toxins in the skin.
  • Helps to remove dead skin cells.
  • Closes the pores. 
  • Leaves your face smooth and soft.

Ingredients/Tools used

Ingredients Used

  • 0.8oz Amla Powder
  • 1.4oz Water (I use plain bottled water)
  • 0.5oz Rose Water
  • 0.4oz Natural/Raw Honey
  • Squeeze of Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 3 Capsules Vitamin E Oil (roughly 0.15oz)
  • (Optional) Essential Oil 
  • Clean and disinfected Bowl
  • Clean and disinfected spoon
  • Gloves (optional to keep things sanitized)

Mixing

I add both the water and rose water a little at a time to the amla powder while continuously stirring. I then add the honey, lemon juice and Vitamin E Oil (Essential Oil if using). 

Ingredient/Ratio Alternatives 

  • Should you not have access to rose water, you can just replace it with plain water. 
  • Natural/Raw Honey can be replaced with Agave Nectar or even Molasses.

Application

I like to apply the mask onto makeup free skin that is slightly damp. I use my fingers to apply the mask AVOIDING THE EYE & EYEBROW AREA! Let the mask dry for 15 – 25 minutes, splash lukewarm water on my face and slowly wipe away the mask using a damp face cloth. I follow up with my toner & moisturizer. NOTE: as the mask dries it will start to tighten the skin, this is normal. 

If you use this mask please let me know what you think!

Thanks!

Maicurls

Maicurls

DIY Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil (Recipe 4)

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Hello Maicurlies,

I promise we are close to the end of my DIY Infused Oil obsession just two more to go after this (I will probably make more for myself but don’t want to push it by making you guys hear about EVERYTHING I make) 😀

I will be sharing how I make my DIY Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil.

DIY Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil

                                           DIY Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil

I have already mentioned the benefits of using Amla infused oil which you can read over here and in case you’re new to my blog (Hi there!) or perhaps missed my previous oil Infusion posts you can find links to them below:

DIY Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil

DIY Hibiscus infused Almond Oil

Before I go any further I want to mention I was not requested or compensated for anything used in this DIY recipe. All products used were paid for with my own money. Amla oil is said to help darken the hair so if you do not want this attribute then this recipe might not be the one for you.

With that out the way – I have a video demonstrating how I make my Amla Infused oil on my YouTube Channel:

I also wanted to provide a write-up so here we go Maicurlies!

Ingredients/tools:

  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Container
  • Coffee filter
  • String (to close the coffee filter)
  • 1/4 cup of Amla powder (Hesh)
  • 1.5 cups cup of Grapeseed Oil (you can use any oil of choice)
  • 15 drops Grapefruit essential oil (optional – you can use any oil of choice)

*NOTE: I am not a dermatologist nor a doctor. I provide this for informational purposes only so please consult with a professional before you apply anything new to your skin or hair. Should you be taking medication or creams from a medical professional please do not replace that with my DIY recipe – consult your medical professional first! If you are allergic to any of the ingredients I use do not use them. Do a small patch test on the inside of your arm when trying anything new before applying it all over your hair/skin. Always ensure to dilute the Essential Oils (EO) in a carrier oil as they can cause skin irritations if used undiluted. If you are pregnant you should NOT use any EO.

Here are some of the ways you can use the oil:

  • To seal in moisture
  • Part of you deep condition mix
  • A pre-poo
  • In your whipped butter mix
  • For a scalp massage

I would love to hear if you have or will use Amla Infused Oil . I would also love to hear how you use the oil!

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

Benefits of DIY Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil

1 Reply

Hey Maicurlies,

I just fished editing my DIY Amla Infused Grapeseed oil and wanted to explain why I personally like using it. I have already mentioned how and why I like using Amla powder as part of my Henna/Amla Treatment and have a video of my process but also wanted to touch upon the benefits of the oil.

photo credit: Henna Sooq via photopin cc

photo credit: Henna Sooq via photopin cc

What is Amla?

Amal (Gooseberry) is a green fruit renowned in Asia – mainly in India. It is rich in Vitamin-C and minerals and is considered a powerful antioxidant agent that has several uses (not just for the hair and skin.) The fruit itself tastes extremely taut and bitter but can be made into a juice or eaten as a fruit. Due to is high Vitamin-C content, it is known to be used against coughs and colds, can help boost the body’s immune system and is refereed to as a detoxifier that can help cleanse the liver and kidney. Amla juice has been said to be effective in lowering the fat content in the body which can help in weight loss and is even said to be beneficial for your eyes due to the presence of antioxidants.

Now looking at it as an oil: it can be used for both your hair and skin – I love multipurpose products!

Skin

Amla infused oil can be used to trap in moisture (after you have showered), provide a glow to your skin and delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (with frequent use). Its antiseptic properties makes it a good skin cleanser and is known to help reduce blemishes & dark circles under the eyes.

Hair

Amla infused oil can help darken the hair (with frequent use*), promote growth, strengthen the hair from roots to ends, enhance luster and shine, reduce shedding, thicken the hair and help promote its overall condition.

*If you have light or bleached hair and do not want it darkened then this oil might not be for you. The oil will not make make grey/white hair black but it can gradually darken its appearance.

Scalp

It is known to help combat mild scalp irritations and dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties (check with your doctor/dermatologist).

Oils for infusion:

Depending on your preference you can use any carrier oil of choice. The additional benefits you will get from the oil will all depend on what you choose to use. I usually use Grapeseed oil due to the fact that it is light and easily absorbed. Click on the link for a list of different carrier oils and their benefits for the hair and skin.

I will have a new post with my video and an explanation of how I make the oil shortly!

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

DIY Infused Oil “Mini-Series”

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HELLLOOO Maicurlies,

I hope all is well!

I have been BUSY making DIY mixes, recording videos (editing), taking photos and have come up with an Infused Oil “series”! Do I hear you say: HOW EXCITING! (Yes, it is!)

Infused Oils

                                                                                      Infused Oils

If you are wondering why would you want to make an infused oil? I say why not?!

In all seriousness, infused oils give you the option of incorporating your favorite ingredients to your favorite carrier oil – adding more punch, nourishment and benefits for your hair and/or skin.

Uses of infused oils for the hair

Infused oils can be used in a number of different ways such as: Pre-poo’s, hot oil treatments, scalp massages, Deep Conditioners, leave-in conditioners, whipped butters, sealing…ANYTHING! Their benefits depend on the ingredients used for infusion and the carrier oil you use. With each of my infusions I  will list the benefits of each and how I personally use them.

Infused oil for skin

You can incorporate infused oils into a DIY Body butters, sugar scrubs or even directly onto your skin to trap in moisture after a shower.

So which Oils have I made (are in the making?)

  • Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil
  • Hibiscus Infused Almond Oil
  • Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil
  • Coffee Infused Almond Oil
  • Neem Infused Coconut Oil

Heads up – Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil will be first!

I hope you enjoy this “mini series”.

Do you make your own infused oil? If so what do you make and how? I would love to hear from you!

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls

DIY Scalp Scrub

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Good Morning Maicurlies,

I wanted to share another DIY mix with you. I am sure you are wondering when does she stop mixing?! NEVER 😀

In all serenity I LOVE mixing my products. I have had both the bad and good store bought products and I can not lie not ALL of my DIY mixes have been a success however at least I can blame myself for that. I prefer tailoring products and adding ingredients I know are good for me, work for me and will not harm me or my body.

Anyways back to the topic which is a scalp scrub.

photo credit: lovelihood via photopin cc

               photo credit: lovelihood via photopin cc

There are a number of different reasons why you might want to use a scrub and different ways in which you can make one. The skin on our scalp is no different to the skin on the rest of our body. It can become dry, flaky, overloaded with product, irritated, itchy and so on. Scrubs can help to:

  • Remove dead cells
  • Relieve an itchy or irritated scalp
  • Relieve flaking/dandruff
  • Help to remove build up on the scalp
  • Clear up clogged pores
  • Relieve scalp acne, scalp pimples and white heads
  • Provide moisture and oils to a dry scalp

My particular scalp includes ingredients that helps to exfoliate, remove buildup, moisturize, conditions my roots and scalp as well as relax and increase blood flow to my scalp. I have a video on YouTube of my DIY Scalp Scrub.

Scalp Scrub

                          My DIY Scalp Scrub

Ingredients:

  • 8 Teaspoons of Raw Sugarcane (brown) Sugar*
  • 10 Tablespoons of Pure Honey
  • 2 teaspoons of Amla Powder (optional)
  • 2.5 teaspoons of Almond Oil
  • 4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)

*I blend the brown sugar before making the scrub just for a few pulses because I have a sensitive scalp and do not want to scratch it with rough sugar granules. Even if you do not have a sensitive scalp I suggest first lightly blending the sugar because the scrub will not only be gentler on your scalp but also on your roots!

Ingredient Explanation:

– Sugarcane (brown) Sugar – Acts as the exfoliant to help remove dead skin and buildup (you can use regular white sugar if you can not find brown sugar).

– Honey – Used to moisturize the scalp and roots due to its humectant properties. It also has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to help heal up scalp irritations a little quicker. (You can use molasses if you are allergic to honey.) 

– Amla – Helps to condition dry scalps and roots, restores the p.H balance and also works as a good anti-fungal and antibacterial agent. (This is an optional ingredient.) 

– Almond Oil – Helps to restore any lost natural oils produced by the scalp. (You can use any oil – I  suggest using any light oil of choice)

– Peppermint Essential Oil (EO) – Helps to simulate blood flow to the scalp which helps to promote hair growth due to the increase in oxygen from the blood flow. It also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and is an excellent soothing EO. (You can use any EO of choice)
NOTE: Essential oils are potent therefor need to be diluted and if you are pregnant I would refrain from using any EO

Mixing

I first blend the 8 teaspoons of sugar just a few pulses and put it in a bowl. I add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix everything really well and then transfer it into a container.

I would recommend using a scrub no more than once every 2 weeks. The longer you leave the scrub standing the more the sugar will dissolve so you might need to remake this recipe before you use it up (depending on how much you use when you scrub).

TIP: This scrub can of course also be used for your body.  If you feel like you will not be able to use all of it for your scalp before the sugars dissolves use it for your body! 

Do you use a scrub for your scalp if so what do you use? If you try my recipe please let me know if you enjoyed it or not I would love to hear from you.

Thanks

Maicurls

Maicurls