Kama Ayurveda Nimrah Anti Acne Face Pack
Written by: Swati on:
Let me begin the post by saying that I love using face masks. Ingredients like haldi (turmeric), chandan (sandalwood), multani mitti (fuller's earth), besan (gram flour), to name a few, have been a part of my skincare since my teenage years...at a time when I literally did nothing else in the name of skincare except applying a homemade ubtan 1-2 times a week. Tch! My routine has thankfully evolved with time, knowledge and a better understanding of what works for my skin, but I still love my weekly masking! Of course, they don't replace my skincare products but the experience of putting on a mask is something I look forward to.
When I went to college, it became quite difficult to whip up my homemade masks (it was difficult to source fresh ingredients and well, I admit that I also got lazy). So, I looked into premade masks and powders and found a few gems. The Kama Ayurveda Nimrah Face Pack was one such product.
I used this mask a lot during my college days and have mentioned it several times on the blog, but never got around to writing a detailed post on it. Let me share my thoughts & experience today :)
An anti-acne treatment that heals pimples and blackheads, reduces scars, improves skin tone and repairs inflammation. A powerful, effective yet completely natural blend of Vetiver, Ashwagandha, Red Sandalwood, Coriander, Lodhra and Liquorice. The pack works as a treatment for acne, pimples and helps to reduce scars and dark spots. Ashwagandha decreases inflammation, swelling and discomfort while correcting early signs of ageing. Red Sandalwood brighten the complexion and also lightens post-acne scarring. The antibacterial properties of Coriander seeds act as effective treatment for blackheads and prevents hyperpigmentation.
Ingredients : Vetiver root powder, Ashwagandha root powder, Red sandalwood powder, Indian Sarsaparilla root powder, Coriander seed powder, Lodhra bark powder, Liquorice root powder
This was one of the first few products I tried from Kama Ayurveda, I had oily skin back then and was going through a phase of active acne. The description and ingredients of the mask sounded right up my alley and I remember the day I finally got it after saving up for months (it was expensive and I was on a student budget).
The powder (looks exactly like red sandalwood powder) comes sealed in a packet inside a cute steel dibbi (tin) with a small wooden spatula. I emptied the powder in the tin since it would be more convenient to use that way. The texture of the powder is a little coarse, not harsh, but not very soft either. If you have ever used sandalwood powder before, you will understand exactly what I am talking about.
* Please make sure to store it properly - away from moisture/humidity else it would get spoilt easily. I advise against storing it on the bathroom shelf.
I mixed it with rose water (oily skin) to form a paste, it can be mixed with buttermilk for dry skin. It needs to applied on moist/damp skin and left on until it dries. It is a little difficult to spread the mask, as the powder doesn't soften to make a smooth paste. Apply it carefully as it can fall off in clumps and get messy. Applying it on damp skin helps. It makes a thin paste that dries pretty quickly on the skin (8-10 minutes) after which it starts to flake off. Since I used to on breakouts, I washed it off with water, without any scrubbing or rubbing to avoid any frictional irritation. However, when I did not have active breakouts, it acted as a gentle exfoliator too.
The brand says that the paste can tingle slightly, but I did not experience any tingling or burning. But if you have very sensitive skin, please do a patch test before and make sure you aren't allergic to any of the ingredients (the brand recommends not to use it on broken or sensitive skin).
- I saw good results with consistent use over time - I used it 1-2 times a week and went through 2 jars of it. It didn't fix my breakouts overnight, nor did it stop me from breaking out - my acne is hormonal and topical products cannot fix it. BUT, it soothed and calmed the breakouts and inflammation/redness whenever I used it.
- It also helped in healing & reducing the post-acne hyperpigmentation (surface red and brown marks) although it did not make them go away completely, nor did I expect it to. Acne scars are difficult to treat - they take a long time to fade, usually need more potent ingredients (Vit C, arbutin, niacinamide, azelaic acid etc) and might even need professional treatment/procedures to go away completely.
- My skin didn't feel stripped, stretchy or dry post the mask. On days when I also used it to exfoliate, I noticed a fresh clean soft glow on the skin.
- I have used it all over the face, on targeted areas - my cheeks especially since that's where I break out most and also as a spot treatment - it helped shrink the small ones a lot and reduces the redness & size of the bigger ones in 2-3 consecutive uses.
It is not a miracle treatment, especially for chronic acne (hardly any cosmetic products are) but it definitely helps breakouts. Since the mask is expensive, I would recommend using it on areas where you break out more & on active pimples, that way it will last longer.
Price : 1150 INR for 40g ( available here )
Back then I did not have many soothing products in my stash - the Indian market had limited products and I truly appreciated what this mask did for my skin. I do not use it as much now, since my breakouts have reduced, but I would recommend you to look into it if you like me also like using natural powders and ubtans and want a soothing face pack for troubled skin. If someday I start getting a lot of breakouts again, I will surely repurchase this.
xoxo,
Swati
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