What can be the cause of my skin problems? Understanding the Liver-Skin Axis

Hormonal Acne: What It Is & How You Can Identify And Treat It

Acne has always been associated with puberty. Afterall, it’s a rite of passage for most––even the lucky few who manage to escape the wrath of it, also find themselves battling it every now and again. But that’s the thing, acne isn’t just limited to your teen years.

The Feel Good Skin Lifestyle: How To Approach Skincare More Holistically

Great, healthy skin needs to be treated with care both inside and out, which makes it more of a lifestyle choice than just slathering on a few products and calling it a day. After all, there could be so many reasons that’s causing your skin to react a certain way! And let me tell you, it takes time. So, what is the ‘Feel Good Skin’ lifestyle? Read on to know more.

Can Superfoods Really Help My Acne?

You know how every love story has that super villain keeping the couple apart from their dreams? In my love story, acne drove a wedge between me and my glowing skin dreams.

Plant-Based Collagen: Is It As Great As It’s Hyped Up To Be?

Plant-derived collagen supplements are a more effective way of boosting collagen. While the plants themselves aren’t loaded with collagen, they contain elements and ingredients that in turn encourage your body to produce its own collagen naturally.

On Greying Gracefully: Should You Dye Another Day? 

There is a turning point in all our lives when we become aware of our changing bodies - a line appears on your skin, or your body feels different, or you’ve even come across stray grey hair!  For a part of the body whose primary purpose is just to keep you warm - it’s not fair to attach unrealistic beauty standards to your hair. Of course, the state of your hair is a direct reflection of your internal health and is worth the attention. And that’s precisely why we came up with our healthy hair mix. But seemingly healthy hair isn’t good enough for society - it has to fit into the ideals of beauty too. But should something as natural as greying hair, a cause for concern OR conversation? To get our questions (and yours) answered, we caught up with Homoeopathic doctor (and our founder’s mum) Dr. Rashmi Closepet, who recently decided to go grey.  Read on to know more about the cause of grey hair, the role of genetics and stress on it, and even about finding acceptance in ageing gracefully.  Q: What exactly triggers the greying of hair? A: The greying of hair is a natural phase we all go through, especially in your 30’s and 40’s as your body is not producing as many pigment cells. So the hair’s melanin production slows down, causing your hair to lighten. However, there are conditions and medications that can cause premature grey hair as well.  Vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, copper deficiency, and zinc deficiency can cause premature grey hair as well as thyroid issues, poor circulation, neurodegenerative disorders, (any conditions that weaken nervous system/spine), many skin conditions such as vitiligo and alopecia as well. Those who do excessive chemical treatments on their hair - like heat styling or dyeing - are thought to be more likely to experience premature greying.  Q: Does the greying of hair all have to do with genetics? A: Much of science points to genes as a dominant factor in the greying process of hair, but in my opinion, it mostly has to do with the fact that people usually have similar lifestyles, eating habits, and stress management patterns as their parents and grandparents but there is no way to “scientifically” measure this so it gets chalked up to “genetics.”  Q: What are some ways to prolong the natural color and delay greying?A: Some ways to prolong the natural pigment and melanin in our hair is by finding healthier ways to manage our stress and letting go of alcohol, smoking, and anything that takes a toll on our organs (especially our detox systems: blood, liver, kidney). Q: What are some things to do, to reduce stress and to improve our lifestyle?A: Healing any oxidative stress or chronic inflammation in our bodies can be a huge help in allowing our bodies more time until our hair begins greying. This means letting go of certain foods in our life such as saturated fats, processed sugars, processed foods, red meats, dairy, soda, etc. (basically anything that causes inflammation in the body which can be unique to the individual). Consuming more antioxidant rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and foods and herbs that address iron, zinc, b12, and copper deficiencies. Q: What are your thoughts on the perception of “grey hair” in society?A: I know our society basically pushes old people to the side but once upon a time greying hair was a sign of wisdom. It’s nice to see more women embracing their natural greying hair because it used to signify who was an elder that achieved spiritual maturity and knowledge. It’s a natural process but I understand why in our society women feel the need to dye their hair. Maybe the solution would be to come up with different options like healthier hair dyes or different ways to embrace grey hair and include examples from cultures that still hold this process in high regard. - -  …And that's on developing a better approach towards your hair's health and appearance. We hope this little conversation can help you find peace and comfort with your hair, no matter where it's at.  If you’ve got more questions, do leave them as comments. 

Top 7 adaptogens to add to your beauty routine for glowing skin and hair growth in 2022

Edited by Aparrna Gupta Earlier this year, we sent beauty and wellness writer Aparrna Gupta (@aparrnawritesbeauty) our plant-based adaptogen blends to try. We appreciate her ‘beauty-inside-out’ approach to glowing skin and hair and how she frequently shares her insights on social media about ‘beautiful living’ as a balance between abundance and sustainability.Aparrna embraced and appreciated the concept of beauty superfoods but left us with a question – what if it could taste better? This feedback resonated with others we received. Recently we updated our best-sellers, ‘Healthy Hair’ and ‘Feel Good Skin’, improving their taste profile while also increasing their potency. And that’s when Aparrna got into a detailed conversation with our founder Vibha Harish on the ingredients, benefits and sourcing of Cosmix products. AG: What are adaptogens?VH: Adaptogens are plants that possess a unique ability to ‘adapt’ to the change in an environment. In a nutshell, adaptogenic herbs can identify an imbalance in the system and help restore balance. AG: Why should we include adaptogens in our diets?VH: Homeostasis, i.e. balance between external environments and our body’s internal environments, is essential for our overall health and well-being. An imbalance in these shows up in different ways. In a modern context, the stressful, fast-paced lives we live affect our gut, sleep, skin, and hair. In today’s times, adaptogens help our internal systems adapt, adjust and return to a balanced state of being. AG: Why is including adaptogens different from having supplements? VH: Supplements act as a stop-gap solution; they don’t solve a problem from a long-term perspective. On the other hand, adaptogens rely on your body’s natural ability to heal and balance itself. This characteristic becomes the differentiator because each body works differently and has different needs. Adaptogens ‘adapt’ to your body’s specific needs and help it achieve optimal wellness. AG: What's the idea behind Cosmix herbal mixes - 'Healthy Hair' and 'Feel Good Skin'?VH: The core idea behind each mix is to nudge people towards holistic health. These mixes don't just "fix" a problem; for the time being, it acts as a support system in the same way as our meals and veggies do. In particular, our mixes 'Healthy Hair' and 'Feel Good Skin' address concerns at a cellular and physiological level. So much of skincare is focused on topical care. But we fail to consider that most of our skin issues are a manifestation of internal problems like gut imbalance, cellular damage and ageing, hormonal imbalance, insufficient micronutrients to the skin and hair. The goal of ‘Healthy Hair’ and ‘Feel Good Skin’ is to help address these intrinsic issues and nourish the very cells that make up our hair and skin. This ensures that your skin and hair look their best because they are healthy and nourished and minimizes your dependence on topical care. AG: Who needs adaptogens?VH: Anyone who’s been struggling with unmitigated hair-fall and scalp issues, dullness, acne and weakened skin due to internal problems stand to benefit from these mixes. AG: How can we use it?VH: ‘Healthy Hair’ and ‘Feel Good Skin’ have been reformulated for more significant, more holistic benefits and ease of use. You need to take around half a teaspoon of a mix and add it to plain water. ‘Healthy Hair’ tastes like berries and ‘Feel Good Skin’ tastes like watermelon due to its natural ingredients.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by CosMix (@thecosmixway) AG: What if I have 'healthy' food? Why do I still need the mixes? VH: In our current lifestyles, having healthy food is essential, but there's also a higher chance of our body not getting enough micronutrients either due to the quality of ingredients or our lifestyle stressors in general. These mixes are formulated with high-quality superfoods sourced carefully from our farms in India and across the world. They help give our body that added support and more targeted care, while our daily diet takes care of everything else. Here are the top seven adaptogens according to herbalist Vibha proven to give you glowing skin and lustrous hair.1. Amla or Indian GooseberryNourishes hair follicles and improves scalp health to prevent damage and stimulate healthy hair growth. 2. Goji berryUsed in Chinese medicine due to it being rich in essential minerals that promote hair and scalp health. 3. Centella Asiatica A mild adaptogen that helps with collagen production and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. 4. Maqui BerryA powerhouse of anthocyanins helps protect skin from UV damage and lends antioxidant protection – a critical factor in maintaining firmer, plumper skin. 5. Nettle LeafThis herb is high in silica and sulphur, which combat hair loss and promote hair growth while restoring hair's natural colour. Nettle also balances the effects of hormone-related hair loss.  6. HorsetailIt contains high amounts of silica which increases the thickness and growth of hair. It also improves blood circulation, which causes hair to grow faster.  7. GingkoIt benefits the body's ability to handle stressors. It counteracts the effects of high-stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, thereby helping combat stress-related hair and skin issues. --Intrigued by the many benefits of these adaptogens and want to try them out yourself? Shop Cosmix's plant-based blends here.

How stress impacts hair growth and how to undo the damage

Constantly stressed? It can have adverse effects on your body, particularly your hair. To undo the damage, one has to first understand how the body responds to stress. Stress is unarguably an inevitable part of our lives. But daily struggles, change in the way of life, routines and the onset of a pandemic can all push your stress levels through the roof. When stress gets overly intense - and becomes an inseparable part of your everyday life - is when it can have a lasting impact on you. Over time, chronic stress can move your body into ‘survival mode’. For most people, this can lead to not just hair loss, but also impact your quality of sleep, digestion, energy levels etc. Hair growth involves three stages: 1) In growth (anagen stage), strands of hair push through the skin.2) In degeneration (catagen stage), hair ceases to grow, and the follicle at the base of the strand shrinks.3) In rest (telogen stage), hair falls out and the process can begin again. But here’s how chronic stress can disrupt this natural hair growth cycle: It causes a spike in the hormone cortisol, which sends signals throughout your body that push hair follicles into the ‘resting phase’ where stem cells are inactive. Ideally, during the ‘growth phase’ stem cells in the hair follicle divide and become new cells that regenerate hair. When stress causes a change in hormonal balance, stem cells perceive this as a harmful environment, signaling the hair to stop growing and fall out instead. All of this to say that you might not realize the effect long-term stress has on you, until a while later, when the damage is done. As with most conditions, hair fall remedies also begin from within. Here are three basic changes to add to your routine for healthy hair: 1) Stress Management This might sound obvious, but the best hair fall remedy for stress-induced hair loss is to manage stress. Set aside a small amount of time each day for meditation, relaxation, yoga or exercise to calm the mind and de-stress the body. 2) SleepSleep is the simplest (albeit indirect) form of haircare. It is especially crucial to try to get at least 8 hours of shut eye every night. Sleep promotes protein synthesis of the hair and releases the hormone melatonin which has been linked to hair growth. 3) Natural Hair SupplementsAlways remember – there is no such thing as a quick fix. A nutritious diet, a decent haircare routine and a good lifestyle are the key to healthy hair. Natural hair supplements contain the right mix of nutrients that can restore your hair back to a strong and shiny state.   Looking for a natural hair supplement? Try our Healthy Hair mix for haircare from within! This bestseller is packed with ingredients like amla, sunflower seeds, moringa and more to strengthen your hair, stimulate follicles for a healthier scalp and promote hair growth. For everything you need to know about our mix, click here. Want to use our mix in a recipe? Click here for inspo! Also read: 4 nutrients your hair needs for healthy growth How to care for your hair the holistic way   References: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-stress-causes-hair-loss https://share.upmc.com/2018/12/losing-hair-from-stress/

Feel Good Skin: All You Need to Know

Does your journey of self-care involve growing more comfortable in your own skin, being kinder to yourself and nourishing your skin from within? If yes, Feel Good Skin might just be what you’re looking for. To help you decide better, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this bestselling mix.  What exactly does Feel Good Skin Do? Feel Good Skin is power-packed with skin-loving super-foods! Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Omega-3, and antioxidants, this mix will nourish your skin from the inside, protect it from harmful free radicals, improve clarity, and help fight signs of aging at a cellular level. How does it work? Feel Good Skin contains the necessary components that the skin requires to synthesize new cells by replenishing the lost nutrients. These new cells are adept in bridging the gaps created in the skin and retaining moisture, as well as heal any damage caused by the environment.  Its star ingredients are:  Burdock root, which assists the liver in detoxification, thus improving your skin’s radiance and preventing acne due to toxins. Watermelon is high in Vitamin C and water content which helps in keeping the skin supple and hydrated. Centella, which is a certified skin super-herb, also locally known as Gotu Kola. It is used to speed up the healing of wounds, stretch marks, wrinkles and more. With the shedding of old dead skin cells, Feel Good Skin leaves you with radiant, soft and healthy skin that makes you feel good, true to its name. What makes Feel Good Skin better than a topical applicant? As effective as topical products are, owing to the fact that they address the problem directly, there is an alternative way to approach skin conditions and stressors. Food! Nutritious food has always been a fundamental requirement to leading a healthy lifestyle and one of the visible markers of health is clear, radiant skin.  Feel Good Skin works from within and causes a generalized improvement in the quality and smoothness of your skin, for longer durations of time, as opposed to creams or soaps that only work for as long as you apply them. With Feel Good Skin you enjoy the benefits of healthy skin just by taking ¼ - ½ teaspoon of the mix a day! You can supplement this mix with serums and oils which will boost their functioning as well. How long should I take to see results? Our skin is in a constant state of regeneration. It functions in a manner similar to that of an escalator. The new cells are generated at the bottom and they slowly move up layer by layer, losing their vitality in the process, and then are shed off from the top. That is what is referred to as ‘dead cells’. This entire escalator process lasts about 6 weeks on an average, depending on factors like nutrition, sun exposure, external damage etc. Therefore, while the chances are high that you notice changes in about 3 weeks, for certain individuals it may take longer.  The core rule of any form of skincare is consistency. Instant fixes are not long-term solutions. You have to stick with it for long enough to be able to see results. We, thus, advise continuous usage of Feel Good Skin for a minimum period of 2 months. Our customers have started noticing differences in their skin from within 3 weeks to 3 months of regular consumption.  When should I take it? Whenever you’d like! With the benefits of Feel Good Skin comes its ease in usage as well. There are no rigid rules for consuming this mix. Our only recommendation: having it at the same time every day to make a habit of it.  How should I take it? Feel Good Skin can be taken with a glass of water, juice, or milk, as per your convenience. If you wish to take it mixed with your meals, that can also be done.  To give you some inspiration, here’s a recipe you can try!  How much should I take? We recommend taking about ¼ - ½ teaspoon of the mix per day, at the time of your convenience.  Does it help with acne? Acne can be caused by accumulation of dead cells followed by infection with bacteria causing redness, bumps, and occasional oozing of pus. Hormonal imbalances can also cause acne. These are conditions that require the supervision of a professional, and we recommend consulting one for a more targeted treatment. However, along with the treatment regime, you can use Feel Good Skin side-by-side to help in maintaining the treated skin at optimal condition and prevent any worsening. Does it help with eczema? Eczema is an intrinsic condition that warrants local application of moisturizing agents and in extreme cases, topical medication. Feel Good Skin is not a treatment of any kind for such a condition, but may be used along with local treatments to possibly prevent occurrences. Does it help with pigmentation? Pigmentation, either hypo (white spots) or hyper (dark spots), is a disorder related to Melanin – the skin pigment – and its metabolism. Any such abnormal pigmentation requires a consultation with a professional health care provider. Feel Good Skin prevents the occurrence of hyperpigmentation due to environmental damage or due to lotions and cream abuse, but is not a cure of any kind. Does it reduce wrinkling? Wrinkling is an effect of loss of collagen – the stabilizing protein in our body – most commonly due to old age. The body loses its ability to synthesise new collagen fibrils and thus the elasticity of skin is lost with advancing age. This is an irreversible process unless directly treated with collagen inducing agents. Feel Good Skin, however, slows down the loss of collagen by enabling regeneration of healthy skin cells and fresh collagen by the body. This helps in preventing premature ageing and gives your skin a youthful glow.  Can it be mixed with other Cosmix products? Yes! In fact, we recommend using Feel Good Skin along with our What Women Want or Happy Gut mix! Is it safe for pregnant and lactating women? Although there have been no reports of any effects, we do not recommend consumption of any herbal products during this time, as a precautionary measure.  Is it safe for children? Children are usually found to possess adequate skin healing and regenerative mechanisms in their body owing to their young age. It is, therefore, not advised to be given to children, though consumption poses no risk. Does it have any side effects or allergic reactions? Our customers have reported no occurrences of allergic reactions or side effects triggered by the consumption of our mix and have seen satisfying positive results throughout.  However, it must be known that allergic reactions in any individual are based on their genetic predisposition and a physician must be consulted immediately should you notice any symptoms.  Get set to make your skin feel good! Click here. 

Healthy Hair: All You Need To Know

Stressed about your tresses? Healthy Hair is here to give your hair the support and nourishment it needs, via a careful selection of nature’s best hair-loving ingredients. To help you begin your journey to the mane of your dreams, we’ve answered some of the most important and frequently asked questions about Healthy Hair.  What exactly does Healthy Hair Do? Healthy Hair is an assorted mix of plant products that has exclusive benefits for growth and regrowth of luscious hair. Our hair receives most of its nutrition and sustenance through the blood supply at its root, which is present below the upper layer of skin. Healthy Hair supplies the root with the necessary materials required to build strong hair and patch up irregularities, from within. Thus, it provides a steady availability of support and nutrition which ensures overall improvement in quality of hair.  How does it work? To understand that, let’s understand the growth cycle of our hair! Hair grows from the follicle, or root, underneath the skin. It is ‘fed’ by blood vessels at the base of the follicle, which give it the nourishment it needs to grow. Between starting to grow and falling out years later, each hair passes through four stages:  Anagen or growth phase. This is where follicles produce an entire hair shaft from tip to root.Catagen or regression phase. This is where follicles reset.Telogen or rest phase. This is where follicles prepare their stem cells so that they can receive the signal to start the next growth phase and make the new hair shaft.  Hair growth happens during anagen phase which lasts about 10 years on an average. It is during this phase that the hair requires most nutrition and is also most susceptible to damaging agents. Once damaged or aged, it reaches the catagen phase which lasts 10 days and then enters the shedding phase for a period of 10 weeks following which new hair is formed.  No amount of supplements and/or treatments can revive the hair once it has reached the final rest phase. Over time, the length of the anagen stage decreases as well. Therefore, the hair may become weaker and thinner after each cycle. That’s why it’s important to ensure your diet is rich in specific nutrients to maintain normal, healthy hair growth. Therefore, all efforts must be directed towards maintaining the hair in the growth phase. And that is where Healthy Hair comes in. It is a combination of ingredients formulated to improve the circulation and along with it, give your hair roots the help it needs to keep the hair from regressing into the irreversible stage.  What’s in it? Healthy Hair contains some of the most hair-loving ingredients Mother Nature has to offer, namely: Amla contains phytonutrients, minerals and is a rich source of Vitamin C which produces collagen protein needed for strengthening the hair. It is also known to be a natural conditioner. It improves pigmentation and thus addresses the problem of greying hair.  Nettle’s unique vitamin content, especially Vitamin E, can facilitate the growth of new hair on the scalp. Horsetail contains high levels of selenium which aidsthe body in processing iodine, our hair growth regulator. This creates better cell turnover, improves circulation, and allows hair follicles to grow faster and healthier, Bamboo shoot is rich in silica mineral which helps to strengthen your blood vessels and improve circulation. It is also supportive of the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans – the main agents responsible for retaining moisture. Amla, goji, strawberry, and pitaya all provide protective properties. They are high in vitamin C which increases antioxidants that can fight against hair loss-related conditions, and boost the production of collagen as well. Goji berry and nettle contain zinc, a mineral that infuses the scalp with balanced levels of oil to prevent dandruff, a common cause of hair loss. What makes Healthy Hair better than oils and shampoos? The local application of oils, serums and shampoos work on the outer, exposed shaft and merely clean any dirt accumulation. Certain effective topical treatments also cover pores, prevent accumulation of excess sebum etc. However, they are temporary measures and require frequent application. These also have possible scalp side effects resulting from the chemicals used in them, such as detergents or lather-forming agents.  We recommend using Healthy Hair in addition to your shampoo and hair treatments, as 2 ways is definitely better than one! It is pertinent to find the right kind of shampoo, conditioner and hair serum that may help you, for which you may consult a specialist.  How long does it take to see results? The hair at the end of its cycle tends to fall out in a matter of 10 weeks. Following this event, in their place, new hair is formed and enters the growth phase of its cycle lasting about 10 years. In order to form new hair, old dying hair must fall out and make way for the new one. This process can be known to take 3-6 months on an average, depending on nutritional and environmental factors.  Healthy Hair helps in hastening the process, slightly, with its active agents. However, remember that the mix must be regularly consumed for a minimum period of 3 months to notice positive changes. It may take longer than 3 months too as each one’s body, hair and health is unique. Most of our customers have noticed a stark reduction in hair fall and improvement in quality of hair with 3 months of usage. We advise you to take the mix for as long as possible to continuously support hair growth. When should I take it? Whenever you like! One of the great things about Healthy Hair is its ease of usage. There are no rigid conditions as to when you should consume this mix. Our only recommendation is that you have it at the same time every day to make a habit of it.  How should I take it? Healthy Hair can be taken with a glass of water, juice, or milk, as per your convenience.  Here’s a recipe to help you have some fun with this mix!  How much should I take? We recommend taking about ¼ - ½ teaspoon every day, at a time of your convenience. Does it help with hair-fall? Approximately 50 to 150 hairs can fall out daily, this is considered to be normal hair shedding. If your observed hair-fall is within this category, you have nothing to worry about. However, if you notice a significantly larger amount of hair-loss, there can be various factors responsible.  Anemia – low hemoglobin commonly due to iron deficiency – is the primary cause of hair fall in women, whereas in men it is inherited balding. The other factors are recent occurrence of fever and/or any severe illness, pregnancy, trauma, poor nutrition, dandruff and other infections.  The components of Healthy Hair have been selected specifically to target the nutritional depletion factor and adequately replenish the same. Each of the ingredients independently works to provide strength to the roots, increase blood supply and aid in synthesis of necessary proteins to form healthy, lustrous, luscious hair. Healthy Hair has been proven to help most of our customers not only with a reduction in hair fall, but also increasing quantity and quality of hair. However, excessive hair loss could also be a symptom of an underlying condition, which you will need to address first. We suggest consulting a trichologist. In case you already are, Healthy Hair can be used along with the medication prescribed by the doctor, if approved. Does it help with premature greying of hair? Yes. The Amla component present in the mix is a very common agent in hair colouring mixes and has been found with plenty of research to reduce early pigmentation. This is due to its antioxidant property that allows the hair to remain healthy enough to retain its dark pigment. However, since multiple factors like stress or scalp infections also play a role in causing greying, premature greying cannot be tackled without addressing these issues first.  We recommend taking the product for a minimum of 2 months to notice any changes with respect to reversal of greying. Can it be mixed with other CosMix products? Yes! In fact, we recommend using Healthy Hair along with our Feel Good Skin. Hair and skin form primary aesthetic components of our body and are always the first to take a hit in case of any stress endured by the body. It is also well known that, with great skin and hair comes great self-confidence. Both our products work together to provide your body with the support and nurturing it needs to help you look fabulous. Is it safe for pregnant and lactating women? Cosmix is safe for most pregnant women and lactating mothers. However, we suggest having it after 6 months of delivery and consult your doctor before taking this mix.We have a lot of our favourite customers who consume our mixes after consulting with their doctors and it's safe!  Is it safe for children? Children are usually found to possess very few hair-related issues owing to their young age. It is, therefore, not advised to be given to children, although it poses no risk to them. In case of any observed symptoms, kindly consult with your local dermatologist. Does it have any side effects or allergic reactions? Our customers have reported no occurrences of allergic reactions or side effects triggered by the consumption of our mix and have seen satisfying positive results throughout. However, please note that allergic reactions are based on genetic factors, and a physician must be consulted immediately should you notice any symptoms.  Ready for Healthy Hair? Click here to buy!