Did you know that Ayurveda is 9th with more than 5 and a half million Google searches out of the 20 most popular alternative medicines? Recently, I attended a Zoom meeting about Avya Advanced Ayurvedic Skincare. In Sanskrit, AVYA means the “first rays of the sun.” Their skincare focuses on your skin (outer beauty) while letting your inner beauty shine through.
Deepika Vya, a Pharmacist trained in the power of Ayurveda, and her partner, Tanuj Nakra, MD created Avya Advanced Ayurvedic Skincare. Naturally, these products are clean beauty. There are no parabens, phthalates, or animal testing. The products are also GMO, sulfate, and gluten-free. Since I have sensitive skin, I’m delighted that Avya products are also hypo-allergenic and dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.
What is Ayurveda?
According to WebMD Ayurvedic medicine (“Ayurveda” for short) is one of the world’s oldest holistic (“whole-body”) healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India. It’s based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Its main goal is to promote good health, not fight disease. But treatments may be geared toward specific health problems.
Now that we have that out of the way, what are the products like? The company combines ancient philosophy with high-tech science to make formulas made with nutrient-rich botanicals. There are products for dry, oil, combo and sensitive skin.
I like all of this. But do the products deliver?
Avya Hydroveda Essentials Daily Detox Clay Mask.
I was eager to try the new Avya Hydroveda Essentials Daily Detox Clay Mask. This has camphor to clarify the skin, and minimize pores, and salicylic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells. Bentonite clay absorbs impurities and toxins. Zinc supports collagen and elastin production. I liked the rich cream and cooling feeling on my skin as it dried for 10 minutes. When I washed it off, my skin was super soft and smooth.
However, the Camphor smell is strong so be warned if you’re not a fan. To my disappointment, no applicator was included. Either you provide an applicator or you will be sticking your fingers into the jar. During the seminar, I learned that Ayva is trying to reduce waste and be eco0friendly. But in my opinion, an applicator is important since the product in jars can be contaminated more quickly.
Hydroveda Sheer Tinted Moisturizer:
It’s thumbs up to the travel-friendly pump top tubes of hydroveda Sheer Tinted Moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 40 thanks to 2% titanium dioxide and 1% zinc oxide. There are currently two colors that are sheer enough to adjust: #1 is for Fair/Light skin tones and #2 is for Medium skin tones. Mineral pigments provide a hint of tint. I tried both colors and found that the light was just a teeny bit lighter.
These are infused with hydrating/moisturizing hylauronic acid. There is also antioxidant green chai extract, apple extract, Vitamin C, and soothing oat extract. I’d say that these are more like a bb cream/SPF hybrid. These feel lightweight on the skin and diffuse imperfections, but they’re not a replacement for foundation. For daily use and when you don’t feel like wearing foundation, they’re awesome!
Hydroveda Essentials Soothing + Calming Daily Cleanser:
I also tried the hydroveda Essentials Soothing + Calming Daily Cleanser. This arrives in a plastic bottle with a flip top. Therefore, I can keep it in my shower and don’t have to deal with slippery caps on bottles. It’s got a slight herbal scent, but nothing annoying. It whisks away dirt and light makeup, but also has anti-inflammatory ginger root and moisturizing argan oil.
This gentle cleanser is $28 for 8.2 fl. oz. But if your skin is dry or irritated, it’s well worth the money.
Try a Travel Set:
If you are not quite sure which products will suit you the best, you can use Avya’s 6-question quiz to help guide you to the right items. Or, even better, try out the Weekend Ayurvedic Skincare Set ($55) with four key products: Gentle Cleanser (30ml) + Anti-Aging Serum (10ml) + Eye Bright Cream (5ml) + Night Moisturizer (10ml). All of this is enclosed in the cutest little zippered pouch which I’m now using for a makeup bag in my purse.
Travel sizes are a great way to discover new products. Although Avya isn’t extremely expensive, there are lots of bundled products which let you try things at a discount.
Avya is definitely a company with products that fit a modern lifestyle. I even liked their blog story (clean vs natural vs. organic skincare). I really look forward to trying more of their good products in the future. For more information visit https://www.avyaskincare.com/
Editors Note: I am not getting paid for this endorsement other than accepting the product. I hate to have to continue to say this but my skin isn’t your skin. So if you are pregnant, nursing, have any type of skin issue or are just unsure about whether or not a product will be right for you, consult your medical professional. Also, please read our “Reviews and Safety” section in our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.
