Interview with Sandhya Mulchandani

Sandhya Mulchandani is a writer with over three decades of experience in the industry. She has worked with prestigious organizations such as The Times of India and is a published author. Sandhya has a multitude of interests such as classical music, philosophy, history and Ayurveda. Her most important job title however, is that of being my favorite aunt. So as you can see, the interest in ancient beauty remedies runs in the family.

Here is a short interview that I hope you all enjoy!

1. What is the history behind natural skincare?

'Woman...thy name is beauty'.

Known from the very beginning of time for their beauty and grace women and vanity have gone hand in hand. Archaeologists have found makeup in ancient Egyptian tombs and excavation sites thru much of the world. Beauty rituals range from practical to bizarre, as women then, and now, try to improve and keep what they have.

Egypt famous for its beautiful queens like Nefertiti and cleopatra were known for their beauty - famously bathing in donkey's milk laced with rose petals for hours. Then there were the Greek goddesses like Aphrodite and Helen of troy who used olive oil and honey on their skins.

In India dating back to 2500 Bc there is evidence of highly advanced ideas of beautification and a large array of various cosmetic usage both by men and women evolving into a fine art.

More importantly ancient Indians devised not just a superficial application of cosmetics to enhance beauty but believed that beauty was something that came from within. Beauty products were thus not just cosmetic, but had medicinal values. This kept one not just good looking, but healthy as well. Everything came from nature. Pure extracts with no additives. And if they didn't help they certainly had no side effects either.

Different kinds of oils, yogurt, and butter were used to keep the body and face soft and supple; Superfluous body and facial hair was considered unattractive and a large number of depilatory agents were recommended to get rid of it. Special ingredients were used for hair washes, hair growth, prevention of falling hair and premature graying. Hair dyes, fragrant hair rinses and fumigants were also in use. Fragrant bath powders and body deodorants also find frequent mention. Oral hygiene, mouth deodorants and coloring of lips were daily chores to be religiously pursued. It appears that the whole range of modern cosmetic usage was conceived by the ancient Indians and was practiced with the help of natural resources then available.

The study of plants and herbs and their effects was used widely in cosmetology. Neem and turmeric always known to have antiseptic properties were used for acne, summer prickly heat, boils, and gashes. Lemon and honey was used expensively for lightening skin colour, lamp black combined with castor oil, known as kohl, too had medicinal properties. Sandalwood paste both fragrant and cooling was used on the face as a sunscreen. Saffron dissolved in milk was used to lighten skin. Pastes made with ground walnut husks mixed with castor and sesame oils used as exfoliations. The list is endless.

2. Why is natural skincare and health care gaining more significance now?

Youthfulness is the preoccupation today, as ageing populations try very hard to stay and look young. The cosmetic industry panders to this need experimenting with chemical products to keep faces wrinkle free and surgeries to keep bodies taut. However, after half a decade of this, even they seem to have turned to nature. That being the case - why not go directly to the source? Turmeric mixed with sandalwood face masks are known keep skin supple. Vitamin C from lemons definitely reduces dark spots. Saffron is known to help acne and coconut oil is an all round panacea.

3. Why should someone choose natural skincare over the products offered at drug stores and high-end cosmetic brands?

These are products that are available in everyone's kitchen and come at almost no expense compared to the hundreds of dollars high end cosmetics cost. Moreover these are in its most natural and purest form. No additives, no preservatives, no perfumes. Why pay for brands when I can source the same ingredients at no cost?

4. What would you tell the most stubborn of naysayers, and those who are skeptical of natural alternatives?

Returning to nature is necessarily a good thing as its been tried and tested for millennia. In the past women without branded cosmetics and surgeries still not just looked good, but aged gracefully, depending only on natural products.

Using natural products is a no brainer.... How hard is it to squeeze a lemon , mix it with honey and use it on your face? And emerge with softer skin?

5. What are your favorite natural skincare brands?

I have no favourite brand... That's missing the point actually. I am talking about using only natural stuff in its purest form. No brand, no bottles, no tubes. And no paying for marketing and advertising costs. After all don't forget that the chemicals that go to make up cosmetics mimic what's available in nature.