Abstract
ABSTRACT:
Uneven skin tone is one of the major cosmetological concerns due to disruption in melanin pigmentation/deposits. The pathophysiology in increased melanin deposits is triggered due to multiple factors like excessive exposure to sunlight, dryness, buildup of dead skin cells and slowing down of collagen production. The primary mode of management is cleansing the facial skin with scrubs. Plenty of cosmetic manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies launch different products targeted at addressing the issue. However, most often these products do more harm than benefit causing skin problems like folliculitis. Utsaadana is one of the specific powder massage techniques in Ayurveda that helps in the exfoliation of dead skin cells thereby increasing the collagen synthesis and hydration of skin leaving a lustrous glow. A female patient aged 23 and was a student reported to the OPD of Amrita school of Ayurveda with presenting complaints of dryness of facial skin, uneven skin tone with several blackheads and whiteheads. She was advised Utsaadana with Varnyagana churna (medicated powder mixture) mixed with tilataila (sesame oil) for 30 days. The assessment was done with the Dermalab combo series before and after the treatment. The results found significant improvement in hydration, skin colour (melanin value), collagen intensity, dryness, acne, blackheads and whiteheads, loss of glow, discolouration and dark circles below eyes. Utsaadana was effective in improving skin tone in the patient. A clearer picture of the obtained result can only be drawn by replicating the study in a larger group and statistically analyzing the results.

Key words: Ayurveda cosmetology; Case report; Facial skin tone; Herbal cosmetics; Utsaadana, Varnya gana