Why do you need to add Copper Ingredients to your Skincare Regime?

Copper, also known as Tamra in Ayurveda, is a very well-known nutrient for its anti-microbial and healing properties. It is a trace mineral that plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells as well as the healthy functioning of muscles. Copper also plays an important role in the production of various enzymes, some of which act as antioxidants. These enzymes are involved in hemoglobin and collagen formation.

The Ayurvedic philosopher Acharya Charaka advocated the use of Tamra Patra (copper vessels) as a part of various treatments but also as a primary aspect of one’s daily routine or Dinacharya.

Following this, Indians have traditionally stored water in pure Copper vessels, overnight for its longevity and optimum health imparting benefits. Called Tamra Jal in Sanskrit, water stored in a Copper vessel has the ability to balance all the three doshas in our body Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which are responsible for the functioning of all the systems in the body. This happens due to the fact that the Copper ions in the vessel positively charge the water through a process called the Oligo Dynamic Effect, to effectively erase any traces of unsafe microbes from the water while also imparting potent nutrients to the water.

ESSENTIAL TIP: If you want to detox your gut, drink a large glass of water that has been stored in a Copper vessel early in the morning on an empty stomach.

Copper Water Benefits for Skin and Hair

While Copper may now be making a name for itself in skin care across the world,the ingredient has been a key part of Ayurveda and Indian tradition for centuries – to maintain youthful and clarified skin.

Copper as an Anti-Aging Agent

Packed with very strong antioxidant and cell forming properties, Copper fights free radicals – one of the main reasons for the formation of fine lines – and helps in the production of new and healthy skin cells that replace old, dull cells. Hence, it is associated with slowing down the skin aging process by reducing fine lines and playing a crucial role in boosting collagen and elastin production 

Copper for Sun Exposed, Blemished or Acne Prone skin 

Have acne or blemishes on your skin? Drink water stored in a Copper vessel. That is because, Copper is the main component in the production of melanin (a pigment that determines the color of your eyes, hair and skin) in our bodies. Melanin protects skin from sun damage, such as sun burns and tan. In addition, Copper also aids in the production of new cells at the top most layers of your skin. The regular replenishment of new cells is what results in smooth, blemish free and clear skin.

Copper for healing wounds. 

Rich in antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, Copper peptides help in maintaining the barrier function of the skin, by stimulating the cell regeneration and protein synthesis (Melanin). This, in turn, effectively strengthens the skin’s defenses from within, inhibits growth of microbes or fungi and heals wounds.

Copper to delay premature graying of hair.

Just as Melanin is important for the skin, it is an equally important mineral for the hair as it helps in maintaining natural hair colour. Copper rich foods such as avocados, lentils, almonds, sunflower seeds and dark chocolate, provide those essential nutrients to the body which help in maintaining the health of the hair. 

Copper for a healthy immune system.

Copper is anti-inflammatory in nature and is a powerhouse of antioxidants which helps to strengthen the immune system. It also helps in relieving pain caused due to Arthritis and back aches. Thus, copper vessels have been traditionally used to store water, to absorb its nutrients! 

Forest Essentials Products Prepared in Copper Vessels

In keeping with Indian traditions and Ayurveda, many of our products imbibe the benefits of Copper during their meticulous preparation.

Our collection of Ayurvedic Hair Care Products is prepared with herbal pastes that are heated, simmered and stored in copper vessels – which impart their own nutritional properties to each of the formulations. The range includes replenishing Hair Cleansers, enriching Hair Conditioners, nourishing massage oils, strengthening Hair Masks and a shine-enhancing Hair Vitalizer.

Also borrowing the benefits of Copper is the preparation of our exquisite Soundarya Facial Serum with 24 Karat Gold. Cured for months in Copper vats, the decoction absorbs the properties of Copper in addition to that of its key ingredients including Ashwagandha, pure Cow’s Milk, Turmeric, Liquorice and Gold Bhasma, this Facial Serum cum Oil evens out complexion for visibly brighter, younger and more nourished skin. Along with 24 Karat Gold, the benefits of Copper are absorbed by the skin.

Our Made SafeTM Certified Mother’s Stretch Mark Oil is prepared with potent ingredients like Green Turmeric and Kachura in a nourishing base of Coconut Oil, stored in copper vessels, to absorb its healing properties. When used during pregnancy, this oil actively targets stretch marks and patches that may appear on the skin.

Include Copper in Your Diet for Best Results

Add Copper rich foods in your diet

The recommended daily allowance of Copper is around 900 micrograms (mcg) a day for adolescents and adults.Foods like Sesame seeds, Cashews, Almonds, dark leafy green vegetables, and Mushrooms, should be added to your diet to give you the necessary dosage of the mineral. 

ESSENTIAL TIP: Protein rich foods in combination with Copper rich foods gives a boost to collagen formation and paves the foundation for a nourished and plumped complexion.Include milk, eggs, grains, soybeans, flax seeds, dark green and red vegetables and fruits in your diet.

Dr. Taruna Yadav

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.).

Diploma in Stress Management.

For Forest Essentials.