OUR STORY

I had been living in India for about 16 years. After returning to the western world, settling in California US, skin problems arose that I hadn’t noticed during my time in India. An extra thick layer on the bottom of the feet is very useful on very hot temple compound grounds where shoes are not allowed. Of course the body will acclimate to its circumstances after 16 years. After returning I was not able to moisturise my skin. It seemed to be too thick to absorb. The dry skin on my elbows cracked open and would bleed. It felt very tight all over, ready to crack anywhere, and was very uncomfortable. This became a disturbance that could not be ignored. Of course I was trying lotions and butters, from low to high price range but nothing seemed to work. What now?

I began to study about how plants effect the skin, especially looking into Korean, Japanese and Ayurvedic approaches. I took them apart to see what works and what doesn’t. Hearing about fermented skin care, I put together a mixture with a Ferment Filtrate of blueberry to help my condition. Then something magically unexpected happened. Layers of skin just literally rolled off my whole body leaving soft skin. So I purchased a lot of Korean and Japanese skincare that was highly praised. I looked into the ingredients listed and reviews of trusted sources. It became my main subject to study since Covid started around that time, and my in person healing practice had stopped. So I tested these products, and carefully observed the effects on the skin.

The desire to formulate my own skincare grew. Grateful for my connections in India and Asia, I received ingredients that where not available in US. I bought many high quality herbs and oils. Together with my good friend and brother Dr. Saikumar Varma we started to target formulations for face creams. Fermented ingredients became essential to my face care. My own products worked best on my skin. I sent it to friends to check it out. I was amazed and encouraged by the feedback. This was the beginning of “Laayaskinsecret.” I used the power of organic plants to address several skin types and conditions. All my products got names sounding like little magical friends as they are in fact exactly that! The Blueberry fairy cream was an accident of using too much Cacao and Shea butter turning it in to a paste. Of course highly effective water based ingredients where also part of it. It was after all melting like butter on the skin. This became the bestselling product used on every skin type and whole families. It still sells very well.

Deodorants needed some attention also. Many people I talked with complained about toxic ingredients in them. These are applied to a very sensitive area of the body, where chemicals are easily absorbed. So I added deodorants to my line. Step by step more products were added. I also incorporated Essential Oils from India that I love. Sandalwood, Jasmine, Rose and Lotus Oils of medicinal quality are the main ingredients in my luxurious body butters and are of course available as a roll-on. These are precious liquids that are also used in Ayurvedic Medicine. Laayaskinsecret has developed two pillars, One is the Essential Oils, the other face care with Ferment Filtrates that turn every cream into a probiotic product.

Like divine intervention my good friend Martina Stevens came back in to my life, whom I knew from the Ashram in India. She is a professional Photographer and Model and was willing to help startup my line. She also became the face of my brand and is a very important part of my business. That is how it all began.

All ingredients I use are organic, vegan and cruelty free, including plants from our garden like Aloe Vera and Chamomile . I am creating all my products with care, love and consideration. We hope our small business will grow and reach out further delivering a high standard, and affordable products.