Rustic Art : Aloe Vera - Lavender Gel

For a while now I have been looking for an Aloe Vera Gel. However all the aloe gels I found used artificial preservatives such as parabens, phenoxyethanol etc. This is because the oxidation process begins exactly the moment aloe vera gel comes in contact with the air. So when I came across Rustic Art's Aloe Vera - Lavender Gel which is not only free of artificial preservatives and certified organic but also meant specifically for dry skin, I was intrigued.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Founded by aunt-neice duo, Sunita Jaju and Swati Maheshwari, Rustic Art makes and uses sustainable alternatives to chemical-based products. Eco-friendly, handmade, free of chemicals and harmful elements, the brand uses only certified organic products in their formulations. 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

•  Organic Aloe Vera: 

 1. Helps with sunburn through its powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture and because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker (1). 

2. Moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel, for men: Aloe vera gel can be used as an after shave treatment as its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving (1).

3. Aloe vera gel contains six antiseptic agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulfur (1). They all have inhibitory action on fungi, bacteria and viruses. Giberellin in aloe vera acts as a growth hormone stimulating the growth of new cells. It allows the skin to heal quickly and naturally with minimal scarring (2). Aloe contains the enzyme Bradykinase which helps to reduce excessive inflammation, blistering and itchiness,when applied to skin topically helping the skin to heal more rapidly (1). Additionally, in Ayurvedic medicine, Aloe is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema (2).

4. Aloe leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin's natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated (1).

5.Contains over 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids and salicylic acid (1).

6. Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic (2). 

• Lavender Extract: According to dermatologists and aromatherapists, lavender essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils in the treatment of acne,by inhibiting the bacteria that cause the initial infection (3). Aggravated skin caused by stress can be calmed by lavender as it has stress-relieving properties (4). Its property as a normalizing agent can heal wounds and help stimulate new cell growth and regeneration (4). 

• Natural Preservative of TCLS: Natural preservative system based on three key essential oils: Turmeric Oil (Curcuma longa), Clove Bud Oil (Syzgium Aromaticum), Lemon Grass Oil (Cymbopogen Citratus) and Sesame Oil (Sesamum Indicum) (5).

•  Vit - E: It protects the skin from environmental pollution, It has a protecting action against UV radiation – although it cannot be classed as a sunscreen, it is an excellent moisturiser, it contains powerful anti-inflammatory action – and this can prevent the signs of premature ageing, as inflammatory conditions in the skin is a leading cause of skin ageing, it has excellent wound healing properties (6). Apart from all of these excellent qualities, vitamin E also enhances and helps with the penetration of other compounds into the skin and is itself well absorbed by human skin (6). 

 
The primary reason I was rummaging for an all natural aloe gel was to treat the rashes I get after eyebrow threading. Soon it doubled as my husband's after shave balm too. The product comes in a 100 gm transparent plastic jar with a screw on lid. There is protective inner lid to prevent any leakage and it does a good job making it travel friendly. 

The gel is clear in color, sticky in consistency and has a mild lavender fragrance to it. When applied, it glides on easily and when used in the right proportions, there is no residual stickiness. 

The efficacy of the gel is astounding. Due to my skin sensitivity, I get red rashes a day after I thread my eyebrows which gets itchy and lasts a couple of days after. The skin around the threaded area also gets blotchy and difficult to touch. So the last time my skin threatened to break out after the procedure, I applied a liberal dose (a couple of times a day) around the area and to my surprise the skin soothed and there was no redness, no breakout or itchiness. I think in the summer time, this might double as a good moisturizer, however for the winters this will not work for my dry/dehydrated skin.

I am pretty impressed by the product and if like me, you are looking for a good quality aloe gel free of artificial preservatives, your search ends here!! 

Give it a go and let me know how it fared for you!