Venustas Essentials : Green Tea Body Polish

Wishing all you beauties and your loved ones a very Happy & Prosperous New Year!!

I am going to end this year by reviewing yet another body exfoliator, this time by Venustas Essentials.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Venustas Essentials HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Epsom Salt:  Magnesium salts such as epsom salts are extremely hydrating to the skin and highly therapeutic for skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis (1).  The salts are also beneficial for stress relief and muscular relaxation. They can help decrease inflammation and speed up the healing process in the body.   The sulfates they contain are also are also very cleansing and detoxifying to the body, helping remove toxins (1).

• Himalayan Pink Salt: The Himalayan crystal salts are also cleansing and detoxifying to the body and can help revitalise and re-energise a tired body, soothing aching muscles and joints (1). They are hydrating to skin leaving it soft and supple and are also fantastic for skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis.

• Brown & White Sugar: Acts as a natural exfoliator, does not clog pores, helps eliminate blemishes and restores balance to skin’s oils (2). Sugar contains glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.  The natural glycolic acid in sugar not only helps condition and moisturize the skin but protects it from toxins.

• Vitamin E Oil: Topical application of vitamin E oil promotes production of two important protein components namely, collagen and elastin that improves skin elasticity (3). This in turn reduces the appearances of the visible age spots, fine lines or wrinkles, and gives a younger-looking skin. Its antioxidant properties further fight off damaging effects of free radicals, and minimizes the chances of appearances of new wrinkles (3). For this reason, Vitamin E is used as a key ingredient in several anti-aging creams and lotions. Vitamin E also prevents water loss from the skin, and helps retain its natural moisture making dull, dry skin look healthy and well-moisturized (3). If it is used for the purpose of deep pore cleansing of dry skin on a regular basis, it restores the normal oil balance of the skin.

• Virgin Coconut Oil: The saturated fats in coconut oil are medium chain fatty acids or triglycerides, when applied on the skin, they keep it smooth. Due to the presence of these fats, coconut oil also retains the moisture content of the skin, as the fats eliminate moisture loss through the pores on skin (4). Capric/caprylic/lauric acids have strong disinfectant and antimicrobial properties which when applied on the skin, protects from microbial infections that can get into open wounds or even enter the body through the pores (4). Rich in vitamin E, it is essential for healthy skin growth, repair of wear & tear on the skin, keeping skin smooth and protecting against cracking (4) Above all, it prevents premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, since it has good antioxidant properties. Coconut oil is also rich in many proteins that keep skin healthy and rejuvenated, both internally and externally (4).

• Almond Oil: Contains vitamin E, which is one of the most potent antioxidants known. It can help repair some of the damage done to the collagen layer. The oil is especially rich in proteins, and can provide the amino acids required for the formation of collagen (5). External application of the oil can prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss from the skin.
  (Learn more about the benefits of sweet almond oil HERE!)

• Bentonite Clay: The clay is able to detoxify by binding to bacteria and toxins living on the surface of the skin and within pores (6). Bentonite clay helps shrinking pores, tightening and toning skin, removing impurities, sloughing off dead skin cells, and just making your skin look and feel great overall. It can also be used directly on pimples to reduce their size and inflammation and get rid of them faster (7).

• Fullers Earth: Loaded with several minerals, including quartz, magnesium, calcium, iron, silica, dolomite, and calcite, fullers earth has cleansing, oil-absorbing, and antiseptic properties (7). It exfoliates by eliminating dry skin, prevents acne and helps reduce the appearance of scars (8).

• Pure Green Tea & Extracts: Green tea contains catechins, which are anti-bacterial agents that suppress acne-causing bacteria and help regulate hormonal imbalances (9). It also possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the redness and inflammation brought about by acne, thereby helping them heal (9). The antioxidants and catechins are propelled into the  pores by the action of steam, thereby detoxifying, cleansing, refreshing and hydrating the skin. The EGCG compounds in green tea can actually reactivate skin cells that are dying due to poor lifestyle habits, exposure to sunlight and pollution (9). It contains high level of oligomeric proanthocyanidins that (OPC) help ward off premature aging by fighting free radicals and healing damaged cells (9). OPCs also inhibit the enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin’s strength and suppleness. The slightly abrasive texture of dry green tea leaves acts as a great exfoliator to banish dead skin cells and purge pollutants (9).

• Essential Oil of Peppermint: Peppermint oil has calming effects on skin inflammation due to its anti-microbial properties (10).

The green tea body polish comes in a 100 gm plastic container with an inner protective lid and a screw on top. Green in color, the polish is powdery in consistency and gritty/coarse in texture with a very detectable green tea/minty fragrance.

To use, I remove the required amount with a wooden spoon, add a little water and apply generously to dampened skin in circular motions until the sugar and salt grains have dissolved giving rough and dry ares extra attention and love. Rinse off thoroughly.

The whole grain sugars and salts in the green tea body polish provide gentle yet deep exfoliation. While exhilarating hints of mint & green tea provides an invigorating experience, the coconut & almond oil deeply condition for silky softness leaving the skin beautifully polished, hydrated and glowing. 

This body polish would work perfectly to unwind after a hot summer day.

Oilcraft Naturals : Kumkumadi Serum

Kumkumadi thailam also known as “Saffron oil” is an amalgamation of 16 ingredients with functions ranging from skin softening to lightening and provides cosmetic as well as therapeutic benefits to the face (1). Kumkuma means saffron, which is the key ingredient. Kumkumadi helps reduce dark spots, blemishes and lightens sun tan (2). Apart from being good anti-ageing oil, it also prevents fungal and bacterial infections.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Oilcraft Naturals HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Keshara (Saffron): Has non-volatile active components like carotenoids that are anti-oxidants which prevents free radical reactions. Saffron’s anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties make it an ideal acne treatment ingredient (3). It’s healing properties fastens up the healing process of wounds and removes scars and spots for a blemish free skin tone. A rich source of exfoliating properties, it easily removes scars and spots left behind from old wounds or cuts or acne eruptions and  has skin lightening properties that proactively promotes healthier and glowing skin (3). It also improves the quality of your skin by removing the dirt and impurities and tones the skin (3).

• Usira (Vetiveria Zizanioides): Helps to clear acne, and because it promotes skin regeneration and strengthens the connective tissue, it assists with wound healing and benefits aging skin (4).

• Kaliya (Berberis Aristata): Tree Turmeric is a potent anti-pyretic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and an antiseptic, promotes wound healing and nourishes the skin (5).

• Laksha (Laccifer Lacca): An astringent (6).

• Yashtavya (Licorice-Glycyrrhiza Glabra): Licorice can help reduce the appearance of age spots and dark areas of hyperpigmentation on skin (7). It contains an active compound called “glabridin,” which inhibits the enzyme that causes skin to darken in response to sun exposure. A natural skin whitening agent, glabridin helps decrease the production of melanin and rebalance skin cells (7). Licorice extract may also help diminish dark under-eye circles, and darkened areas caused by scars. Though the anti-inflammatory and whitening properties are the most attractive qualities in licorice for skin care, the extract also has powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin from free-radical induced damage, as well as “licochalcone,” which helps control oil production, making this a good ingredient for those with acne-prone skin (7).

• Chandana (Red Sandalwood): Red sandalwood or Rakta Chandana contains liquiritigenenin and isoliquiritigenin, both potent antioxidants and detoxifiers making it an ideal anti-ageing ingredient (8). Used to get glowing and even skin tone. It is also very beneficial for oily skin tone, where it can help reduce oiliness from skin. Due to its antimicrobial properties, red sandalwood is an effective treatment for acne/pimples (9). Its soothing and calming effect helps treating tans and sun burns.  Red sandalwood can also be used to nourish and soothe irritated skin (9).

• Manjishta (Rubia Cordifolia): Indian Madder is beneficial in treating skin conditions like uneven pigmentation and eczema (10). It works well to alleviate the acne lesions, imparts glow and soothes the skin, clears inflammation, acts as an antiseptic and an astringent (10). Effective in removing freckles and other discoloration of the skin, thereby promoting fair and healthy skin (10).

• Padmaka (Prunus Cerasoides): External application of paste useful as anti-pruritic (itch) and complexion enhancer (11).

• Neelotpala (Nymphaea Stellata): Anti-aging & rejuvenation (12). The lotus has natural moisture that conditions and hydrates skin, the  natural alpha-hydroxy acids help exfoliate the outer layer of skin, allowing younger cells to rise to the surface resulting  is skin that can more efficiently regenerate itself to heal and restore a youthful look (13). The anti-inflammatory property helps calm inflammation, reducing redness and acne outbreaks while the proteins in lotus help to repair the skin’s structure, restoring strength and elasticity (13). Lotus also helps stimulate blood flow, which can bring new liveliness to the complexion.

• Nyagrodha (Ficus Bengalensis): It helps wound healing, suppresses inflammation, help lighten brown spots caused due to acne scarring, and the patches in the skin. (14).

• Plaksha (Ficus Lacor): Used in healing of wounds (15).

• Kamala Keshara (Pollen Of Lotus): Retards aging and moisturizes the skin (16).

• Dashamoola (Ten Herbs): Regenerates cells of the body (17).

• Bilva (Aegle Marmelos): The psoralen present in the pulp of bael fruit increases tolerance of sunlight which aids in the maintenance of normal skin color and had anti-inflammatory properties (18).

• Agnimantha (Premna Mucronata): Anti-inflammatory functions and helps clear complexion (19).

• Pattanga (Caesalpinia Sappan): Antibacterial and antioxidant activity and improves complexion (20).

• Ajikshira (Goat Milk): Is rich in essential fatty acids and triglycerides (21). The essential fatty acids have a unique pH similar to humans, so it is less irritating and more easily absorbed by our skin. These fatty acids and triglycerides are super moisturizing (21). Goat’s milk contains precious skin minerals like selenium and is loaded with vitamins, particularly vitamin A, the most important vitamin for the skin (21). As with other milks, goat’s milk contains lactic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It assists to gently slough off dead skin cells and helps to hydrate and brighten the skin. It is both an anti-aging wonder and a lifesaver for dry and sensitive skin (21).

• Taila (Oil Of Sesamum Indicum): The presence of vitamin E and zinc in this oil helps in augmenting the elasticity of the skin; repairs damaged skin cells and promote the production of collagen (22). Massaging your skin with this nourishing natural emollient aids in preventing the symptoms of aging, wrinkles, acne, psoriasis, wounds, burns and other skin infections (22). Sesame oil also protects your skin from dangerous ultra-violet rays.

This Oilcraft Naturals kumkumadi serum comes in a 8 mL tinted glass bottle with an in built dropper. The serum is fluid in consistency, a semi light texture, reddish orange color (almost like iodine tincture) and has the most amazing aromatic saffron fragrance.

To use, after cleansing my face in the morning, I spritz my face with the brands rose facial mist, add 2-3 drops of the serum to my palm and apply it to dampened skin in circular motion.

Kumkumadi serum seems to be the skincare trend this year. Almost every skincare brand makes various versions of this serum but the root ingredients are almost always the same with slight variations. I chose Oilcraft Naturals for two reasons: (1) Price point (2) My previous positive experience with their products. This serum is manufactured by Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakal for Oilcraft Naturals.

100% ayurvedic, this serum also dubbed as "Miraculous Beauty Fluid" is a unique blend of oils and herbs formulated to help skin look young hydrated, clean and illuminated.

Just like their other products this one does not disappoint either. I have been using it for over a week and have noticed some sweet results. The brand's bestseller, the serum does not stain the skin and gets instantaneously absorbed into the skin. Though not very heavy, the serum does a great job at hydration. There is a  big difference in the complexion and in a few days, you will notice the skin to be illuminative, consistent and clearer. The aromatic saffron smell is definitely a bonus.

True on quality, the Oilcraft Naturals Kumkumadi Serum makes it to my skincare staple.