Friday, February 26, 2016

Aroma Essentials : Manjistha Scrub


Aroma Essentials never ceases to surprise me with its products and varied ingredient list. Along with her experience Madhurima employs Ayurveda’s rich and insightful perspective on skin imbalances and their origins to create surprises that pacify your skin conditions while invoking its inner radiance.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Aroma Essentials HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS
  • Manjistha Powder (Rubia cordifolia): Indian Madder is beneficial in treating skin conditions like uneven pigmentation and eczema (1). It works well to alleviate the acne lesions, imparts glow and soothes the skin, clears inflammation, acts as an antiseptic and an astringent (1). Effective in removing freckles and other discoloration of the skin, thereby promoting fair and healthy skin (1).
  • Red Sandalwood: A virtual ware house of goodness and has antiseptic, astringent, anti inflammatory and disinfectant properties (2). The antiseptic quality of sandalwood benefits to treat rashes, acne, blackheads and other skin eruptions, its germicidal quality inhibits the growth of bacteria (2). It is also a natural astringent, especially for oily skin and also helps in toning up the skin (2).
  • Oats: Gentle on the skin, oatmeal does not forcibly peel away dead and dying skin cells from the surface of the skin, instead, oatmeal contains over a dozen amino acids, which are vital for building healthy skin tissue and for healing the skin (3). During an oatmeal face mask treatment, the skin will absorb these acids, which will help to heal minor imperfections, blemishes, and to help repair uneven skin tone (3). As oatmeal has humectant properties it allows the skin to retain moisture, thus hydrating the skin. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, oatmeal is the treatment of choice for sensitive skin (3). Another benefit to oatmeal is that it absorbs oil, so you will be cleansing as you exfoliate.
  • Wheat Flour: Whole wheat flour contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that binds environmental toxins, promotes cell respiration, stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory compounds and slows the aging process of the skin (4). Since it contains extra fiber, it may provide additional exfoliating benefits, sloughing off dead skin cells (4).
  • Green Gram Flour: Rich in vitamins A and C, it rejuvenates the skin by nourishing and exfoliating it (5). Applied topically, moong dal is a great way to soothe dry skin and retain its lost moisture. It is packed with cell rejuvenating vitamins and enzymes that help to lock in moisture into the skin (5). Its exfoliating properties help lighten the skin (de-tan) and get rid of fine facial hair. It also prevents the pores of your skin from clogging up with oil or dirt and draws out impurities from the skin and skin pores preventing acne (5). It’s antiseptic properties along with being cooling and soothing that can heal your skin and keep it looking fresh and glowing (5).
  • Rice Bran Oil: Rice Bran Oil is a natural source for the following antioxidants:  Tocopherols, Tocotrienols, Gamma Oryzanol, Phytosterols, Polyphenols and Squalene, that help fight free radicals and aid in slowing down the effects of aging (6). Hypoallergenic, it contains proanthrocyanidins which protect collagen and elastin which in turn maintain the suppleness of skin (6). Rich in fatty acids it is very beneficial for mature, delicate and sensitive skin types. Owing to a small molecule rice bran oil is easier to penetrate the skin without being greasy (6).

Reddish in color, the scrub is powdery, clumpy in texure, there are several lumps that does not easily dissolve to form a paste. There is a very strong herbal smell that I have been told is of manjistha.

To use, I take the required amount using a wooden spoon and bring it to a paste like consistency either using my toner fluid or aloe vera juice along with some honey. I do have some acne and since honey is rich in natural sugars, enzymes and acids, it is effective against inflamed and swollen skin, renewing it and promoting healing. It can also freshen dry, stressed and sensitive skin.


I apply it to my face, massage it circular motion concentrating on troubled areas and let it on for 10 minutes or so before rinsing it off with tepid water. Do not rub the acne but instead dab it on the acne area and let it sit. 

The face scrub is supposed to help in reducing pigmentation.  I have been using this scrub on and off for the past 2 weeks or so and do notice a glow every time it is used. The glow does not last for long so do not expect any miraculous results.

Not too gritty the scrub is mildly exfoliating thanks to all the natural exfoliants such as oats , wheat & green gram flour. Once rinsed off the face does not feel dry/stretchy due to the presence of skin nourishing rice bran oil. As mentioned earlier, the product does have a strong herbal aroma to it, so much so that the manjistha smells faintly lingers around until the next wash. 

Now to answer the million dollar question: does it work on pigmentation? Yes, but as with any natural product, it would require continued usage and  patience. 

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