Gia Bath & Body Works : Chocolate Hydrating Mask

Indulging in a chocolate facial mask is a luxurious experience that can feed your senses and your skin at the same time! After pampering myself to their chocolate body polish, I could not resist this decadence!

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Gia Bath & Body Works HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Fullers Earth:  Rich in aluminum silicate, the clay is a great oil-absorber on top of working well for addressing hyperpigmention, as it has mild bleaching properties, when combined with some rose water and used as a mask, it helps boost circulation (1,2). Its high lime content kills harmful bacteria that causes excess oil and dirt accumulation (2). Rich in Magnesium Chloride, it is useful in reducing acne and blemishes. It has a cooling and soothing effect which is good for people suffering from sunburn or acne and aids in reducing inflammation.  Has anti-aging properties that help tighten skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines (2).

• Organic Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder contains lots of minerals including calcium, potassium and zinc (3). Cocoa solids contain high levels of caffeine and theobromine which are often used to to tighten the skin and reduce puffiness. Cacao is packed with antioxidants to help repair skin and flavanoids to reduce inflammation, improves function of blood vessels, increases blood flow, hydration, decreases skin roughness and improves complexion and helps the skin stay hydrated (4). Chocolate contains copper, iron, manganese, magnesium and zinc for the promotion of cell growth, the repair of tissue and the absorption of nutrients. Cocoa is also a rich source of sulfur, also known as the beauty mineral, necessary for healthy skin (5).

• Rhassoul Clay: It’s very negatively charged and most toxins in your skin are positively charged, so this clay is the perfect magnet for sopping up all those impurities—sebum plugs, blackheads, and oil around hair follicles (6). It doesn’t, however, leave you dry because of its elasticity and texture-improving effects (6).

• Almond Powder: Almond flour is a wonderful way to nourish the skin while providing gentle exfoliation and promote the natural turnover of skin cells. Almonds can cleanse the skin by eliminating toxins and free radicals from your body. The various antioxidants in almonds possess anti-ageing properties which help in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The Vitamin E component is considered a skin food as it nourishes the skin, keeping it smooth and glowing, can help to remove fine lines and wrinkles. It can also lighten age spots and other blemishes on the skin. (7,8).

• Collodial Oatmeal: Helps smooth and comfort itchy, scratchy, and dry skin, as it coats, moisturizes, softens, and protects your skin (9). Colloidal oatmeal contains sugars that allow the skin to retain moisture, and the thin barrier that it creates on the skin protects and heals the skin’s own natural barriers as well. This barrier can last for days, improving the skin’s tone and texture (10). Furthermore it works to help relieve dry, skin patches, psoriasis, acne, bug bites, sunburns, and other minor skin irritations.

• Kaolin Clay: A naturally occurring soft clay with natural absorbency properties. The mildest of all clays, it is very suitable for sensitive skin types. It helps stimulate circulation while gently exfoliating and cleansing without pulling out the skin’s natural oil (11). White kaolin clay is the gentlest and thus great for sensitive dry skin.

• Rose Petal Powder: Has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that can help treat acne and acne prone skin, reduce swollen spots, redness and has skin calming properties(12). Rose is especially beneficial for  sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (12).

• Vitamin E: Topical application of vitamin E oil promotes production of two important protein components namely, collagen and elastin that improves skin elasticity (13). 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 (13). Vitamin E also prevents water loss from the skin, and helps retain its natural moisture making dull, dry skin look healthy and well-moisturized (13).

The chocolate mask by the house of Gia Bath & Body Works comes in a 50 gm plastic container with a golden screw on top.  Browinish in color, the mask is powdery in consistency, smooth in texture; it has a heavenly aroma of chocolate when blended to a paste.

To use, take the required amount of mask with a wooden spoon and add to it Oilcraft NaturalsPanch Pusph toner to blend it to a paste like consistency. I add a dollop of honey or cream for a rich skin cocktail of benefits and nutrients.

This indulgent mask does more than tantalize your taste buds! Containing my favourite ingredient, rhassoul clay a mineral rich, spa quality clay that has toning and enriching benefits when added to a chocolate facial mask, it can intensify the purifying effects.

Initially I found this mask to dry my skin when used by itself which made me write off this product. So I decided to play around with a few ingredients and make it a wonderful version that worked for my dry/dehydrated skin. I add a dollop of honey which is incredibly moisturizing, but will not break me out. This mask smells like a cupcake bakery on the face and makes my skin feel so soft and youthful once rinsed off. Topically, this increases hydration calms and soothes the skin. 

Combined, with skin loving ingredients, the mask can help skin feel fresh and cleaned, while also offering the aromatherapeutic pick-me-up benefits of chocolate.