Venustas Essentials : Royal Ubtan

 

Based on an Ayurvedic beauty recipe called an UBTAN , this skin food/scrub/mask is a brilliant base for cleansing, refining, invigorating and rejuvenating the skin. 

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Venustas Essentials HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Almond Powder: Rich in vitamin A, almonds have moisturizing and emollient properties that are a wonderful way to nourish the skin while providing gentle exfoliation and promote the natural turnover of skin cells (1). 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. (2,3).

• Saffron: Saffron has anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties which make it an ideal ingredient for treating acne (4). Rich in exfoliating properties, saffron helps lighten scars and spots left behind from old wounds, cuts or acne eruptions (4). It also improves the quality of your skin by removing the dirt and impurities and tones the skin (4).

• Dried Rose Petals: Has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties that can help treat acne and acne prone skin, reduce swollen spots, redness and has skin calming properties (5). Rose is especially beneficial for sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (5).

• Red Sandalwood Extracts: A virtual ware house of goodness and has antiseptic, astringent, anti inflammatory and disinfectant properties (6). It’s powerful antimicrobial property, which means it can help kill the bacteria that cause acne. The antiseptic quality of sandalwood benefits to treat rashes, acne, blackheads and other skin eruptions, its germicidal quality inhibits the growth of bacteria (6). It is also a natural astringent, helping tone up the skin (6). An emollient, sandalwood soothes and softens skin, helping it hold onto water to stays hydrated longer (7).

• Powdered Milk: An excellent exfoliant, milk contains natural alpha hydroxy acids, which mildly scourges excess dead cells off the skin's surface, revealing soft skin underneath (8). Abundant source of proteins (whey and casein), fat, amino acids, lactic acid and vitamins A and D, all of which calm dry skin and help reduce redness and soothe irritated skin (9). Lactic acid present in milk helps dissolve inactive protein and breaks down dead cells, thereby exfoliating skin cells and hydrates, increasing natural barrier lipids in the outer layer of skin, while lightening and brightening skin for those with age spots or darkened areas (10). The protein and fat lubricates and softens rough skin, solving dryness.

• Clay Mix (Bentonite & Fullers Earth): Clay makes a fabulous facial mask, for shrinking pores, tightening and toning skin, removing impurities and sloughing off dead skin cells. It can also be used directly on pimples to reduce their size and inflammation and get rid of them faster (11).

• Wild Turmeric (Kasturi Manjal): It has anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties due to which it is used to as a cure for acne and acne marks, as a scrub in conjunction with other exfoliating agents, as an anti-ageing agent, to help removing facial peach fuzz and as a remedy for removing sun tan (12). 

• Essential Oil of Rose: Perfectly balanced between the omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) – essential in keeping skin hydrated and firm. EFAs help to eliminate damaging and aging inflammation redness associated with scarring and broken capillaries while also renewing cell membranes and regenerating the skin (an anti-aging key) (13,14). It also contains transretinoic acid (a form of Vitamin A) responsible for skin smoothing wrinkles, rejuvenating skin, as well as lightening age spots and stretch marks. It can also help with itching skin, it’s antiseptic properties help treat acne and other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and wound healing (13).

• Essential Oil of Sandalwood: A cicatrisant, the essential oil of sandalwood soothes the skin and has the ability to promote cell regeneration, helping to eliminate scars and other dark marks on the skin. Its antimicrobial property helps prevent acne, soothe redness and inflammation, hydrates without clogging pores, tighten, and regenerate skin cells to produce a softer, smoother, and firmer look (7).

The product come sin a 50 gm tub packaging with a screw on top and an inner protective lid that prevents any spillage making it a sound travel partner. 

Powdery and dry in consistency, the face pack is gritty in texture, reddish yellow in color and has a delicate fragrance of roses. Upon closer observation, one can notice almonds bits and rose petals. 

To use: Mix 1/2-1 tsp of ubtan with 1/4-1/2 tsp of raw milk, yogurt, or floral hydrosols.  I prefer to use either yoghurt or raw milk due to them being rich in good fats and skin refining acids. Massage onto damp skin, rinse off or leave on for ten minutes and rinse with tepid water.the face pack can safely be used 1-2 times a week. 

Upon my request, a couple of weeks ago, Seema had sent me a sample of the royal ubtan. That batch was finer in texture and did not have any distinguishable fragrance. Though similar in formulation & efficacy, I have to say I prefer the current batch of face pack that I have received. Its grittier in texture due to the coarsely ground almonds and has a gorgeous aroma of roses. The product can most certainly fulfill the role as a facial cleanser, scrub  & a mask. 

Abundant in vitamin E, silica, anti-oxidants, phyto-nutrients, amino acid peptides, ceramides, essential fatty acids and probiotics, the ubtan is very effective for all skin types but specifically for acne prone ones. The ingredients work in tandem to clarify the skin, draw heat from the blood and stimulate lymph flow, exfoliate, firm & tone the skin, give radiance to the skin, helps prevent acne & leaves skin baby soft, smooth and supple.  Upon application, the face pack does have a yellowish tinge due to the wild turmeric but does not stain the skin in any way. 

Prepared from a traditional formulation of natural herbs, the ubtan aptly named, nourishes the skin while providing it a royal glow.

*Product sent as PR sample*

Stay Wild Child : Vanilla Almond Body Lotion

 

Slathering on heavy creams in the summer that are designed to treat parched winter skin can be as uncomfortable as wearing flannel in July. Skincare needs change with the seasons. So how should you transition your skincare routine? Here is how I did...

ABOUT THE BRAND

Radhika Dang's Stay Wild Child range of skincare, hair care, bath essentials & men's grooming employs the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, aromatherapy and naturopathy. 

 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Olive Oil: Contains three major antioxidants: vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols which when topically applied, may help protect the skin from premature skin aging. Vitamin E partly accounts for the anti-aging benefits of olive oil because it helps restore skin smoothness and protects against ultraviolet light (1). Hydroxytyrosol, a rather rare compound found in olive oil, also prevents free radical damage to the skin (1).Olive oil penetrates deeply into the skin and is non comedogenic.

• 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 (2). External application of the oil can prevent dehydration by reducing moisture loss from the skin providing overall nourishment to the skin so it can be healthy with a radiant glow. (Learn more about the benefits of sweet almond oil HERE!).

• Aloe Vera Gel: An antipruritic (relives or prevents itching), aloe vera can soothe the skin, it can also help to prevent wrinkles and premature aging. When applied daily, an aloe vera moisturizer can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles by keeping the skin hydrated, boosting the skin’s own natural regenerative abilities while increasing skin’s elasticity through collagen and elastin repair (3).  Not only will an aloe vera gel provide your skin with hydration to stop flaking and itching, it will also soothe the inflammation that often causes these symptoms. (To learn further benefits of aloe vera, CLICK HERE).

• Vegetable Glycerine: A natural humectant, it can seal in moisture on the top layer of the skin while the other oils work their way deep into our cells to provide long-lasting moisture.

• Vanilla Extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to soothe and calm inflamed areas on the skin. A source of natural antioxidants, they help protect skin from environmental assaults that can accelerate aging (4). An antibacterial, vanilla can help reduce skin infections encouraging wound healing and can reduce the bacteria that cause acne. Plush source of B vitamins including niacin, which is a key nutrient in the maintenance of healthy skin, natural extract of vanilla also contains thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid (4).

• Vitamin E Oil: Topical application of vitamin E oil promotes production of two important protein components namely, collagen and elastin that improves skin elasticity (5). 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 (5). 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 (5). 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.

• Beeswax: Non-comedogenic in nature, when applied to the skin, beeswax forms a protective barrier that helps protect it from environmental assaults, while also holding in moisture and reducing dryness helping keep skin hydrated (6). A good source of vitamin A, beeswax helps support cell turnover and reconstruction (6). Its antibacterial properties reduces the risk of contamination in formulas (6).

• Borax: A boron mineral and salt that’s mined directly from the ground, and is employed as an emulsifier, preservative, cleansing agent, and a buffering agent (7).

The lotion comes in a 200 mL opaque white container with a pump dispenser. White in color, the lotion is fluid in consistency,  lightweight in texture and has a mild fragrance of vanilla. The ingredients and mode of emploi are listed on the bottle's label. 

It is quite difficult, literally impossible to come across a body lotion that is devoid of harmful chemicals and preservatives. The main reason for this is a lotion is a mixture of oils and aqueous base  (including hydrosols, floral water, aloe vera, goat’s milk which all contain water) and a preservative is essential to help prevent microbes (bacteria, mold, and yeast) growing.  While natural preservatives do exist, they wont extend the shelf life of the product beyond 3-6 months.

I happened to chance upon Stay Wild's body lotion and after a quick chat with Radhika Dang, the proprietor of the brand, I decided to give it  a go.  After a smooth online transaction, the product was shipped fairly quickly along with a complimentary orange flavored lipbalm.

There is no mention of the skin type the product best works on but I believe it should work for all, however if you are plagued by eczema, psoriasis or have super dry skin, this will not provide sufficient moisturization. 

The lotion needed a quick shake prior to the first use and when applied to damp skin, glided on well and absorbed quickly without leaving the skin feeling clammy and greasy. Upon application one does notice the lotion forms white streaks which gets absorbed soon and need not be massaged in.  

Though lightweight in texture, the lotion provides plenty of moisturization and is perfect for hot & humid summer months. The vanilla scent is very mild and does not overpower and fades as soon as it is applied, which is how I like it. 

UPDATE: After approximately using it for 2 weeks, I noticed the vanilla smell has been replaced with an awful odour. Initially I did not pick it up but my 4 year toddler did and pointed it out to me. The lotion was manufactured in March 2016 and is good to go until 6 months after so it definitely hasn't expired and since I store it in the refrigerator there is no chance of it getting spoilt. A complete disappointment, my search for a good natural body lotion continues!!