Aroma Essentials : Sorbets

Many of us tend to neglect moisturizer in the summers and quite rightfully as they tend to make the skin clammy and increase the discomfort. But summer also means staying for extended periods in air-conditioned environments that dry's and dehydrates the skin. The trick to finding the perfect heat-friendly moisturizer is to look for products that are gel based which will help the skin stay hydrated and nourished without making the skin feel greasy or slick.

 

ABOUT THE BRAND
Learn more about Aroma Essentials HERE! 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Aloe Vera Extract: Plethora of 20 amino acids; minerals like calcium, magnesium and sodium; enzymes; polysaccharides; the gel of aloe, penetrates quickly and deeply, moisturizing at the lower levels of skin and nourishing with natural enzymes and amino acids (1). An antipruritic (relives or prevents itching), it’s a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin and increase skin elasticity through collagen and elastin repair (2). (Learn further benefits of aloe vera, HERE & HERE).

• Shea Butter: Naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F, it provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production (3). The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in Shea butter make it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin making it apt for dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils (3).  Source of oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying (3).

• Vegetable Glycerine: A natural humectant, that seals 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.

• Permitted Food Grade Coloring

• Rose Oil: Containing a complex array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, rose essential oil has excellent emollient properties for moisturizing dry skin; it also offers antiseptic and astringent properties to treat acneic skin, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help treat redness and inflammation (4). Rose oil can also help refine skin texture, controlling skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, can help heal wounds, as inhaling it inhibits water loss in the skin and lowers the concentration of cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body (4).

• Sandalwood Oil: Has natural properties that help heal small wounds, shrink pimples, calm itchy skin, and moisturize dry skin.
  
  • Antiseptic: By preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms, sandalwood reduces acne outbreaks and helps in wound healing (5). 
  • Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation causes all kinds of damage in skin, including redness, acne, eczema, and aging. Taming inflammation not only helps skin appear more healthy and youthful, but helps your skin resist the signs of aging (5).
  • Astringent: Want tighter, less noticeable pores? Any oil with an astringent property will help, and sandalwood has it (5).
  • Cicatrisant: This means that the oil has an ability to promote cell regeneration, helping to eliminate scars and other dark marks on the skin (5).
  • Disinfectant: This is another of those natural preservatives—you don’t need chemicals. Sandalwood oil in a formula helps make sure it doesn’t become contaminated by microorganisms (5). 
  •  Emollient: Sandalwood soothes and softens skin, helping it hold onto water to it stays hydrated longer (5).

The sorbets come in 125 gm pots, are thick in consistency, have a smooth buttery-gel like texture and has the most divine fragrance courtesy of the essential oils. 

To use, slather on the required amount to a clean & dry canvas and reap the benefits.

Madhu weaves magic with her products and this one is no different. Made with 80% aloe and 20% shea butter, the sorbet glides on effortlessly melting into the skin to hydrate, comfort, soothe, and cool dry skin without leaving a sticky sensation. Light, fast-absorbing and devoid of harmful chemicals, the sorbets leave the skin instantly moisturized.  The essential oils further enhance the product by adding fragrance and therapeutic benefits mentioned above. Due to the lack of preservatives, the product needs to be refrigerated.

If there is one product you want to try this summer, this is the one!!

Purchase Aroma Essential products HERE.

*Products 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!!