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. 

Rustic Art : Aloe Vera - Lavender Gel

For a while now I have been looking for an Aloe Vera Gel. However all the aloe gels I found used artificial preservatives such as parabens, phenoxyethanol etc. This is because the oxidation process begins exactly the moment aloe vera gel comes in contact with the air. So when I came across Rustic Art's Aloe Vera - Lavender Gel which is not only free of artificial preservatives and certified organic but also meant specifically for dry skin, I was intrigued.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Founded by aunt-neice duo, Sunita Jaju and Swati Maheshwari, Rustic Art makes and uses sustainable alternatives to chemical-based products. Eco-friendly, handmade, free of chemicals and harmful elements, the brand uses only certified organic products in their formulations. 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

•  Organic Aloe Vera: 

 1. Helps with sunburn through its powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture and because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker (1). 

2. Moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel, for men: Aloe vera gel can be used as an after shave treatment as its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving (1).

3. Aloe vera gel contains six antiseptic agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulfur (1). They all have inhibitory action on fungi, bacteria and viruses. Giberellin in aloe vera acts as a growth hormone stimulating the growth of new cells. It allows the skin to heal quickly and naturally with minimal scarring (2). Aloe contains the enzyme Bradykinase which helps to reduce excessive inflammation, blistering and itchiness,when applied to skin topically helping the skin to heal more rapidly (1). Additionally, in Ayurvedic medicine, Aloe is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema (2).

4. Aloe leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin's natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated (1).

5.Contains over 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids and salicylic acid (1).

6. Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic (2). 

• Lavender Extract: According to dermatologists and aromatherapists, lavender essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils in the treatment of acne,by inhibiting the bacteria that cause the initial infection (3). Aggravated skin caused by stress can be calmed by lavender as it has stress-relieving properties (4). Its property as a normalizing agent can heal wounds and help stimulate new cell growth and regeneration (4). 

• Natural Preservative of TCLS: Natural preservative system based on three key essential oils: Turmeric Oil (Curcuma longa), Clove Bud Oil (Syzgium Aromaticum), Lemon Grass Oil (Cymbopogen Citratus) and Sesame Oil (Sesamum Indicum) (5).

•  Vit - E: It protects the skin from environmental pollution, It has a protecting action against UV radiation – although it cannot be classed as a sunscreen, it is an excellent moisturiser, it contains powerful anti-inflammatory action – and this can prevent the signs of premature ageing, as inflammatory conditions in the skin is a leading cause of skin ageing, it has excellent wound healing properties (6). Apart from all of these excellent qualities, vitamin E also enhances and helps with the penetration of other compounds into the skin and is itself well absorbed by human skin (6). 

 
The primary reason I was rummaging for an all natural aloe gel was to treat the rashes I get after eyebrow threading. Soon it doubled as my husband's after shave balm too. The product comes in a 100 gm transparent plastic jar with a screw on lid. There is protective inner lid to prevent any leakage and it does a good job making it travel friendly. 

The gel is clear in color, sticky in consistency and has a mild lavender fragrance to it. When applied, it glides on easily and when used in the right proportions, there is no residual stickiness. 

The efficacy of the gel is astounding. Due to my skin sensitivity, I get red rashes a day after I thread my eyebrows which gets itchy and lasts a couple of days after. The skin around the threaded area also gets blotchy and difficult to touch. So the last time my skin threatened to break out after the procedure, I applied a liberal dose (a couple of times a day) around the area and to my surprise the skin soothed and there was no redness, no breakout or itchiness. I think in the summer time, this might double as a good moisturizer, however for the winters this will not work for my dry/dehydrated skin.

I am pretty impressed by the product and if like me, you are looking for a good quality aloe gel free of artificial preservatives, your search ends here!! 

Give it a go and let me know how it fared for you!

Indian Earthy Naturals : Coffee Flaxseed Exfoliating Body Scrub

All natural, vegan beauty is slowing taking over my world one product at a time! I love coffee and coffee containing products. So when I chanced upon this coffee flaxseed exfoliating body scrubby Indian Earthy Naturals, I was tempted. Coffee based scrubs has several benefits that include: exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, temporary reduction of cellulite, improved circulation, reduced eye puffiness, and smooth skin (1). Coupled with omega rich flax seed, the scrub's potency increases two fold!

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Indian Earthy Naturals HERE!
 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Natural Soap Base: Usually made of saponified oil/butter blends to balance the scrub's cleansing, moisturizing and nourishing abilities

• Ground Coffee: Coffee is granular and feels nice on the skin but the caffeine has added benefits. Applied topically, coffee helps to redistribute fat cells and decrease the formation of cellulite, acts as a vasorestrictor, tightening and shrinking blood vessels thereby helping eliminate varicose veins (2). Caffeine is also loaded with antioxidants, which help to fight premature skin aging like wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines (1)

• Ground Flax Seed: Lends healthy omega fatty acids while exfoliating skin to evacuate dead skin cells and to revive the skin by tightening large pores and toning the skin (3,4). Applied topically, flax seed is also very lubricating for dry skin (2). The vitamin E found in flax seed along with the omega fatty acids, keep the skin healthy and moisturized (4).

• Essential Oil Of Geranium: Promotes beautiful and radiant skin, geranium oil is  used to treat acne, reduce inflammation, alleviate anxiety, balance hormones, uplift the mood, lessen fatigue and promote emotional wellness (5).

The scrub comes in a 100 gm cute and reusable glass jar. It has a dark color owing to the coffee, a paste like consistency and a greasy feel. What makes this scrub unique is the use of flax seed as an exfoliating agent as opposed to sugar, salt or crushed nut shells which are the common ingredients in most body scrubs & polishes.

I scoop out a teaspoon and a half of the scrub with a wooden spoon (this is necessary as the product is sans preservatives) and massage it in circular motion feet up (as this is supposed to stimulate circulation). I was pleasantly surprised that this amount was well sufficient for the whole body. Since the product is moist and lump free, there is no spillage (i.e. nothing falls to the floor).  

IEN provides the scrub with your choice of fragrance oil and I choose geranium essential oil. Though the scrub does not leave any detectable smell on the skin, the aroma lingers long after in the washroom (LOVE LOVE LOVE). 

The coffee grinds & flax seeds in the scrub exfoliate without being abrasive on the skin making it ideal for sensitive skin while the soap base provides gentle cleansing without drying the skin. Post shower, it leaves an oily film on the skin which hydrates my dry/dehydrated/sensitive skin well. I do not feel the need to moisturizer which, is a big deal for me. The skin feels soft, supple with a visible sheen.

This scrub definitely makes it to my MUST HAVE/FAVOURITE list!

Do give this product a try and let it work its magic !