Ida Naturals : Skin Glow Pack

Face packs are one of the oldest and beautiful methods of cleansing skin that have nourishing, healing, cleaning, astringent and antiseptic properties. Often used as a preventive, promotive and curative agent for any skin problems, this face mask by Ida Natural’s is unique in that in addition to being a soap free cleanser, it also doubles as a body ubtan for adults.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Ida Naturals HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• 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 (1). Curcumin - the alkaloidal content of turmeric prevents and cures pigmentation, maintains the pH balance and adds gow to the skin (1).

• Green Gram Flour: Rich in vitamins A and C, it rejuvenates the skin by nourishing and exfoliating it (2). 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 (2). 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 (2). It’s antiseptic properties along with being cooling and soothing that can heal your skin and keep it looking fresh and glowing (2).

• Vetiver: A “cicatrisant,” it can speed up the disappearance of scars, dark spots, and other marks on the skin, helping to create a more even skin tone (3). It works to heal the old wound and regenerate new tissues. Vetiver also provides:

• Acne treatment by naturally killing bacteria and helping calm inflammation associated with acne (3).
• Moisturization: The oil is nourishing and hydrating, helping to soothe dry, cracking skin. Furthermore, it helps skin hold onto moisture, gradually increasing skin’s water content over time (3).
• Anti-bacterial action: Bacteria, fungus, and other harmful microbes have no chance against vetiver. It kills these bugs—including Staphylococcus Aureus—helping to heal skin wounds more quickly. It has even been used to combat lice (3).
• Support for connective tissues: As part of its skin regeneration abilities, vetiver helps support and strengthen the connective tissues in skin, gradually reducing the sagging and bagging that happens with aging, helping skin to appear firmer and more youthful (3).
• Protection: Like most plant oils, vetiver contains antioxidants, which helps to protect skin from damaging free radicals (3).

• Davanam (Artemisia pallen): Has skin rejuvenating properties and has found to be effective in the treatment of acne, because of its antibacterial properties (4).

• Aavaram Senna (Tanner's Cassia): Avaram Senna flower is a natural source of antioxidants and the flower extract contains terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and steroid (5). Saponins found in the flower extract is a natural antimicrobial compound that fights against fungal and microbial infections (5). Dried Aavaram Senna flower when used in topically prevents black spots, treats uneven skin tone and improves skin complexion (5).

• 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(6). Rose is especially beneficial for  sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (6).

• Champaka Petals (Magnolia Champaca): Provides relief from itching, had excellent active ingredients to treat mature skin types (7).

• Jasmine Petals: Long used for its health benefits as well as its lovely smell, jasmine has also been found to nourish skin, help fade the appearance of scars, and protect skin from damage that can lead to premature aging (8). A natural antiseptic, jasmine contains natural components that fight fungus, bacteria, viruses, and other germs and serves as a natural preservative in sin care products (8). Because of its antioxidants, jasmine can help protect your skin from damaging free radicals from the sun and environmental pollution helping preserve the youthful appearance of the skin (8). The oil is very effective in treating and fading scar marks, old wound scars & stretch marks (8). Additionally, the oil helps treat dry skin and provide natural moisture and is particularly great for dry, greasy, or sensitive skin, as it helps to balance all types without irritating (8).

The skin glow pack comes in a variety of sizes, but to start off with I chose the 50 gm format which comes in a transparent plastic container with a screw on top. The salient features of the pack are listed on the label. Powdery and dry, the pack has a smooth texture and smells predominantly of kasturi manjal mingled with other herbal aromas.

To use, I scoop out the required quantity with a wooden spatula, add milk and blend it to a paste like consistency and massage it on moist skin in circular motions. If I use the pack exclusively for my face, I blend using either milk or toner  liquid and add a teaspoon of honey to the blend.

The aroma of the herbal face pack is very reminiscent of my childhood when my grandmom used to bathe me with a similar herbal preparation. I prefer to use the pack for my body, similarly as an ubtan. A soap free cleanser, it gently exfoliates with out stripping the skin of its natural oils leaving behind a natural glow. Due to the stellar ingredient list, I have found it has helped clearing my skin specifically my "bacacne" (back acne) and has reduced tanning. To see visible results, one needs to be consistent and patient. I use this pack at least once or twice in a week.

Its revitalizing, refreshing & refining properties, makes this pack a must try product!

Gia Bath & Body Works : Papaya Facial Cleanser

Left to its own devices, the skin isn’t so great at exfoliating properly. The outermost layer of skin is composed of dead cells, which sheds on a regular basis and is a critical function of the skin's health.  The rate of skin cell renewal changes ranging from about every three weeks through our teens and 20s, and then it slows as we age.

Separate from the regeneration of skin cells in the lower layers of skin, the shedding process on the surface of skin can become inefficient, causing a buildup. Sun damage, loss of estrogen, dry skin, oily skin, and disorders such as psoriasis or rosacea can all effect how “smoothly” this natural exfoliation process takes place.  Skin can become rough, scaly, thickened, discolored, and look more lined resulting in breakouts, blackheads or other blemishes.

Daily use of a well-formulated topical scrub helps removes dead skin cells and uncovering the “younger” looking layer hiding beneath.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Gia Bath & Body Works HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Papaya Extract: Derived from the seed of the Papaya fruit; the fruit is loaded with enzymes papain & chymonpapain and vitamin A (1,2). Also rich in AHAs (alpha hydroxyl acid), the enzymes along with the AHA have exfoliating properties that breaks down inactive proteins and eliminates dead skin cells. The vitamin A works as an anti-oxidant (1). It is mostly known for dramatically improving tone and texture of skin by increasing circulation of blood thus promotes healthy, vibrant complexion (2). Mainly these are good for rejuvenation of mature, dull skin; aid in clearing brown spots from sunlight exposure, smoothing the skin and creating a healthier looking skin (2).

• 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. (3,4).

• Moroccan Clay: Mined in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, this mineral-rich clay is known for its ability to absorb impurities from the skin. It cleanses deep, clearing pores and tightening skin (5). Rhassoul contains naturally high levels of skin-loving, beneficial minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. Rhassoul clay can improve skin tone, texture, elasticity, and clarity while eliminating dryness and flakiness (5).

• 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 (6). Rose is especially beneficial for  sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (6).

• 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 (7).

• Vegetable Glycerin: 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.

• Colloidal Oatmeal: Helps smooth and comfort itchy, scratchy, and dry skin, as it coats, moisturizes, softens, and protects your skin (8). 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 (9). Furthermore it works to help relieve dry, skin patches, psoriasis, acne, bug bites, sunburns, and other minor skin irritations.

• Avocado Oil: One of the more deeply penetrating oils, it helps to fix moisture into the skin. This makes it great for dealing with dehydrated skin as well as softening rough skin. Non-greasy and non comedogenic, it helps treat inflammatory skin conditions like blemishes and eczema (10).

• Sweet Almond Oil: Helps in repairing, rejuvenating, as well as revitalizing damaged skin ensuring it is left feeling relaxed and looking great (11).
  (Learn more about the benefits of sweet almond oil HERE!).

The papaya facial cleanser comes in a 150 gm plastic jar with a screw on top, is of a dry/crumbly/powdery consistency, grainy texture, golden brownish in color with a in house essential oil blend fragrance.

To use, I scoop out the desired amount with a wooden spoon, spritz Oilcraft Naturals Panch Pusph facial mist and apply it to the face. I let it dry, them dampen the mask with water, massage it in circular motions and rinse if off.

I have been eyeing the papaya cleanser for a while now, so when GBBW had a sale, I absolutely had to snag this baby!! Much like its variants, angel & pomegranate facial cleaners, this one too is a soap-free, all natural facial cleanser designed to remove dull lifeless skin cells. It consists of gentle exfoliating agents and is well suited for sensitive & acne prone skin.

I absolutely adore GBBW products and this one is no different. Gentle on the skin, it is effective in dissolving grime, revealing a cleansed, hydrated and radiant visage. Though marketed for skin lightning and tightening, I think this cleanser would work wonders for all skin types due to the super charged combination of its skin nourishing ingredient list.