The Ritu^l : Green Tea Milk Protein Face Mask

Face masks have been used for centuries and were the favored method of skincare long before there were high-priced designer skin care lines. As we discover more about the skin microbiome, and the ability of the skin to absorb nutrients, these old time skin remedies take on a new allure. 

ABOUT THE BRAND

An honest and bespoke skin lifestyle brand, co-founded by Shivani Prabhakar and Akanksha Sood that makes natural skincare products with pure ingredients sourced from India, Africa, Europe and America. Suited to the urban lifestyle, whether you're 'on-the-go' or looking for some 'time-out', they have something designed just for you!  

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Organic Green Tea: The slightly abrasive texture of dry green tea leaves acts as a great exfoliator to banish dead skin cells and purge pollutants (1). The EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) compounds in green are helpful in reducing inflammation and evening skin tone while the antioxidants may also be helpful for reducing acne and increasing skin elasticity (1). Green tea could stimulate activity in old skin cells, indicating its potential use for promoting skin regeneration, wound healing, and for treating skin conditions (2).

• 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 (3). 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 (4). 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 (5). The protein and fat lubricates and softens rough skin, solving dryness.

• Almond Meal: 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 (6). 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).

• Garbanzo Bean Flour: Great as a face mask or a scrub because of its slightly gritty texture, it draws out impurities and excess oil and is hence, good for acne prone skin. As an exfoliator, it helps remove dead skin leading to skin rejuvenation and aid with the removal of fine facial hair aka peach fuzz. It is also good to lighten skin tone and blemish marks (9).

The green tea milk protein face mask by The Ritu^l comes in a 50 gm amber glass bottle with a screw on top. There is an inner protective stop that fits securely to prevent spillage. Powdery in consistency, dry and grainy in texture, the mask in yellowish in color with dispersed green tea particulates and is devoid of any added fragrance. The lack of fragrances makes it an ideal choice for those with sensitive olfactories.

To use, scoop the required amount of mask with a dry wooden spatula and bring it to a paste like consistency, let sit for 10 minutes or so before applying it to the face and wait until it dries completely before dampening it with water and gently massaging in circular motions before rinsing it off with tepid water. 

Initially not heeding instructions, I mixed the mask with toner fluid and immediately applied it, but the particulates in the mask felt really abrasive and when I washed it off the skin felt dry and stretchy. So the next time round, paying closer attention to the instructions, I used raw milk and let the paste rest for a couple of minutes before applying it. 

Using raw milk and letting it sit on the counter for a while really did the trick. The resting phase softens the green tea particulates in the mask yielding a mild exfoliant while the raw milk nourishes the skin cells from deep within and hydrates the skin resulting in a cleansed and gleaming complexion. The milk and green tea combination is particularly effective for my skin since I have dry skin that is prone to occasional acne.

In general, suitable for all skin types, utilizing green tea once a week in beauty regimes is a wonderful way for the skin to detoxify.

*Product sent as PR sample*

Indian Earthy Naturals : Kashmir Lavender Soap

There is something very satisfying about using handmade natural soaps and IEN has some of the best ones I have tried so far. They might not have the fancy swirls, colors, shapes or fragrances but they are simple bars of goodness that do not fail to deliver on the promises they make. I like to dub them as "butter" bars for the intense moisturization they provide. 


ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about IEN HERE!

 

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Olea europaea (Virgin Olive Oil): Full of linoleic acids, oleic acids, palmitic acids, and polyphenols, the acids in high quality olive oil work by trapping water into the skin, ensuring hydration (2). Polyphenols are antioxidants, which when absorbed into the skin, will combat the free radicals thus preventing premature ageing. Two other benefits of polyphenol is that is offers protection against ultraviolet rays and will also encourage new cell growth, so that new cells are made to replace any damaged skin cells (2). Virgin olive oil also contains high levels of natural squalane that penetrates deeply to hold in moisture. In soap making, it has moisturizing, disinfectant and anti-wrinkle properties and can be used to produce a mild soap (3).

• Butyrospermum parkii (Raw Shea Butter): A great emollient oil addition to soap, it makes a hard, shiny, conditioning bar with a stable lather and moisturizing properties. Naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F, it provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production (4). The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin, and is often used to remedy dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils (4). Due to its cinnamic acid content and other natural properties, shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties (5). One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations making it beneficial for people with acne (4). Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying and with long term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction (4).

• Cocos nucifera (Coconut Oil): The fatty acids along with the numerous minerals and nutrients in coconut will provide the skin with great benefits. The oil can also work to help remove dirt and dead cells from the skin. The aforementioned acids in coconut oil (lactic, capric, etc) can also have benefits when it comes to acne treatment: the antimicrobial properties of these fats can act to prevent or help reduce current acne breakouts (7).  The antioxidants prevent and help to reduce skin aging. Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection, reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis while supporting the natural chemical balance of the skin, softens the skin helping relieve dryness and flaking, prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots promoting healthy looking complexion (7). Essential to soap making, it is a natural cleanser and moisturizer and makes a hard, cleansing bar with creamy, bubbly lather.

• Ricinus communis (Castor Oil): Soothing oil that has been used medicinally for thousands of years and has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties (3). In soap it acts as an emollient, humectant and softener, adds and retains moisture and protects the skin. It is also used to treat dry lacerated and chapped skin, including psoriasis. It makes a soft, conditioning bar with bubbly, stable lather.

• Elaeis guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil: High in lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids which will produce a hard, cleansing bar with a full lather when used in a soap making formula (8).Palm oil contains toctrienols, members of the vitamin E family which helps the skin to fight free radicals that damage the skin and cause fine lines and wrinkles (9). Found in soaps for its ability to remove oil and dirt from and also contains a refatting agent that helps restore the skin’s natural oils (9).

• Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) Oil: An anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant. It reduces inflammation thereby causing less skin redness and blotchiness making skin appear evenly colored (6). Enhances circulatory system by causing an increase in blood flow and subsequently an increase in nutrients to the skin along with much needed oxygen to the cells (6). This is essential to healthier cells, and benefits more frequent cell turnover.

• Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) Buds: Lavender is well regarded for its skin healing properties. It’s beautiful scent and is thought to be very calming to the nerves. Lavender is credited with being anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, balancing, energising, soothing, healing, toning and stimulating (7). It works well on all skin types and is effective in treating oily skin as well as acne, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis and is thought to stimulate cellular growth and regeneration in the skin by helping the upper layer of skin rejuvenate itself (7).

• Sodium Hydroxide: Used in the saponifiation process to turn oil into soap, none of which remain in the end product.

The lavender soap comes in a 4 oz bar format wrapped in cellophane and packaged in a reusable/eco-friendly jute burlap bag. Purple in color, lavender buds are sprinkled on top of the soap and is mildly scented of lavender courtesy of the essential oil and dried lavender buds. 

To use, apply on moistened skin, use a loofah to work up a lather before rinsing off.

The bar produces creamy lather and like other IEN soaps I used thus far (HERE & HERE), this soap bar is too functions like a lotion bar, resulting in intense hydration and has excellent moisturizing qualities that are ideal for those with dry skin. The natural fragrance of lavender essential oil provides a calming and soothing aromatherapy experience.  

Ideal for babies, toddles and adults, the bar lasts for well over a month when used twice a day, everyday, and retains its shape well (I leave it to air-dry after use).   

Scented with pure lavender oils to calm the mind and soothe the body, the bar is made from nurturing and conditioning oils & butters to produce a mild, skin-nourishing soap that leaves the skin feeling clean, soft, and radiantly healthy.