Aroma Essentials : Papaya Scrub

Skin is one of the major organs involved in eliminating wastes and toxins from your body, mainly through perspiration. Sometimes, if the system is overwhelmed with toxins, the skin may bear the brunt of it by developing rashes or abscesses to compensate, and try to get rid of these impurities. A skin detox seeks to help the skin to get rid of the body’s waste products, which can, in turn, help the skin look and feel better. Particularly if you notice problems in your skin, a detox may be just the ticket.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Aroma Essentials HERE!

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Papaya Pulp: The fruit is loaded with enzymes papain, chymonpapain and vitamin A (1,2). Rich in AHAs (alpha hydroxyl acid), the enzymes only work on the upper epidermal layers/ dead cells on the surface of the skin and help speed up the break down keratin in the skin. They work to exfoliate the superficial layers and dislodge/dissolve sebaceous filaments and are excellent for sensitive skin (3). The pulp of ripe papaya fruit has water, carbohydrates and fats thus providing hydration and nutrition to the skin (4). Anti-oxidants like flavanoids, vitamin A & vitamin C help in the repair of damaged skin (4). 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).

• Walnut Shell Powder: Natural exfoliating agent that helps remove dead cells from the surface layers of the skin and prepares the skin to take moisturization and anti ageing treatments (5).

• Salicyclic Acid (2-5%): This is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which has excellent exfoliating properties (3). Often found in cleansers and products designed to treat acne/excess oil production, salicylic acid works to break down skin cells, which stick together in the inner lining of the skin pore, it physically decglogs pores by breaking down/exfoliating filaments, blackheads, whiteheads from the inside – keeping the pore clear (3). Salicylic acid can stimulate circulation of oil out of pores, relieve inflammation and redness (3).

• Geranium Essential Oil: An astringent, Geranium oil has the power to minimize the look of wrinkles because it tightens facial skin and slows down the effects of aging (6). It’s powerful cicatrisant properties, increases blood circulation right below the surface of the skin — which  helps  with the healing of spots caused by acne, cuts, wounds, or skin irritations (6). Geranium oil promotes cell growth by helping recycle dead cells and support the regeneration of new cells (6).

The papaya scrub comes in a 35 gm opaque white plastic container with a screw on top. Orange in color, the scrub has a gel like consistency with powdered walnut shell freckled all over and has a strong fragrance of geranium.

To use, take the required amount of product with a wooden spoon and apply it to dry face & décolletage, gently massage in circular motions before rinsing off. I sometimes add a drop of water to the scrub before applying to give it better spread-ability. 

Applied topically the enzymes and high  vitamin C content in papaya are known to stimulate collagen production, fight free-radicals and help reduce the appearance of age spots and fine lines. Formulated to be safe for even the most sensitive of skins there is no characteristic sting or burn nor will one have any intense peeling or flaking from using it. 

I hate the smell of papaya, though considered a super-food, the smell totally puts me off and I avoid it. So when I opened the papaya scrub container expecting the repellent odour, I was instead surprised (may I add pleasantly) by the wafting notes of geranium (which also happens to to be my one of my favourite EO's).

The fine grade powdered walnut shell isn't abrasive and gently exfoliates to reveal a clarified, smoother skin with a fresh glow. The skin does not feel parched/dry or stretchy but I do prefer to follow up with a serum/facial oil.

Polish away dead skin cells and remove impurities with this resurfacing gel-scrub.

Aroma Essentials : Sebum Control Gel

Sebum is made up of squalene, triglycerides and wax esters. One of the main roles of sebum is its purpose as a waterproof barrier on our skin it keeps our skin healthy and protected by fighting bacterial and fungal infection. However excess sebum production can lead to unsightly blackheads and acne. 

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Aroma Essentials HERE!
 
KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Aloevera Gel: 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 (1). Aloevera have also been shown to have antibacterial properties against P. Acnes bacteria. (To learn further benefits of aloe vera, CLICK HERE).

• Essential Oil of Tea Tree: Works well on a wide range of skin problems including blemishes, rashes, warts, athlete's foot, fungal infections & wounds (2). Tea tree oil has antibacterial & antimicrobial properties that helps reduce skin's sebum production and fights off the acne producing bacteria without causing dryness and reduces redness and swelling (3).

• Essential Oil of Thyme: Has anti-microbial properties and mildly astringent, healing, and soothing effects on the skin (4). Thyme oil can help tone aged skin, helping microcirculation and prevent acne outbreaks due to its anti-bacterial properties against Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria (4).

• Essential Oil of Lavender: An anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant, it reduces inflammation thereby causing less skin redness and blotchiness making skin appear evenly colored (5). 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 (5). This is essential to healthier cells, and benefits more frequent cell turnover.

• Salicylic Acid: This is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which has excellent exfoliating properties (6). Often found in cleansers and products designed to treat acne/excess oil production, salicylic acid works to break down skin cells, which stick together in the inner lining of the skin pore, it physically decglogs pores by breaking down/exfoliating filaments, blackheads, whiteheads from the inside – keeping the pore clear (6). Salicylic acid can stimulate circulation of oil out of pores, relieve inflammation and redness (6).

The sebum control gel comes in a 35 gm white opaque container with a screw on top. The base (aloe vera ) is a clear lightweight gel, with a sticky consistency and smells of tea tree and lavender. 

To use, after cleansing and toning, I take a tiny amount of the gel  and massage it primarily to my nose but at times use it on the rest of my face too.

The gel goes on clear and gets quickly absorbed leaving no sticky residue. I prefer a product containing salicylic that is left on the skin such as a spot treatment, serum or moisturizer as opposed to a cleanser which is washed off before the ingredient gets to do its thing. Usually, one needs to be careful using any products with this ingredient in as it can dry out the skin, but not this one.

Generally my skin is dry/dehydrated with occasional acne bouts. My nose on the other hand is oily and is frequently plagued by black/white heads & sebaceous filaments. I purchased this product to deal with the sebum over drive frequently formed on my nose.

The gel works efficiently to control sebum and treat acne without drying the skin. I haven't seen much of an effect on black/white heads, but that could be due to the low concentration of salicylic acid used (this is just a guess as I am unsure about the % used). The only beef I have with this product is the lack of ingredient listing on the label.

In general a product with great efficacy and would work miracles for those tormented by acne and oily skin tones.