Sunday, February 7, 2016

Aroma Essentials : Neem Charcoal Face Wash




Aroma Essential's neem charcoal face wash is specifically   handcrafted for victims of acne, overactive oil glands, and skin disorders that need a little anti-inflammatory boost.  This unusual black soap free facial cleanser may help:

  • Detoxify skin of impurities and toxins
  • Soothes skin of irritation from bug bites, acne, eczema, and psoriasis
  • Antibacterial and absorbent properties help combat bacteria in acne and oily skin
  • Cleanses skin without overstripping natural oils
  • Lightens and diminishes scars and blemishes


ABOUT THE BRAND
Learn more about Aroma Essentials HERE!
 


KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS
  • Aloe Vera 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). Aloe vera have also been shown to have antibacterial properties against P. Acnes bacteria. (To learn further benefits of aloe vera, CLICK HERE).
  • Neem Oil: Ideal for acne-prone skin because it can help to soothe irritation and inflammation, clear up pimples and remove bacteria from the surface of the skin that can cause more break-outs. The oil contains an aspirin-like compound that helps with acne conditions by ridding the skin of acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce redness and inflammation (2). The high fatty-acid content in neem oil is said to prevent and treat scars from acne and is non-comedogenic while its strong antiseptic properties will also help to keep bacteria and secondary skin infections at bay (2). Especially high in important fatty acids and vitamin E neem oil is easily absorbed into the skin without leaving skin greasy and is extremely effective in healing dry and damaged skin (2). Nimbidin and nimbin, two anti-inflammatory compounds found in neem oil help to relieve swelling and redness while a third, Quercetin, supports the body’s ability to respond to inflammation by inhibiting both the manufacture and release of histamine and other irritants (2).
  • Neem Flowers: Helps treating excess oil secretion, reducing acne and pimple and also to cure itching problems.  Neem flower is known for its moisturizing property: it helps to moisturize and remove excessive dryness without making the skin look oily adding a complete balance to the skin (3).
  • Activated Charcoal: Is carbon that’s treated with oxygen that causes the charcoal to become very porous (4). These pores allow activated charcoal to trap chemicals and works wonders for the skin when applied topically: it keeps skin clear by acting as a magnet to draw dirt out of pores (4). It not only clears pores but also improves skin-tone by removing dry patches.These qualities make it great for clearing up blemishes and cleansing your skin of toxins.
  • Petit Grain Essential Oil: A powerful antiseptic, it kills bacteria on the skin. This is why it’s perfect in cleansers, as it leaves the skin clean and toned, while reducing the occurrence of acne (5). Petitgrain is a light oil, with the perfect combination of balancing and cleansing properties making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types, as it provides some moisturization, but helps reduce the over-production of skin oils (5). The oil also helps tone skin so that it appears smoother and flawless (5).
  • Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Possess potent antiseptic properties helpful in healing skin issues such as acne. When applied topically in diluted form to the skin, the oil helps dry up blemishes and pus-filled pimples (6). Eucalyptus essential oil is toxic to a wide range of bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes, the primary bacteria in acne infections (6).  It’s antibacterial qualities that help prevent acne outbreaks, helps alleviate inflammation and reduces pain associated with acne boils (6).
  • Tea Tree Oil Essential Oil: Works well on a wide range of skin problems including blemishes, rashes, warts, athlete's foot, fungal infections & wounds (7). 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 (8).


The activated neem charcoal face wash comes in 30,60,120 mL squeeze plastic bottles with a flip top. This soap free cleanser is gel based , thick in consistency, black in color that does not have any distinguishable fragrance to it.


To use, I squeeze out a pea size of the face wash and massage it in circular motion on dampened skin concentrating on acne inflicted areas, which in my case are my cheeks and blackhead prone areas, which in my case is my nose.

I have dry dehydrated skin and every once in a while  I do get acne. However in the past month, the acne has been quite severe. I was contemplating a visit to the dermatologist but decided to give this product along with a spot on treatment - clear skin mask (review will follow) from the same brand a go before calling it quits.

Initially I was a little apprehensive because the cleanser is for oily skin and I was under the impression this wouldn't suit my parched skin. However I having been using it every morning and after my workouts and am seeing some sweet results.

The face cleanser, has aloe gel with distinguishable activated charcoal particulates. Since it is soap free, quite predictably the cleanser does not foam. It also does not strip the skin of its natural oils but effectively dries the acne, shrinking it in size and cleanses the skin squeaky clean. I have also noticed the blackheads on my nose are substantially lower than what it used to be. The key as Madhu often mentions is consistency and patience.


Overall a gentle face wash with activated charcoal and neem oil that removes impurities while fighting acne-causing bacteria. A must try if you are battling acne!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Just Herbs : Apricot Sparkle Invigorating Skin Radiance Scrub




Exposure from pollution, dirt, stress and sun’s ultra violet rays damage the skin cells. This leads to skin dullness and develops early signs of aging like fine lines and uneven skin tone. Scrubs create a gentle abrasion to even out the skin tone and removes accumulated dead and damaged skin cells caused by sun exposure and pollution. The gentle massaging application of scrub on the skin enhances blood circulation, increases collagen production and skin cell regeneration to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging.

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Just Herbs HERE!!

 


KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS
  • Apricot Kernel Oil**: Apricot kernel oil’s rich emollients absorb deeply for smooth, supple skin and reduced appearance of fine lines (1). Its abundant poly-unsaturated linoleic and oleic fatty acids deeply nourish and plump up dry skin to prevent premature aging and give a soft feel and dewy complexion (1).
  • Walnut Shell Grains (Juglans Regia): Natural exfoliating agent that helps remove dead cells from the surface layers of the skin and prepares the skin to take moisturisation and anti ageing treatments (2).
  • Sunflower Seed Oil**: These oils are gentle emollients that help retain moisture while softening the skin. They absorb easily and do not block pores, allowing their antioxidant flavanoids, rich in vitamins A and E, to penetrate deeply, purifying and protecting skin from free radical damage and signs of premature aging (3).
  • Aloevera Leaf Juice*: Aloe vera’s blend of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals help rejuvenate, protect, soothe and beautify the skin. It calms irritations and restores tired skin (4).
  • Coconut Oil Derivates: Caprylic/ capric triglycerides are derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s considered an excellent emollient and skin-repairing ingredient. Due to its mix of fatty acids, the skin can use to repair its surface and resist moisture loss (5). Caprylic/capric triglyceride can also function as a thickener, but its chief job is to moisturize and replenish skin. The medium-chain fatty acids that comprise this ingredient have an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces the risk of breakouts (5). In addition, caprylic/capric triglyceride is not an oily or wax-like ingredient that can easily get stuck in the pore lining (5).
  • Vegetable Glycerine*: Glycerin is a skin-identical and skin-repairing ingredient, it is one of the many substances in skin that help maintain the outer barrier and prevent dryness or scaling (6).
  • Glyceryl Stearate Citrate/Cetearyl Alcohol/Glyceryl Caprylate***: Glyceryl Stearate Citrate (a powerful anionic), Cetearyl Alcohol (a co-emulsifier) and Glyceryl Caprylate (a wetting agent with antimicrobial properties) (7). The combination of these natural and sustainable ingredients conveniently forms emulsions at low temperatures and exhibits basic antimicrobial activity (7).
  • Jojoba Oil: Superior emolient that is absolutely non-greasy, letting the skin “breathe” while providing deep moisture control. It adds lustre to the skin while clearing pores and reducing the appearance of fine lines to create silky-smooth, radiant skin (8).
  • Soy Lecithin: Phospholipid found in the membranes of soy and widely used in cosmetics as an emollient and water-binding agent (9).
  • Shea Butter: Has oils similar to the natural oils secreted by the skin, helping it absorb easily and deeply.  It is a delight to the skin, leaving it soft and silky while soothing irritations and enhancing elasticity (10). It improves the skin’s barrier function, reducing water loss and relieving dryness and is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive (10).
  • Dicaprylyl Carbonate***: Emollient ingredient that spreads easily and leaves a velvety feel on skin without seeming greasy or slick (11). It also helps other ingredients penetrate skin better.
  • Potassium Sorbate: Used as a preservative due to its ability to inhibit mold and yeast growth in cosmetics products once it breaks down into sorbic acid. It has weak activity against bacteria, which is why it is almost always used in conjunction with other preservative (12).
  • Sodium Benzoate: The benzoic acid portion of this ingredient conveys some amount of preservative benefit, most notably against fungi (13).
  • Natural Preservative (Herbs-Essential oil Complex)
*Certified Organic **Certified Organic cold pressed *** ECOCERT approved (Natural ingredient from renewable resources).



The apricot sparkle invigorating skin radiance scrub comes in a 100 gm plastic container with an inner protective lid and a screw on top. The inner lid seals well and prevents any product leak making it travel safe.


The scrub has a creamy consistency with suspended particulates of walnut shell with a mild fragrance that I suspect is of apricots. I have dry/dehydrated/sensitive skin and exfoliation is a must to slough off dead skin. However the sensitive side of my skin tends to break out at the slightest irritation making me choose products very carefully.

To use, I take the required amount and massage it to moist skin. This way I feel the scrub feels gentler on the skin and spreads better. I leave it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off.

This scrub is truly luxurious, packed with natural skin loving ingredients including organic oils and butter. The base of the scrub is cream based (read about my favourite gel scrub HERE) with walnut shell particulates suspended. I do find the particulates to be a little abrasive. However, if diluted with a drop of water the walnut shells get dispersed better and do not feel harsh against the skin.

I love the creamy feel of the scrub which might be a little too heavy for oily skin. My dry/flaky skin feels well exfoliated and hydrated, encourages the absorption of creams and is perfect for prepping the face and neck for moisturization.

A must have for this winter if you have dry, parched skin like mine! 

REFERENCES
  1. http://www.gaelleorganic.com/ingredients/apricot-kernel-oil/
  2. http://naturalactives.com/walnut-natural-skin-exfoliant/
  3. http://www.gaelleorganic.com/ingredients/safflower-and-sunflower-oils/
  4. http://www.gaelleorganic.com/ingredients/aloe-vera-juice/
  5. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/capryliccapric-triglyceride 
  6. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/glycerin
  7. http://www.kinetiktech.com/docs/news/0906.pdf
  8. http://www.gaelleorganic.com/ingredients/jojoba-oil/
  9. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/lecithin
  10. http://www.gaelleorganic.com/ingredients/shea-butter/
  11. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/dicaprylyl-carbonate 
  12. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/potassium-sorbate
  13. http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/sodium-benzoate
 
Images by Freepik