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!